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"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 9, 2016 16:36:47 GMT
Teach woke up in bed with a lovely young woman beside him. He looked at her, as she slept. Her color was much better, her hair more lush and when she woke she would find she no longer had a cold or had a morning after head. He looked the cold hearth and commanded fire to burn there. What the hell, after last night he had the aether to spare. He let the room warm a bit and extricated himself from the girl's arms. He was getting too good at doing that. He quickly and quietly dressed and laid a small silver brooch in the shape of a rose on the pillow next the the girl and slipped out of the room. It was time to finalize his business with the girls uncle the local tavern owner.
Teach walked down the street from her cottage to the tavern, and considered just how much to charge to make a good profit, but not have the man refuse the price. Fae wine was almost unheard of outside the royal courts and not easy to come by. Honestly he could buy and sale this hamlet over twice for what he had was worth, but that would mean a trip to court and being noticed. It wasn't time yet, hell, it might never even come in his life time, but his family would be well received at court again some day. Money, it all came down to money. His family needed it to be respectable when presented at court, titled or not. Well, he would acquire it by almost any means, fair or foul.
As he approached the tavern he thought about what it took to get the three casks he had. The Seelie certainly were not the most trusting beings. His long wait, then to be told; “No. Go away”, well that sort of thing just angers a man, but he bit it down and continued to wait. After four more of these encounters, finally someone came to ask what he wanted. Damn she was gorgeous, he only wished he had a chance with the likes of her, short of needing is “special skills”. Finally, he brokered a deal, all four wagons of fabrics for three small cask of fae wine. A damned good trade, he thought. Returning this mind to the present he took in the tavern owner, a middle aged man who obviously had done well enough for himself, despite the war. He just wasn't sure if the man knew about his niece or not.
“Ho, Javon!” Teach hailed. The tavern keeper answered with a nod of the head. Teach walked over and began negotiations. No, he would not part with all three casks. Yes, he might be willing to take trade but seriously doubted there was enough of anything in this hamlet to pay for his wares. Yes, gold was always so much better. After that it was just a matter settling on a price. He left the tavern one cask lighter but two rather large pouches of coin heavier. Leaving the tavern, headed to the stables for his team and wagon, he saw the girl on the street. She watched him with a look of indecision and mixed feelings on her face. He noticed she wore the brooch though.
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Jul 9, 2016 19:27:30 GMT
Whispers of Aversia Steele were not unheard of in Lothrei, even after the war. The mistress gathered up her crew and sent them sailing the moment her partnership with the failed king went under. Rhys Spire was presumed dead and Aversia wasn't sure what to make of these new graced rulers. They spread through all of Andeloria, usurping the thrones from the Spire Monarchy and even Aversia didn't see it coming. She missed out on her chance to gain glory for her crew.
That didn't mean the half drow was dead- far from. She lingered in the shadows of the alleyways behind the taverns, waiting for information to reach her ears.
Aversia Steele was the infamous halfling... a weakness to her father's people and a monster to her mother's people. Neither drow nor humans accepted her, although her maternal uncle beckoned when he wanted something done. Her title? The Mistress of Misfits... Her guild took in both criminals and outcasts alike... giving them purpose, even if those purposes were not exactly legal.
The Mistress wasn't all that bad... she had her moments of protect others and helping people reach their full potential. She also ran a legitimate business at the Red Docks... a shipping company for trading goods. There were two sides to a gold coin, and two sides to Aversia.
As the new rulers began to settle, Aversia needed to rebuild her business. The original people of Lothrei knew her, but these Graced Humans were foreign to the kingdom. Aversia knew if she wanted to live, she needed to make new connections with royalty.
That was the very reason she was out in the streets that day, hidden under a dark violet cloak. Tips of white tresses poked out from the edges of the hood; her face shadowed by the material. Every person that moved through the streets was being watched by the halfling that day... Trying to find new members, allies, and possibly destroying any enemies.
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 10, 2016 0:04:06 GMT
He's heard of her, who hadn't heard of her? She was damned near legendary, in certain circles. He even saw her once, at a distance, at the docks. He had been waiting for a shipment of spices to be unloaded and there she was, at the far end of the pier. Of course she hadn't seen him, would have had no reason to mark him if she had. But, he had seen her and was dumbstruck. It wasn't just her beauty, and yes she was sumptuous, it was more, the aura, the air in which she carried herself.
Yes, he knew who she was and knew how much “friendly” relations could benefit them both. He wouldn't join her little club, of course. His family name would be forever tainted. But having certain understandings with her? Oh yes. That could be very beneficial, very lucrative, to both sides. That's why, whenever he traveled, he made sure to flash his sextant, lock picking tools and that his sword was always plainly visible. Anyone who knew anything about swordsmanship could tell at a glance if a man knew way around the weapon or not. It was in the way it rode on a man's hip, how he moved and how he stood, ever aware of his surroundings.
And so he was doing, as always, checking and packing his wagon. That's when it happened. He was scanning is surroundings one more time. He saw it. His breath caught; two shocks of white hair poking out from beneath the cloak of a slight figure standing in the shadows. A normal human likely would never had seen it. He dared not hope. He would not hope. Yet, he could not afford to let even the smallest chance pass him by.
He knew she would never approach him in such an open and public venue. He had already started packing and it would be too obvious to walk back into the tavern and wait. Such a rookie move would send her away. So, he boarded his wagon and set out at an agonizingly slow pace. Hell, if it was her, he would even be willing to share one of the casks with her. Shit, he might, might even give it to her if that's what it took to lubricate relations with her. The future returns would be well worth the investment. If he had to, he would travel slow enough not to make the next town before night fall so as to have to stop and make camp in a secluded place for the night. He was probably mad. It probably wasn't her; but what if it was?
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Jul 10, 2016 1:26:17 GMT
"I'm off to look for targets." Aversia always called them that. Targets were people who's name crossed her network and could be either allies or enemies. As the leader of a guild, it was important to cross out even potential enemies.
"N-Now?" Keenan pushed back strands of long black hair. The faerie boy was handsome, good company, and one of her right hand men... But sometimes he was a little too clingy. "But Aversia, we haven't scouted Lothrei yet!"
"Did I stutter?" She shot him a glare, causing Keenan to fall back into his seat at the table.
Leif, the faithful assassin knew better than to say anything. He merely gave Keenan a pat on the back at his attempts to keep Aversia safe. They all knew she didn't need guard dogs.
When no one argued back, the Mistress continued "Nadia will be back with more supplies for the office. We have our safe house on the island if negotiations don't go smoothly with our new ruler. For now I'd like to get a feel for how the kingdom is handling the loss of the Spire Monarchy. And... There are some names I've picked up." New members, trading partners, or... Well... The names of enemies never really remained in Aversia's head for very long. "I'll be no longer than a week." The white tresses trailed behind her as she walked out of the room without so much as a goodbye.
"She knows she not invisible, right?" Keenan scowled.
"Ssshe can ssssstill kick your assss." Leif teased affectionately.
-----
The first target was easy to pick up. From afar the halfling watched negotiations being made and she respectfully kept that distance.
Although she had many enemies, those who had connections with Aversia understood her loyalty. She was an honest thief, which was probably why she never fit in with the Neverseen guild... Too much honor. Yet ironically she was also a murderer, but allies never had to worry about that. Much.
The cart moving was her signal to follow. She found her target- now it was time to shoot. Lips twisted into a playful smile as she began to follow the cart with ease. Either he was a foolish man or he wanted to be followed. Aversia, as good as she was, couldn't read minds... But so far things were going better than she planned.
The cloaked figured remained in the shadows even when the sun hung high in the sky. As it fell over the distant mountain peeks, she slowed her pace until the caravan was set up for camp.
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 10, 2016 2:43:20 GMT
Teach had that feeling all good fighters, thieves and any all around scoundrel knew so well, the feeling of eyes burrowing right between his shoulder blades. He took his time. He was deliberate and sure in his movements. Finally as evening approached he pulled his wagon into a small “hidden” grove a little further back from the road. He went about his camp chores. He hobbled and tended his horses, feeding, watering and grooming them. Then he set to digging a fire pit and ringing it with stones and found fuel nearby and set up a nice, but scarcely visible assemblage waiting for flame. He stood back a moment, in reflexive thought and decided, “What the hell?”, he was feeling reckless and commanded the fuel to light, which it obediently did. Finally he took out the food stores and set to making baked sweet potatoes, bannock and camp stew. Then he retrieved a bottle from a strong box in the wagon along with a couple of blackjacks (leather mugs) and set down to wait.
As his food finished cooking, he served up two helping and two blackjacks of, by the smell of it, elven berry brandy. He sat back and said, “If you are out there, as I believe you are, come out and share my meal with me. Surely you would have attacked me by now if that was your intent, so I have to assume you want to talk. Come and share my hospitality, such as it is on the road.”
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Jul 10, 2016 21:38:41 GMT
Aversia was a curious woman. Even if she had meant to kill the man, she would have continued to watch him for a little bit. Why? Who knows. Maybe it was because she liked to get to know her victims or maybe she just wanted to see if she could get caught. Either way, she waited in the shadows until the voice called out to her. Who else would he dare ask to join him.
A girlish giggle left her as her tall form stepped out from behind a tree. The cloak still wrapped around her figure, but her hood fell to reveal the smooth features and pale hair. Violet eyes framed in thick black lashes stared blankly in his direction. "Who says I don't like playing with my food before killing it?" She arched a brow, still unsure if the target was an ally or an enemy.
"Can't say I ever shared a meal with a man before I killed him." The steel of her blade reflected the light of the fire before she slipped the dagger into the sheath on her belt. It wasn't likely she was going to kill him, but she wouldn't let the man think he was safe from her wrath just yet.
"Teach," his name fluttered from her lips in a delicate tone. "Is that your name?" She stalked forward, crouching down in front of the fire. "Your name came across my ears in travel. I've heard some good things..." What things? Not much... but people talked. All she knew was he made a good negotiator for trading. Someone like that was a potential friend.
"I assume you knew that's why I'm here though." She gave an impish smirk, canting her head to the side slightly while her eyes took the sight of him in.
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 10, 2016 23:13:02 GMT
Teach looked at her crouching at is fire. Damn she was delectable, but lets not loose focus here. He snorted “Edward”, he answered, “Edward Teach and let's stop with the posturing, PLEASE. It gets tiring.” He reached over and picked up first a bowl of camp stew with a piece of bannock balanced on top and handed it out for her to take, then the blackjack of Elven berry brandy. “I imagine you followed me and decided to talk to me for the same reasons I made myself available and wanted to talk to you.” He sighs deeply and leans back against a log, taking a deep drought of the brandy and looks back at her intently. “Profit, a beneficial mutual relationship, trade … all of that.” He chuckles. “I know you are smart enough to realize that if I can get fae wine, there's not much I can't get; and you're not so short sighted as to figure on killing me an' taking it. That would cut off any future benefit I could be to you.” He took another sip of the brandy and off handily tosses something to her she had not even noticed he had in his hand. It was a brooch, made of onyx, shaped like a raven with an amethyst for its eye. “Call it a good will offering.” Then he started eating his meal, surreptitiously watching her over, first the rim of his bowl, the his blackjack.
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Jul 11, 2016 22:00:27 GMT
"Edward..." She put the name to memory, but continued with a small smirk. He thought she was toying with him, but Aversia never joked. If this partnership was going to happen he would learn soon enough.
With a simple nod of thanks she accepted the food and drink. Her eyes lingered on the plate while he spoke, letting him finish. One thing that Aversia was full of was respect... and since he was willing to jump into some form of agreement, then she would give him her full attention. However, that didn't stop from another small laugh bubbling from her lips.
"You talk as if you're the only master of trade in this kingdom." She liked that though. Sometimes cockiness got the best of people, but there was a fine line between pride and cockiness. He wasn't stupid... she WAS there to strike a deal. It was in his right to lay all the cards on the table.
In one fluid movement she caught the brooch. Smooth fingers ran over its black surface. "Very well..." She took a bite of the offer food.
"And what can I offer you in return? I mean, I obviously have access to plenty of names across Lothrei. I also own half the ships down at the Red Docks. Anything catch your interest?" She could give him anythings, really. Access to high class lords and ladies, whores, gold, ships.... what ever he needed, Aversia would get. Of course, his reward would require equal labour.
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 12, 2016 0:31:00 GMT
Finishing is meal, he sets the bowl aside and pours himself some more brandy <it's a really big bottle> and holds the bottle out to offer her a refill if she wants it. He thought this was going swimmingly and though brash worked with some. With others, though a good opening salvo, a different tack needed taking.
He tried for honesty. “I own a ship down at the docks. The Empress' Revenge, she's part of why I do half so well as I do. I am sure you saw my sextant while we in town....” He let the thought finish itself. Then he looked at her and spoke plainly. “Of course there are many things I want, but my actual needs are quite simple. Trade, contacts, leads and discretion. For that I offer; first choice of my trade goods, unless they are part of a specific commission, safe haven for you or any of yours on board the Empress' Revenge or in Roseshire, provided they obey the basic laws of hospitality. I offer to put my skills at your disposal, fee free, so long as it doesn't become excessive. Furthermore, if any of yours wants to retire, has family or any women and children they want safely tucked away, I will find a place for them at Roseshire, be it in the manor, the village or even just a plot of land and cottage. I would also ask that if, certain secrets, of mine become part of your knowledge it remain between you and I.”
He watched her reactions, looking for any subtle micro expressions to see how things stood in her mind. He decided a little more truth might win a smidgen of trust. “I am, by the way, the current Lord Roseshire. You see, my grandfather ruined us financially and of course if one is to be received at court, one has to be able to afford the airs and liesures of court.” Shaking his head, he chuckles; “Not me mind you. I can't stand those stuck up self absorb prigs. But my brothers and sisters? Our descendants? For them I work to rebuild the family's fortunes.” He took another deep drink and inhaled another deep breath, “I do have other needs, but excepting extraordinary circumstances its best I see to their filling on my own.”
He had well and done it. He had spoken plain truth and directly. He figured bandying words with her, though it might well be fun, was not worth loosing her interest.
He dug the baked sweet potatoes out and pulled out some cinnamon and brown sugar. Pushing one her way and opening the spices for them he looked up to her and asked; “So, what say you?”
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Jul 18, 2016 20:03:02 GMT
The truth was always something Aversia liked in a business partner. Usually because she or someone else always found out the truth sooner or later. Even she found it pointless to lie to someone, especially in her current situation.
A small smile- about as sincere as Aversia got- lingered on her lips. "That is thoughtful," she spoke on some of his offers. "No need to worry about my men. If a storm comes in, I know how to take care of them." She didn't like relying on others for her guild. However, she would certainly make good on trading goods.
"I could use a ship that doesn't bare my mark to trade some things from Andeloria to other countries. I also have a private island of my own that may not be seen as hostile if other ships were making runs now and then. My enemies do enjoy watching my ships every move." It was her greatest weapon and weakness.
"You seen like an honorable man, Edward Teach. All I ask is you remain honorable to me and my guild. There are two others that are high in rank that speak on my behalf, so don't be surprised if you run into one of them. I think we can get along well... And if it's riches youre after to restore you family name, then I can help with that if you ever need it." She reached around the flames with her hand. "I will do business with you."
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Jul 23, 2016 3:59:30 GMT
He happily took her hand with a twinkle in his eye. “Well, as it just so happens I have a couple things you might be interested in. A bag of holding? Looks like a regular jute sack, but holds 100 cu ft of materials. Useful when you have things you don't want found, no? I have a ring of invisibility and boots of flying. Then he sighs, "I am getting a bit ahead of myself. Sit enjoy my brandy and company. Let's talk and get to know each other. Who knows, we might just end up liking each other enough to use the word friend,” he smirked. He really did not believe she would engage in ideal chit chat, but it was an offer of open handed friendship. He wanted her to know he was in ernest.
He grinned and said, “At any rate, its dark and we're out here alone. Share my fire tonight and we will continue to talk business in the morning.” He looked away and thought, what the hell, its worth at least a half-hearted try. Looking back he playfully and making and effort to convey he was just teasing, well he didn't want to offend her after all, he said, “Unless you want to share something else.” He looked meaningfully to his bedroll and back to her. “Pirate right?”
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Post by kyrie on Aug 6, 2016 21:24:22 GMT
As the night progressed and the calm seemed to blanket the land leaving nothing but the sound of the rolling waves to be heard another fainter noise could be heard and would be picked up by the ears of those near the camp.
It began low and sounded much as the moans of the sea, but soon it swelled above the waves and would sound as a young lady in trouble, in need of help. One who must have tried to traverse the path to follow Edward and the Lady Aversia for one reason or another and gotten lost and injured along the way. Her cries would pierce the night with sobs that would beckon Edward to come.
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Post by Mistress Aversia Steele [SR] on Aug 11, 2016 14:12:41 GMT
"You're quite the collector...." She liked that. It meant he had skills and experience in this horrible world. That also meant he would be a good ally. She sat with him, of course, but Aversia didn't drink much. She preferred to keep herself sober and prepared. Sure, she had been watching Edward for a while now, but that didn't mean she was ready to 'jump into bed with him' so to speak. A brow arched at the term of friendship. The halfling could count her friends on one hand.... Even with the guild - which she loved - she didn't have a lot of people who she could see calling friends. "Maybe..." She amused at the thought.
Edward caused Aversia's head to tilt back in a laugh. It was a genuine sound, a rare sight for the mistress. "Pirate in the terms of sea and law." Not that she was loyal to anyone or prude. Aversia took the bed of many. She had no shame of using her body to get what she wanted. "It was my husband who was the actual pirate. I only know what I do because of him." She was a sly bitch, a commanding officer, a good business woman... but she would have never gotten the title "pirate" had it not been for Rickard. "And then the sea took his heart, as it should be for all pirates." She winked, showing that she had no longer carried sorrow for her loss.
Her eyes drifted from him to the night sky, thinking on his offer. It was peaceful and she had planned five different escape routes if the situation got hostile... Maybe she would bind this contract in more than just one way. Lips parted to speak as the sound of crashing waves echoed around her. In a single blurred movement, Aversia was holding a small dagger out towards the darkness around them.
"Do you have company with you?" She realized how much she missed scanning the area when they settled.
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Newbie
"Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day"
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Post by edwardteach on Aug 11, 2016 19:22:27 GMT
He smirked at the look on her face when he offer to share his bedroll with her. He had figured she'd be too much of a prude, try too hard to keep her reputation as an ice queen. It wasn't like he was asking for her hand anyway. Maybe a night or two of fun and a bit of an aethor boost. Looking at her he could tell if he could melt that cool exterior the would be plenty of fun to be had.
He caught the sound almost as soon as she did. Shaking his head he said, “No, most certainly not.” He didn't pull his cutlass, but the wind picked up and started to swirl around them, thounder clouds started to form overhead and a flame formed in each hand. “I do, however, plan on seeing who our unexpected guest is.” He stalked off with a backward glance to see if she had his back or was planning to stab him in it. He figured he was good enough a judge of character to read her well enough to be able to turn his back on, at least for now.
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Post by kyrie on Aug 15, 2016 10:50:01 GMT
The cry would continue to carry to the two as if enticing both of them to come closer.
~Come to me my small one...
come and lend a hand...
come to me my small one...
I could use some aid...
come to me my small one...
I will ease your pains.~
The song swirled around them and seemed to fill them as it attempted to permeate its way into their minds.
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