Jasmine gazed over the charts and maps and then turned away, already bored with looking at the diagrams. Instead she turned and looked at Psythe. "Did you know that boy?" she waited for an answer but he just shook his head. "He acted like he knew you. He looked.. um... surprised!" Jasmine grinned, happy that she found the right word. "Why did he looked surprised if you don't know him? Do you think he knows you? Maybe he seen you before!" Jasmine knew she was being annoying but she didn't care. She just wanted information and she knew she could get it. She tilted her head so she would be right in his face and grinned. "WELL?!"
"I have no idea, Jas," Psythe answered calmly, then measured a length on the map and checked his compass, "he may have seen me somewhere before, we've been to a lot of ports." He grinned and then marked her nose with a piece of black chalk before he looked back to his maps and then at Bantam, "if we head around the Scyphus cape and whip upward, we'll reach Tamerlane in about a week, otherwise, we're coursing icier water and it'll slow us down."
Jasmine wrinkled her nose then wiped away the chalk and smiled at him. "Ooh we're goin to Tamerlane? Don't they got a circus there? We've been there before haven't we daddy?" Jasmine smiled at Bantam as she hopped up onto his lap. "Ruede told me bout the circus! Can I go when we get there? Can I? Can I?"
Bantam smiled, then nodded at Psythe, "make that course," he said, then looked to Jasmine as he leaned back on his bench and straightened the ribbon in her hair, "of course you can, Anxious," he told her happily.
"Oh goody! Thank you!" Jasmine cried kissing her father's cheek and hopping off his lap. She hurried to skip out of the room and onto the deck.

Nox looked at her, then gave her his pillow and blanket to make her more comfortable, "I'll...be right out side if you need anything, prin-...Rajan-...Blade," he said softly, then got off his knees and walked outside the room, pulling the door closed behind him. He took his place in front of it, standing guard as he watched several sailors walk by and start to laugh at him. He lowered his head and sighed, then kicked at the deck with his foot as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Clueless skipped down the steps and stopped as he approached his cabin, raising a brow slightly, "q'est-que c'est?" he asked as he scratched his head slightly, then reached for the door, Nox effectively blocking him, "oh, mon dieu!" he said as he stepped back and crossed his arms, tapping his foot as he thought for a moment. Der Ruede loped to his side and sat down, eyeing the new stranger with a panting smile. Clueless looked at Nox, locking eyes with him before he whipped out a fork and stabbed the hand of the opposing force, then walked into his cabin as Nox yelped and rubbed his pierced flesh. "Well, what have we here?" Clueless asked as he looked over at Blade, then hopped up onto his bunk, der Ruede climbing onto the lower one Nox had removed the pillow and blanket from.
Blade jumped at the sound of the strange voice and nearly fell out of the small cot as she flipped over to see who it was. She pulled the blanket over her head, her hair had fallen out of the bandana and she didn't want the strange man to see it. "Who the hell are you?" Blade asked from under the blanket as she quickly tucked her hair back under and pulled the blanket off so she could replace the oversized hat. "Oh you must be that Clueless guy. My name is Blade." She turned to look at Nox and narrowed her eyes when she seen his hand. "Nox come here." She grabbed his hand when he came near enough and sighed. "What did you do?"
Nox lowered his head, "he stabbed me with a fork, prin-...Blade," he answered softly, catching himself before he called her princess again, then dropped to his knees, "I'm sorry, I have failed you," he said as he covered his head, "I'm so ashamed!"
Clueless raised a brow and swung his feet around to dangle of the edge of his bunk, "I didn't stab you that hard, mon ami," he said as he watched Nox's display, then rolled his eyes.
Blade looked down at Nox and put her hand on top of his head for a moment. Then she glared at him and stood up. "Oh get up Nox, stand up and act like a man," she put her hands on her hips then quickly dropped them when she realized it was a feminine gesture. Instead she crossed them over her chest and made sure to stand with her feet slightly apart. "You didn't fail anyone, we're sharing this cabin with this man so you have to let him in whenever he wants."
Nox looked up at her, then turned to look up at the ship's cook before he got to his feet, "very well, princess, but I shall keep a close eye on him," he told her before he shot Clueless a glare and looked to der Ruede before he looked to the floor, realizing he'd most likely be sleeping on it throughout his and Blade's stay on the ship.
Blade felt her anger burning again and shoved past Nox to the door. "Stop calling me that," she growled before going through the door and walking up to the deck and around to the stern of the ship. She sighed as she leaned against the railing and looked down at the water surrounding the ship. She hated water, would never go swimming unless it was shallow. 'So what in the hell am I doing on a ship?' She leaned over the railing and felt her hat blow off her head and made a quick grab for it, her fingers grasping but her legs loosing her balance as she began to stumble forward. "Hey! Help!"
Nox grabbed her ankles and hauled her back onto the deck, then helped her sit down, "are you all right, princess?" he said in worry, then watched something flutter overhead in the moonlight. Zsasz dropped down slightly hovering upside down about an inch from Nox's face before the archer stumbled backward and grabbed an arrow from his quiver. "Back! Back I say," he commanded the nocturnal creature as he swatted the air with an invisible arrow. Zsasz avoided each swipe more on luck than skill, then reached out with his tiny claws and grabbed the weapon before he swung around to smack Nox upside the head, then dropped down and began attacking his ankles. "Ow! Ow, you vile thing!" Nox protested as he kicked at the bat, then yelped in pain as the arrow slapped his shin. He backed away, then ran toward the mast, the bat in hot pursuit before Nox rounded the mast and headed back toward Blade, "princess, quickly into your cabin, it's gone mad!" he told her as the bat made it's way back toward them.
Blade put her hands on her hips and glared at Nox, not making one move to run for her cabin. "Maybe you shouldn't have swatted at the poor thing to begin with," Blade said as the bat grew closer. She reached out and grabbed the arrow from it's grasp and threw it on the deck before looking at the creature and giggling. "I think he's kinda cute." Blade held out her hand, hoping that he would like her, he seemed to be a very brave little creature.
Zsasz fluttered closer, then lit on her hand and cocooned himself in black satin, swaying lightly in the night time breeze. He loosened one wing and looked at Nox, then stuck out his tongue and folded his wing back around his body, part one of Atticus' orders had been carried out.
Blade smiled at the animal and sighed softly as she peer out over the night sky. "Nox go stand over there and keep watch," Blade replied. "I want to be alone for a few minuites." She waited until he was gone and sat down to look up at the moon as she propped her arm up on her knee and rocked her hand back and forth on instict, watching the black creature sway back and forth gently. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do little batty. On one hand I have to pretend to be someone I'm not and listen to them jest me all day or I leave the ship and risk getting killed over something stupid," Blade leaned her head back and looked up at the stars, a single tear slipping down her smooth cheek.
Nox sighed, then wandered off, slipping on his arrow before he flew into the air and landed flat of his back. He lost his breath, turning to his side to gasp for it until it returned a moment later and he grabbed the arrow. Tucking it into his quiver, he got up and headed toward the mast, then watched the ship's happening's intently.

Blade shivered and stirred slightly. Why was it so cold? She moaned softly, feeling a slight rocking motion as if she were on a bed of waves. She peeked open her eyes and looked around, rubbing her eyes to check if she was dreaming. An early morning fog had settled over the ship and the day crew was already stirring and bustling about busily. Blade was confused, she didn't remember falling asleep, let alone curled up at the stern of the huge ship. Finally she just reclosed her eyes, embarrassed that she had slept in such an awkward place her first night on the ship. Surely they would make jests and make her day a living hell. Blade shivered again, her skin like ice from the cold night air, what happened to Nox? Buffoon probably fell asleep too.
"Princess," Nox said as he crouched down to her with a steaming cup of water, a small pouch of herbs, and a bowl of warm cereal, "are you awake? I've brought your breakfast." He set the food down, then removed his coat and placed it around her to cut the morning chill licking at her body, "it's nice and hot, it'll have you warmed up in no time...I've been assigned to assist the cook so you'll get part of the first portion of meals, the better quality, still hot-and that Adlantiss fellow wanted to talk to you, the engineer...princess? Are you awake?"
Blade groaned and finally sat up rubbing her sore back as she looked at Nox. "Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" she muttered. "And stop callin me princess or they're gonna throw me off this blasted boat." She adjusted her hat and picked up the food that he'd brought her. She sighed as she ate slowly, worried that if she ate it as quickly as she wanted to then it would make her sea sick. "Where is ummm.. Koda was it?" She handed him the empty bowl and his coat before standing up and stretching her legs. "I'll find him myself. Uh... thanks for bringing me breakfast." Before he could say anything else she hurried off to find the engineer.
Nox jumped to his feet, pulling on his coat. His right hand got stuck in his sleeve, the empty bowl refusing to go through the cuff as he chased after Blade, "princess," he said as he quickened his pace, then stepped in an idle mop bucked and fell over, dumping the water out onto himself, "oh, curse you, bucket," he grumbled to the obstacle as he managed to get to his feet, then kicked his right foot and sent the bucket flying, striking a member of the crew upside the head before it hit the deck and rolled away. Nox went pale as the crewman spun around and snapped at him, and he fought with the bowl inside his jacket sleeve until the larger man had crossed the distance between them and grabbed him. "A-accident," he stammered immediately as he stared the man in the eyes, then grimmaces at the man's breath, "c-could you...breathe elsewhere...p-p-please." The man snarled at him, then exhaled a deep breath and lifted Nox over his head before he gave him a good firm toss. Nox's eyes widened as he cleared the rail and he flailed his arms before hitting the cold water with a loud splash.
Blade spun around after hearing the splash and glared at the laughing crewmen as he watched Nox flail about in the water. Blade's eyes began to glow a brilliant red as black flames burst around her body. "Oh you've had it now tough guy, hope you like my dragon," Blade growled as a burning dragon formed from the flames and then rushed at the man, smashing into his chest and knocking him over the side of the ship and into the water right after Nox. The flames died down and Blade rushed to the railing, contemplating whether she should jump in after him. She reached out, her fist balling into the shirt of the nearest crewman and pulled him closer. "Go rescue my friend before I flame you too!"
Nox reached up and snagged a rope, then started climbing, reaching the deck after a few moments and pulled himself over the railing. He got to his feet and then stood as firm as he could before approaching Blade, "p-p-princess, I ap-polog-gize," he stammered as he chill morning wind sliced against his wet body.
Blade let go of the crewman and grabbed Nox's arm. It wasn't your fault," she muttered. "These guys can't seem to handle anything except by violence so from now on you should fight back, don't let them push you around." She pushed open the cabin door and shoved him inside. "Close your eyes." Blade put her arms around Nox and protected his body while the flames ignited around them both and burned brighter before dieing down. When she stepped back he was fully dry. "Stay out of trouble Nox," she muttered before walking back out to find Koda.

Nox took a deep breath and turned around, then walked back onto the deck and sighed. He heard something squish toward him, then watched the oafish crewman turn an angry shade of red before rushing him with a war cry. "Princess!" Nox called as he looked around, then looked back to the crewman after finding Blade gone. He held out his right hand and watched the man start to glow, then felt his body shift until he was an exact replica of the brute. He could feel shere braun surge through his muscles and looked to the man with a smirk before he stomped his foot on the deck with a resounding thump. The crewman skidded to a halt and gaped in awe, then took a step back, second guessing his ability to tangle with essentially himself.
Blade heard Nox yell for her and spun around, stomping back in his direction angrily. She stopped short when she seen the two men, both identical in every way. But she suddenly knew who one of em was. "Nox? Ah well, I told you to defend yourself, guess this works just as good as anything else," Blade watched him curiously and finally smiled. This ability definately intrigued her.
Koda pushed himself away from a cabin, then took a drag from his cigarette and dragged a broom along behind him as he approached Blade, "kay, Sparky," he said calmly as he leaned against the broom, "you got a few more hours to orient yourself, but when you're done, I have a pretty simple task for ya."
Blade watched Nox for a moment longer then turned to look at Koda, pulling her hat down to shade her eyes from sight. "I need somethin to do anyways," she told him. "Might as well go with you now." She gave a shrug towards the two men. "I don't think he'd mess with Nox anyways. It looks more like he's gonna go run to mommy."
Koda looked past her for a moment, then grinned, "Bram's a coward anyway, sure he's tough so long as he's the larger force in the fight, but he doesn't like it fair," he answered with a wink, then tossed her the broom, "here, bring this and follow me."
Blade grimaced at the broom in her hand then sighed and followed after Koda. She wasn't used to this sort of situation. Manual labor and limited space. She cursed under her breath for getting herself in trouble to begin with. She walked slowly, looking curiously into the cabins as she wondered long towards the deck.
Koda glanced over his shoulder and grinned, "don't worry, Sparky, you're not gonna be sweepin the deck just yet," he told her as he descended below deck and then down a long corridor before entering a room filled with running machines, "okay, kid, here's where I want you to start, we have to keep this room nice an clean, it keeps everything movin smoothly, including the kitchen, so be careful."
Blade sighed and looked down at the floor. So this is what I am reduced to. "I got it," she mumbled. "I apologize if I seem uninterested, I am used to fighting for my payment." She glanced up and around the room, studying the machines with her eyes as she went over every little detail. "But don't worry, I know how to use a broom."
Atticus leaned in the doorframe and crossed his arms. Zsasz's information confirmed his suspicions, but he had little reason to report anything to the captain unless Blade proved dangerous to the ship. "Enjoying your first day?" He asked suddenly as he watched her slap at the floor with her broom.
Blade jumped, nearly swinging the broom at the source of the speaker but managed to control her reaction as she clenched her jaw and turned to glance at Atticus for a second before turning back, begrudgingly, to her work sweeping the floors. "Oh it's just magnificent. Living day in and day out knowing that you'll never be accepted as an equal. Yup, just a grand ole time. Pinch me so I know I'm not dreaming," she muttered sarcasticly.
Atticus chuckled and shook his head. "Well, I could have put you in the galley if you'd prefer." He said calmly, then smiled. "And don't take it so personally, everyone starts from at the bottom and works their way up, if you'd like to switch with your buddy, then by all means, go ahead and give the galley a shot."
Blade sighed and gave Atticus a weary look. "It isn't exactly the work," she replied. "I have been shut out all of my life. Never excepted by my own kind nor the opposite sex, I'm more or less stuck in between. Not really feminine but not masculine either. Just... my own species I suppose. It's no matter, I don't fit in here or anywhere so I'm stuck. Not that you actually care."
Atticus took a deep breath. "That hurts." He said coolly, then walked into the room. "I let you stay aboard after you essentially attempted to pick a fight with a much larger crewman. I took you to see the captain of the ship when I knew we'd all ready had the extra crew he'd been at port to hire - he let you stay because I personally escorted you to his door. I'll admit, having Nox with you helped your situation dramatically, but with or without him, I'd have helped you stay aboard, no matter what or who you're running from."
"I didn't pick a fight, that jerk just knocked me aside and it hurt my back," she muttered. "Besides, it was Nox who pulled the weapon on him not me.... and what does Nox have to do with anything? Do you know who he is? I sure as hell don't, except that he's looney."
Atticus looked at her. "Of course I know him, we grew up together." He told her coolly, then turned and lowered his voice. "Essentially died together too." He mumbled, then cleared his throat. "And you'd be a little looney too if you'd been through what he has. When you're finished here, come topside, I have a task for you." He told her, then walked away.
"Sure, whatever you say Atticus," Blade muttered as she briskly swept the broom over the wooden floor, annoyed with the meanial labor. She finally finished and walked out of the room and up the steps, almost dragging her feet as she went. Small world, he knows Nox. Grew up with Nox. DIED with Nox? I think this guy is looney too. Blade winced at the bright sunlight and pulled the brim of her hat down as she gazed around in search for Atticus.
Zsasz fluttered down from the top of the mast and made a circle around Blade's body before he finally perched on the brim of her hand and cocooned himself. The motion of her movements made him sway, but the rocking was preferrable.
Blade stopped when she spotted the bat hanging from her hat and couldn't help but to bite her lip to stiffle the giggles. Never before had she seen such a brave little creature, a human friendly bat. It just didn't seem natural. But she liked the little thing, it was truly adorable. But it was right in her line of vision. She gave it a little nudge with her finger and smiled. "Exuse me, little one, think you can move aside just a little bit?"
Zsasz unfolded a wing and looked into her right eye, then cocooned himself again and inched over until he was hanging beside her ear. He stretched his wings out and yawned, then folded them back around his body and let the motion of her movements rock him back to sleep.
Blade smiled at the bat then walked around until she found who she was looking for. Standing behind him she tapped him on the shoulder. "What exactly is it you want me to do?" she asked him calmly.
Atticus turned around slowly, noting Zsasz on the brim of her hat before he crossed his arms. "The navigator needs an assistant, perhaps you'd be better suited to guide the ship than to cleaning it." He told her calmly. "If you're interested, go to the helm and find Psythe, he should be at steerage piloting our course around the cape...you'll get one shot at this and one only, if he doesn't like you or you screw up, then you go back to sweeping and mopping."
Blade nodded and sighed. "Sure, it's always one shot with me anyways isn't it?" she gave a shrug and turned to gaze in the direction he mentioned. "Oh well anything is better than pushing a broom around all day long." She gazed at Atticus with questioning eyes then turned away. "Thanks," she replied quietly before walking up a few steps and peering through dark lashes at the man she had seen with the captain. Psythe huh? This should prove to be interesting. She stepped up to him and crossed her arms self conciously over her chest. "My name is Blade," she told him giving him a glace over before he turned to look at her.
Psythe kept silent for a moment as he marked a location on his map, then turned to look at his new assistant, "you know how to read a map properly?" he asked her as he crossed his arms and looked into her eyes, knowing everything he needed to know at this point just from a quick scan of her mind, "I marked our destination, which is Astoria...can you tell me why we're swinging around the cape of Scyphus instead of making a straight pass through the chanel?"
Blade bit her lip and rolled her eyes upwards as she thought for a moment. Then she turned emerald eyes lurking with flame back to his. "I have absolutely no idea," she replied, her cheeks suddenly warm with embarrassment. "But I do know how to read a map."
Psythe looked at her calmly, "two reasons. First, the chanel is prone to severe tidal surges this time of year, and two, we have a drop to make in Scyphus," he added the second part with a wink, then showed her the map, "this tells me which seas are prone to storming at what time of year, we generally map our course accordingly unless there's not getting around it."
Blade bit her bottom lip and finally tore her eyes away from him, the last thing she wanted to think was that a boy was interested in him. "I'm actually not very good with water," she admitted. "I know, I know, it's stupid but don't ask why I'm on a ship." She finally shook her head, not wanting to make him mad by talking to much. She looked up and smiled. "I'm a fast learner, just tell me what to do and I'll do it."
Psythe grinned and pointed to the map, "your first lesson, plot me a course to Metzengerstein, bearing in mind the tidal surges and temperature-not to mention keeping an eye out for the inhabitants of certain waters. Everything is marked on the map, you have fifteen minutes to map a route." He told her calmly, then leaned against a support beam and crossed his arms.
Blade leaned over the map and propped her elbows on the surface it rested on before studying the area he mentioned. "The quickest way is definately past the Isadorian Desert," she replied mostly to herself. "Most merchants stay near land but that is usually for protection against pirates but we don't need such protection considering we could kick their asses anyday. Being near land is also dangerous during a storm because of the threat of being pushed into shallow waters." She grinned again and picked up the eraseable marker and began drawing a line on top of the glass. "It would be best to go inbetween the second and third island here in the south because it avoids the tital surge and the shallow desert waters on either sides. And it also avoids Sah'dier's ships. Then around this long island because the pirates stay on the inside searching for merchants trying to protect themselves from them. The Metzengerstein area is relatively safe except for the large rocks at the point." She turned and leaned against the table then quickly stood upright after realizing her mistake of using feminine gestures. She turned her eyes upwards as she brought the brim of her hat lower. "Is that good enough?"

Nox looked into the iron pot full of water, then grabbed a carrot and began peeling it, as per his instructions. A stroke of genius hit him, if the peelings hit the floor he'd have to sweep them up and it would waste food, but if he kept the shavings in the pot, it would not only save clean up time, but their food supply as well. Satisfied with his conclusion he began, then narrowed his eyes in thought. If he were only going to keep the peelings in the pot, why peel the vegetable at all? It would save time to simply dice them as is. He smiled and nodded, proud of his strategy as he quickly butchered the carrot into discs and watched them drop into the water before he finished and grabbed another. He looked over at Clueless and smiled, nodding to his superior that he was doing the task set before him. He looked down at the recipe Clueless had given him, the set his knife aside and scratched his head. Cooking was something he'd never really had to do other than roasting something over an open fire, but this called for measurement and proportion. He looked at the next ingredient and looked around his table, then grabbed the buckets of spices Clueless had placed there and looked to his recipe. The words ran together, the ink smudged and watermarked to the point of illegibility. He looked around, then simply dumped each bucket's contents into the pot and grabbed another, repeating the process. He gave Clueless another confident smile, then lifted a wooden spoon and began stirring, watching the vegetables swirl around the top with several globs of spices, some of which had finally sunk to the bottom. As per instruction, he then carried it over to the large stove and took a deep breath.
Clueless looked over at him, then stirred his portion of the lunch menu and nodded to a whole chicken and a lump of dough, "that goes in there too, make sure the dough is stripped well or it won't rise properly," he said calmly, then stirred his project once more before he wandered over to check on the bread.
Nox looked at the chicken and raised a brow. He shrugged and grabbed it, holding it up by a wing before he lowered it into his pot and swirled it around a moment before releasing it. He looked to the dough and scratched his head, then grabbed it and peeled off a layer, then dropped the rest into the pot before he looked at the part he'd stripped from it. He glanced back to see that Clueless was involved with his bread, then turned back and nonchalantly dropped the stripped layer of dough into his soup pot. That done, he grabbed his broom, hoping to finish before the lunch whistle sounded.

Atticus looked at his watch, then lifted the whistle from it's peg on the mast and blew it, sounding the afternoon meal. The crew gathered, plates in hand and in an orderly fashion as they'd grown accustomed to.
"That's us," Clueless told Nox as he wheeled a cart over, "get the soup on here and lets get it up there."
Nox propped his broom against a wall and grabbed a set of towels, then lifted the soup pot from the stove and placed it onto Clueless's cart before he put his towels aside and grabbed a ladel. The lid bubbled slightly from pressure, then settled and they wheeled the cart toward the pulley activated lift platform at the end of the kitchen.
Ruede jumped to his feet and tugged on Jasmine's foot calmly, then placed a paw on her belly and began licking her face. He was rarely late for a meal, and even rarer to be last in line for portions.
Clueless wheeled the cart over to the mast, then looked at the crew and waited for Bantam. When he finally appeared he nodded to Nox and they began removing lids and adding spoons and ladels for a genuine self-serve portable galley.
Psythe looked over at Blade, then chuckled, "yeah, that's right...dead on," he answered, then lifted turned his head as he heard Atticus' whistle. "That's lunch, better hurry before it's gone."
Blade grinned, obviously pleased with herself but her smile faded at the thought of lunch. She had ate plenty for breakfast so that she would not have to wait in a long line for lunch. She sighed as she hopped up to sit on the railing overlooking the main deck to watch the men waiting impatiently for their portions. She smiled at Nox, giving him a knowing wave. She didn't trust his cooking as far as she could toss it. Sure he made a nice vintage over a fire but actual COOKING? She glanced at Psythe and smiled. "You go on ahead... eh I'll wait here for you."
Jasmine sat up and looked at Ruede, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes before she finally jumped up and ran after the dog to get lunch. She adored Clueless's cooking, he was the best cook on any ship anywhere. She pushed past the crewmen, not caring for their grumbles as they knew all too well that she always got to be first. She went straight for the soup pop and lifted the spoon to see if she wanted it. Jasmine's eyes widened in terror when she pulled up the obviously dead chicken with white feathers still clinging to it's bloaded flesh. "DADDY!" she screamed making a run for her father. She clung to the man's leg and pressed her face against his hip. "There's a dead chicken in there!!"
Bantam had to stifle his humor as he knelt down to console his daughter. He picked her up, then carried her back to the cart and looked into the soup pot, fighting his amusement as the chicken bobbed to the top, several gobs of doughy goo and spices clinging to it's rapidly deteriorating feathers.
Clueless looked at Nox, his left eye twitching in annoyance for a moment before he grabbed him by the arm and escorted him back toward the kitchen, "I have seen some sorry things, but that takes it, you need a crash course in being a shipboard gourmet!" he told him as he hauled him into the kitchen. Jasmine clung to her father, her small arms locked tightly around his throat as she watched over his shoulder, refusing to look back at the hellish concoction. "Are you gonna fire him daddy? Make him walk the plank!" Steering into port was something he'd done hundreds of times, this was no different. They were here only to deliver goods, there was little reason for any of the crew to leave the ship, but a little relaxation was required to keep them away from one another's throats. He glanced over at Psythe and then took a deep breath before he walked away from steerage and rang the bell signaling their mooring. "You have three hours," he called out over the clammering sailors, then shook his head slightly.
Blade stepped onto the peer and made fast to get away from the water. She needed a little movement and time to sit down and think. She glanced around at the crowded market town and stopped to look into a store window, looking at the weapons on display. She smiled as she noticed a particularly interesting knife and gave the bat clinging to the brim of her hat a little pat. "Whacha think of that one? It's been a long time since I've bought anything." Blade sighed and turned around to look at the crowd of people. The last time she was in Scyphus she didn't have any time to browse. She was running away from an enemy she'd just as soon forget.
Zsasz lifted a wing and looked around, they were in Scyphus, one of his least favorite places to be. Disgusted, he folding his wing back around his body and released one foot from the brim of Blade's hat, then shook it and replaced it, repeating the procedure with the other foot. He opened his wings again, stretching them as far as he could stretch them, then cocooned himself and inched his way around the brim until he in front of Blade's face before he unfolded a wing and looked into her left eye.
Nox hurried down the gang plank and searched the crowds, "princess!" he called in worry, then hurried toward a gathering of sailors. Not finding her there, he moved to another crowd, growing increasingly worried, his anxiety building. "Princess!" He called again.
Blade stared at the bat for a moment before covering a giggle. "What is it lil guy?" she asked with as smile as she gave him a light poke. "Want to go someplace else? I know they're really strict here and it's much to annoying." She sighed as she traced her finger over one of his satiny wings. "And make sure you don't give it away that I'm a woman." Blade winked before turning her gaze to her left. "Nox should be finding me pretty soon. Can't be alone for a second with him," she told him with a soft smile. "Not that I'm really complaining, the company is nice, but don't ever tell anyone I said that."
Atticus emerged from a shadow, then came up behind her and glanced at Zsasz before he looked out over the crowds of people. Scyphus was generally a busy port, merchants selling and receiving goods, as well as the thriving population of fishermen, textiles and various other services. He finally reached out and tapped Blade on the shoulder. "Enjoying the break?" He asked calmly.
Blade spun around and shoved Atticus against the wall, balling her fists into his blue cloak as she pinned him there. She huffed then twisted her hat around so that Zsasz would be on her side again and then her eyes widened. "Atticus?! Damnit would you stop sneaking up on me!?" She finally relased him and took a step back, crossing her arms over her chest so that she could glare at him. "I'm enjoying it the best I can, surprised Nox hasn't found me yet."
"Princess!" Nox called over the crowds, then spotted Atticus' blue cloak and with it found Blade. He made his way to her quickly, then looked her over in worry before brushing a few specks of dust from her shoulders, "you shouldn't be out here alone, princess, this is not safe, not safe at all."
"Will you stop calling me that!" Blade hissed as she smacked Nox's hands away. "You know what people are probably thinking and if you don't then I could tell you it ain't good so stop calling me that, I told you to call me Blade." She gave him a glare and stalked away, heading back towards the ship. She snarled when a tall man bumped into her. "Hey watch where you're going pal!" The man turned around to look at her and chuckled before lifting her up by her shirt.
"Oh yeah what're you gonna do about it?" the man laughed. "You're just a mere welp of a boy!"
Blade growled and kicked out with her dangling feet that made no contact with him at all. Instead, she turned her gaze to her right and smiled sweetly. "Nox!"
Nox spun around and rushed to her aid, grabbing the oaf of a man from behind, "unhand the princess you ogre!" he demanded, then turned slightly pale as the man released Blade and turned on him. He swallowed hard and took a slight step back, then held his ground against the mountain. He looked around, focussing finally on Zsasz before a blue sparkling light surrounded the bat and an energy field mirrored his image. Nox shifted, his body shrinking, his arms stretching out at his sides until they formed into wings, the rest of his body following suit until he was the mirror image of the tiny bat clinging to Blade's hat brim. He flapped around the assailant's head, then lit on an eye brow and began to scratch until he felt something else flow within his body and quicksilver suddenly twined around the oaf's body, pulping him almost instantly before seeping back into Nox's body. He quickly cancelled the Spirit Mirror and retook his own body, grimacing as he looked down into at the puddle of goo which had once been a human being. The crowd suddenly turned on him and Nox made a dash for Blade, scooping her up as he raced toward the ship's gangplank, angry mob nipping at his heels.
Blade groaned as she was jostled around, she disliked being thrown over someone's shoulder but disliked even more the huge mob on their tail. She pushed up against Nox's back holding onto her hat as she gazed up at the crowd following them. Emerald eyes widened at the sheer size of it. She quickly tapped Nox's back, "Run faster, they're gonna catch us!"
Nox doubled his efforts, all that was running through his mind was getting Blade to safety, protecting the princess was his only goal. The ship came into view, and he was up the gangplank and below deck in the blink of an eye. "Stay here, princess," he breathed as he laid her down on her bed and gasped for a deep breath while he hiked up his trousers and walked back out of the cabin. The mob had stopped at the gangplank, held at bay but the large tiger sitting there staring at them.
Atticus sighed and wandered toward the ship. Awe was keeping the mob at bay, and at least they were off the ship, but they wouldn't be for long unless something was done. He approached them from behind, then cleared his throat to catch their attention before he flipped Grievance and fired a warning shot into the air. "Move along, people, what's done is done, he actually did you a service, now disperse." He told them coolly as he shifted his weight to the left, then listened to the grumble before they finally began to wander off in their own directions. He sighed, this was going to be a black mark on the ship for months-if not years, and restrict their access to Scyphus. It would also carry over to Macellum, and these being the two major port cities, it would seriously hinder their profit in delivery of goods...and the captain would not be pleased with that.
Blade sighed as she peered out the porthole, watching the people begrudgingly walk away before she stepped back and hung her hat, bat and all, on a hook. She sighed as she untied the bandana and let her hip length hair tumble down her back. She shook it out and ran her fingers through the tangles. She had wanted to give it a good washing before she got back on the ship but now that was impossible. So instead, she walked over to the bucket of water in the corner of the room, filled with clean water ready to use on the floors, and knealed down to dunk her head into it. Once her hair was soaked she grabbed a bar of soap from a nearby table and scrubbed out the dirt before rinsing and ringing out the water. It was a difficult way to clean it but well worth the effort to get the grime out. She sighed in contentment and layed down on her cot wearily closing her eyes as she let the length of thick hair hang over the side to dry. She didn't worry about it, knowing that Nox would more than likely keep anyone out of the cabin until he checked on her personaly. Blade expelled a long breath and finally slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Nox entered the cabin, then softened his step after seeing that Blade was asleep. He closed the door quietly, not even a creak dared to aggrivate him. Silently crossing to her bed, he knelt down beside it, then turned and watched the door, waiting for anyone to approach, watching for any sign of movement on the door latch.
Blade yawned and peeked open her eyes to wearily gaze at Nox. She had been correct in assuming that he would get to her first. "Nox I have to let my hair dry before I can put it back up," she whispered through another yawn. "Would you make sure that anyone who would come in won't see it? Do something to hide it or else we're both in trouble."
"Of course, princess," Nox said as he jumped to his feet, then looked around and focussed on the blanket Ruede had slept on the night before. He bit his lip, then looked at Blade before he swiped the blanket and deftly covered her dripping locks, then tucked it around so that it looked as though she were merely using it as a second pillow. He examined his handiwork, then grinned, proud with himself at the accomplishment before he dropped back down to the floor and watched the door.
Blade's eyes snapped open and she quickly sat up, letting the blanket fall to the floor. "What was on that thing?!" she yelled as she looked at her hair. "Oh no you used the dog blanket! Nox you idiot!" Blade smacked him in the back of the head and hopped off the cot, her unruley hair brushing across his face as she rose. She sighed as she looked at it and then glared at Nox. "I should make you wash it now."
Nox looked at her dejectedly, then hopped to his feet and grabbed the bucket to fetch some clean water, "I'll get some fresh water for you, princess," he said as he turned around, bucket in hand, then tripped over his feet and fell forward, drenching Blade with the remaining used water. He immediately dropped the bucket to the floor, looking at her with widened, fearful eyes as he wrang his hands anxiously.
Blade stood stunned for a moment as she stared open mouthed at Nox before she suddenly exploded in fury. "You stupid fool! You got me WET!!" Blade screamed scooping up the bucket and shoving it over his head. She pulled open the door and lifted Nox to his feet before kicking him in the rear, sending him stumbling out into the hallway with the bucket still set firmly on his head. "Don't come back in here until you've gotten me some dry clothes and clean water!" Blade slammed the door and dropped down on the edge of her bed. She fought the urge to just start crying out her frustrations but instead leaned back against the wall and pulled her knees up against her soggy shirt.
Nox bowed his head, then lifted the bucket off his head slowly and moped up the steps to the deck. He sighed and wandered over to the cache of water barrels they kept, then dunked the bucket into one and removed it. Clean water retrieved, he returned to the cabin and set the bucket down outside the door and went in search of clothing. He looked around for signs of movement, then entered the cabin directly opposite his and Blade's. There was no one inside and swiping a pair of trousers and a shirt was exceedingly simply. He went back outside, then grabbed the bucket of water and reentered his and Blade's cabin with them, setting them down next to the bed before he stepped back with a subservient bow.
Blade glared at Nox as she rung out her newly washed hair and snatched up the clothes he brought. "Turn around," she told him harshly and waited until he did just that and stripped off the soaked clothing and quickly donned the black shirt and trousers. "Nox, these are far too big... oh nevermind." Blade sighed as she rolled up the sleeves and knelt down to roll up the pant legs too. She was glad at least that the black pants she wore underneath had managed to stay reasonably dry along with her boots. "My hair will take awhile to dry off then we'll head up and see what sort of trouble we're in."
Bantam stalked the deck. The outrage of the town would make trading difficult with them for months now and Macellum would join them in the boycot. This developement did not please him in the least, in fact, it relatively infuriated him and his ill mood was apparent in his pacing. He'd sent Ruede to retrieve those responsible, though he all ready had a clear image of the culprits.
Ruede trotted down the stairs then approached his cabin and knocked on the door with his paw, "you're wanted above by the captain himself," he said, then waited for an answer, sweeping the floor with his tail.
"Oh no!" Blade felt her body stiffen in panic. "We're really in for it now, they'll probably throw us to the mob for what we've done." Blade quickly tied up her damp hair underneath the bandana and pulled on the floppy hat with Zsasz still dangling from it. She pulled open the door and looked around in puzzlement when she seen no one there then shrugged and walked forward, crying out when she tripped over something furry, falling hard onto her hands and knees. She turned around and looked at Ruede. "Did you... did you TALK?!"
Ruede retracted his lolling tongue and got to his feet, "of course," he answered with a doggish smile, then wagged his tail, "the captain is not pleased, you're in for a couple days hard labor...that is, if he doesn't dump you off on the docks." He gave Blade a pleasant lick, then trotted to the stairs and up them.
"Oh, don't act so sad! We'll be fine!" Blade yelled sarcastically angry at the dog and wiped a tear stubbornly off her cheek as she stumbled back to her feet. "Come on Nox, might as well get this overwith." Blade grabbed Nox's arm and pushed him ahead of her. If Bantam were so angry she surely didn't wish to be the first to taste his anger. "We might as well prepare to sit in prison for the rest of our lives if they don't string us up by the nearest tree."
Bantam stopped pacing as Nox and Blade reached the deck, Nox taking a tentative step toward him. He narrowed his eyes slightly, then clasped his hands behind his back. "I'm not exactly pleased with the day's events, considering you managed to make a hell of a mess of trouble in the length of thirty minutes-a new ship's record." he said coolly as he started pacing again, then took a deep breath, "but being a patient man, I believe in second chances-" he cut off as he heard a joyful howl, then spun around and looked toward the stern.
"Everybody! Nothin stronga than the conga!" Ruede called out as he rose to his hind legs and draped his front legs over Jasmine's shoulders. The remaining crew aboard quickly joined in, the opportunity for a game rarely surfaced and they were more than willing to join the festivities. "Da da da da da...DA! Da da da da da...DA!"
Bantam fought it, then finally gave in to the smile tugging at his lips. He shook his head and turned back to Nox and Blade, "next time we dock, try and stay out of trouble," he finished with a grin, then walked toward the steps leading up to steerage.
Blade, grasping Nox's arms from behind, peeked out at Bantam in surprise as he walked away, then turned wide emerald eyes towards the conga line. "Is this... is this really happening?" she asked finally releasing Nox and rubbing her eyes. She watched the crew and then spun around to go sit on the top step, resting her elbows on her knees and hiding her face in her hands. "Go out there and enjoy yourself, Nox," she told him in a faint voice. "You deserve it."
Nox watched the line with a smile, then turned, his smile fading as he approached Blade, "I shall remain with you, my princess," he told her solumnly as he took a defensive stance at her back and then turned to keep any stragglers at bay. His princess needed time alone, to think, and he was not about to allow anyone to interrupted her overneeded privated time.
"You don't have to," Blade sighed softly. "I don't want to ruin your time on this ship." She stood up and wandered to her new post to lean over and solemnly look at the maps. "We won't cause any more trouble, right Nox? I mean, hell, how much trouble can two people possibly cause?" Blade leaned back against the side of the ship and stared out at the water gently rippling. "Maybe you were right, getting on this ship wasn't such a good plan. Do you think we should get off at the next stop?"
"If that is your decision, princess," Nox answered as he quickly went to guard her, "I...I will try to control my clumsiness and avoid anymore problems, my princess," he added with a bow, then turned and watched the crew slowly disperse back to their posts, Jasmine and Ruede romping off to another part of the ship.

Psythe wandered onto the ship, then made his way to his usual location. He eyed Nox with a grin, then approached him, "pardon me, chef, I need to get through." After he'd stepped aside he wandered toward his maps, then gave a quick glance to Blade. A smile spread over his lips as he immediately recognized her attire and he wandered over to stand next to her. "Nice outfit," he said with a nod and a smile, admiring the fine work of the tailor, "Ligeian, rare quality, very nice."
Blade was so intent on her thoughts that she barly made out Psythe's words, only hearing bits and pieces enough to understand that he was commenting on her clothing. She just continued to study the maps, her chin resting firmly in the palms of her hands as she leaned on her elbows. "They're too big for me," she muttered without even looking up at him.
Psythe smiled and surpressed a laugh, "I would say so," he commented, then lifted a compass and set it down, "are they at least comfortable," he asked her finally as he grabbed a pencil and a ruler to plot another course, a smile still playing on his lips as he turned his attention to his map.
Blade gave him a sideways glance and finally stood upright, her hands on her hips as she glared at him suspiciously. "Why in the hell are you so worried about my clothes?" She pulled the brim of her hat lower and crossed her arms over her chest angrily.
Psythe chuckled and gave her a glanced at her calmly, "I was just wonder if you found them as comfortable as I do," he answered with a wink, then looked back to his map.
Nox straightened immediately and stepped between Psythe and Blade, then looked at the navigator sternly, "the princess has no time for your games, please restrain from idle chit chat while she's studying!" he demanded as he crossed his arms.
Psythe smiled and stepped back from his map with a chuckle, "you two are simply adorable, do you know that?" he laughed as he wiped a tear of amusement from his left eye, "I can't remember the last time I've had this much entertainment."
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Blade screamed as she shoved Nox out of her way. "You want everyone on this ship to know that I'm a..... just stop calling me that you buffoon!" Blade turned her fiery gaze back to Psythe, taking an angry step towards him and looking up at him defiantly. "And just what do you mean by that comment? And don't ever call me adorable!"
Psythe started laughing uncontrollably, backing against the deck railing before he finally calmed enough to look at Blade, "you're precious! Simply precious!" he chuckled.
Nox narrowed his eyes, then pulled Blade back calmly before he took her place in front of the navigator, then stared at him sternly, "now look what you've done! Just look what you've done, you've upset the princess!" he told him coldly, then, without thinking over his options, grabbed Psythe and dropped in over the side of the ship. After he'd hit the water, he quickly turned white as a sheet before turning to Blade with widened eyes of immediate remorse.
"Psythe! Oh damnit Nox!" Blade paniced as she raced to look over the side of the ship. "Damnit Nox! They'll really do us in now!" Blade climbed up onto the side of the ship and looked down at the ripple of water where Psythe had obviously hit. She felt a tremor of fear for a moment as she considered jumping in after him. "Maybe I could get him back up and nice and dry before anyone notices! Nox, I can't believe you did that!!"
"Oh, forgive me, princess!" Nox exclaimed, then pulled her back over the railing and stood her beside a map, "I'll get him, do not worry, my princess, I shall right my own wrong," he assured her as he made a leap over the side of the ship, then hit the water with a hard thud and sank under the waves.
Psythe bobbed to the top, smiling as he made a shake of his head to clear his wet hair from his face, it had been awhile since someone had stood up to him. His smile faded as he watched Nox suddenly plummet from the deck and slip under the waves after a particularily nasty landing. He winced for a moment, then dove under and looked around the dark water for Nox's descending body. Finding him visually proved impossible and he turned to his psychic senses, then swam to the archer's location and grabbed him, kicking to the surface quickly. He broke the water, then pulled Nox up and levitated them both to the deck finally he looked to Blade, "I think he hurt himself, we'd better get him to your cabin," he told her calmly.
"Oh no!" Blade hurried to Nox's side and quickly grabbed him under both arms and started to drag him away towards the stairs. "You idiot, how could you be so damn foolish? Don't worry Nox, I'll fix you up... um somewhere where no one can see and I'll use my powers to fix it!" She groaned as she stumbled and fell backwards, dropping her burden on top of her. "Why are you so heavy?!" She sighed and gazed up at Psythe, her emerald eyes sparkling with regret of having caused this. "I apologize for yelling at you, I didn't really mean it."
Psythe smiled, "I know," he answered calmly, then lifted Nox off her and descended the stairs with him to the lower deck and the cabins. He waited for her to open the door, then stepped inside and laid Nox down on the lower bunk before prying his eyes open, "I think he'll be okay, he just knocked himself out is all," he said as he looked over his shoulder at Blade.
Blade sat down on the edge of the cot and put her hand on Nox's forehead. "I don't care, you can never tell the amount of damage done," she replied. "Please don't tell anyone about what you see me do." She closed her eyes as the ebony surrounded her body and then engulfed Nox's. She felt her energy begin to flow into him, fixing whatever damage that might have been delt to him. She sighed and released the spell, sliding down to sit on the floor with her head slumped forward wearily. "He'll rest and be fine, I didn't want him to get hurt. I try to hate him, try to hate everyone, you know." Blade's eyes widened when she realized what she was saying and quickly stumbled to her feet. "Forget it, it isn't important. I'll fix you now." Blade grasped his hand as the flames ignited around her and suddenly grew brighter, drying Psythe off completely. Feeling a strange sensation running through her hand she pulled away from him and looked away. "I promise that won't happen again, he's just overprotective."
Psythe smiled, "I'm not worried," he answered calmly, then crossed his arms, "he cares a great deal about you, he obviously wants to keep you safe," he said, then looked at her a moment and turned, lingering in the doorway, "...it must be nice to have someone care about you so much..." he added before he wandered back to the upper deck.
Blade looked down at Nox sadly and sighed softly. "Yes it is nice." She grabbed a blanket and covered him up with it before walking out of the cabin and shutting the door quietly behind her. She walked up the stairs and sighed softly as she leaned against the side of the ship, staring down into the night darkened waters. She yawned, straightening herself to head back down the the cabin when she turned and bumped into one of the night watch crew members. "Outta my way," Blade growled, pushing past him.
"Not so fast princess," the man grinned as he grabbed her arm to stop her. "You don't fool me, not with that dope following you around calling you that. I've been waiting to get you alone so I could take your boyfriend's place for awhile."
"Nox is not my boyfriend," Blade growled, her eyes flaring. 'Obviously Nox gave away my secret even after I told him not to call me that..' "Lay one hand on me and you'll rue the day you were born."
"Oh I think not," he chuckled, pulling her against him. His eyes suddenly widened and then he suddenly grew angry. "Hey you're not a boy!"
"You're damn sure I ain't," Blade snarled as she brought her knee up between his legs. The sailor howled in pain as he doubled forward. Blade, full of fury, turned and kicked him on the rear, sending him flipping over the side of the ship. Blade listened for a splash and when it finally came she yawned and leaned against the railing. "Looks like I have night watch now."
Zsasz lifted a wing, then watched the nightwatchman topple over the side of the ship before he released the brim of her hat and fluttered about a foot away from her. He started to glow softly, a faint green light pulsing in the darkened night as his small mamillian body began to grow. His wings spread out behind him, forming a black cloak that fluttered in the wind behind him. He took a deep breath, then rose to his feet slowly and stretched before he looked at Blade with a smile, his black hair fluttering around his face as he approached her, "my name is Zsasz," he told her softly, "your friend Nox all ready knows my secret, so you may as well know it too."
Blade gasped in shock as she looked at Zsasz and almost fell over the side of the ship before managing to catch herself and put her head in her hands. "First Nox thinks I'm his long lost princess, then a talking dog and now a bat that turns into a man?" she sighed as she looked back up at Zsasz. "Then that means you know, doesn't it? You know I'm really a woman. Please don't tell anyone. I've gone to so much trouble trying to keep this secret but with Nox around it's nearly impossible." Blade felt her sadness slowly drift away and smiled softly at Zsasz. "You're very sneaky, letting me tell you all my secrets. Well at least now I'll have someone to talk to that doesn't think I'm a boy."
Zsasz smiled, then swallowed what he was about to say as he heard footsteps. He grinned at Blade and gave her a wink, then knelt down, his cloak splitting into a pair of black satin wings as his body shifted. He fluttered off the deck and snagged the brim of her hat, then folded his wings around his body in a dark cocoon.
Blade watched the bat then hurried to turn around to lean against the railing like nothing was out of place, remembering that Psythe had come back up here. Perhaps she should climb up the mast and sit in the watch nest for awhile, since she did just dump out the night watchman. "Stupid idiot wasn't doin his job anyways," she muttered as she glared down at the dark waters.
Psythe wandered around the main cabin and glanced over at Blade calmly before walking toward her, "you haven't...seen Mercolley have you? The watchman on duty tonight?" he asked calmly as he leaned back against the railing, "I was sure I saw him come this way."
Blade glanced at Psythe as if nothing was wrong then turned to look over the edge of the boat into the water. "Oh you mean the big ugly brute on nightwatch?" she asked nonchallantly. "I think he drowned."
Psythe grinned and glanced over the side, "he was rather crude, wasn't he?" he said with a smile, then crossed his arms and looked over at her. "Whatever made you decide to seek refuge on a pirate ship?" he asked as he settled back against the railing.
"That..." Blade replied as she glanced down at the black waters, "..is none of your business." She sighed and lifted her face to glance up at him. "I know what you're thinking, you know I'm in trouble don't you? Why else would a fire element be out in the middle of water? Believe me, it isn't something that I overly enjoy but I am getting used to it." She put her hands on the railing and hopped up to sit on the side and gently began kicking her feet against the wood. "Nice and peaceful for once," she muttered as she crossed her arms over her chest and watched her feet. She stopped sulking when something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. She turned her head and stared open eyed at the light flickering in the distance. "That isn't the city is it? Guess I shouldn't have thrown the nightwatch over the side of the ship." Blade hopped down and grabbed the nearest rope. She climbed up quickly and swung herself into the bird's nest before scooping up the scope and peering through it at the flickering light. She sat it aside and looked over the side at Psythe. "Better wake the captain, there is another ship approaching and they don't look very friendly! If they're after our cargo then they're not going to wait till daybreak so you'd better move quickly!"
Psythe looked off into the distance and spotted the light, then searched for thoughts amongst the approaching crew. What he received was not pleasant, these men were true to the pirate name and wanted only to blast the Darkhorse out of the water along with the crew...but salvage the cargo. He looked up to the crow's nest, "stay there, I'll go alert the captain," he told her as he turned for the steps leading below deck.
Bantam jerked upright and took a deep breath, "come," he said in a raspy voice as he lit his lantern, then watched the door open.
"Sir," Psythe said as he entered the room, "unfriendlies approaching, they want the cargo and are fully intent upon sending us to the bottom of the sea for it."
Bantam sprang from his bed and pulled his boots on, then grabbed his coat, "get Atticus and Zsasz to the center of the ship, Koda to the stern and Morgan to the bow, then alert the rest of the crew-oh...and get that Nox fellow up in the crow's nest, an archer could do us some good."
Psythe saluted and turned, then walked to Atticus and Zsasz's cabin and entered it, not bothering to knock, "we're going to be attacked, you two know where to be," he told them then continued on to his cabin and woke Koda, "Koda, stern, now," he said, then crossed the hall. He entered and pulled Clueless from his bunk, "bow," he said, then knelt down and looked at Nox, "Nox, you're in the crow's nest, we need you to start pickin people off with whatever it is you use for arrows, all right?" he said, then looked to the rug Ruede was sleeping on, "you're with Jasmine," he told the dog calmly, then got to his feet and headed out the up the stairs to the main deck to check the distance of the oncoming ship.
Blade grabbed a rope and slid down until her feet touched the floor, the ship had been moving too quickly, Psythe would be too late if he didn't hurry. She turned, barely noticing Psythe step onto the deck, and watched with surprised eyes as the enemy pirates leapt on board the darkhorse. She quickly recovered and tried desperately to retreive the daggers holstered to her thighs underneath the black trousers. She wasn't given enough time, an armed pirate quickly attacked her, thinking to single out the weakest first. Blade ducked the intended blow and swept his legs out from under him before leaping behind a stack of crates. She heard an explosion directly above her, just having avoided the shot from the pistol the man had drawn from his belt. She unsnapped the button on her pants and quickly pulled them off, not caring one whit that anyone would see her shapely legs under the tight black ones she wore underneath. She drew both daggers out of their holsters on either thigh and jumped from her hiding place. She grinned under the shade of her hat as steel clashed against steel, Blade slashed at his abdomen and cried out as the edge of the pirate's rapier caught the flesh under her left arm. The fabric binding her chest unraveled and she growled as she lunged forward and buried one of the blades deep into the pirate's heart. She jerked it free and leaned back on her heals to stare at the man, quietly contemplating her actions. "Hey! Put me down!" she screamed when strong arms lifted her up. She struggled in a large pirate's grasp as he lifted her over his head, her hat falling to the deck at his feet, pure fear clouding her emerald eyes when she seen what he was about to do. "NO!!" Blade screeched and then she was falling, a loud splash before her descent in the darkened water.
Clueless growled as he pushed Nox up onto the mast, then tied a rope around him and started hauling him up to the crow's nest. He sighed as Nox finally managed to crawl into the basket, then spun around as he heard the shot. The next set of events went to fast for him to really comprehend, but the scream brought him back from the daze and he ran to the railing. "Shield," he said, then climbed over and dove into the water, searching for Blade. Dee managed to find her and lit his path. He grabbed her around the waist, then kicked to the surface and took a deep breath of air as they reached it. He looked up, then sighed, getting back to the deck would proove interesting since he had no rope in which to use to climb. He took a deep breath and looked down at Blade, then cleared her breathing passage and slapped her to make her take a deep breath.
Koda looked at a pirate, then smirked and took a drag from his cigarette, "burn," he told the man dryly, then kicked him over the railing as he ignited and started to scream. He looked to another, then shoulder his baseball bat, took another long drag from his smoke and swung around with his weapon, clocking the man upside the head, before turning to another, "burn," he said, then walked away as the flaming pirate dove for the railing.
Atticus looked around, then cleared his throat and set the oblong box down before opening it. Instantly a black ooze creapt out, snagging the ankles of any and all unknown lifeforms it could sense, then dragged them screaming back inside. Atticus flipped Grievance and started firing shots, watching rogue pirates hit the deck before turning on another.
Zsasz managed to flutter down to Clueless, then hovered around him until he went back up for something to lower down. He found a long piece of rope, then grabbed it with his claws and managed to drag it to the railing before a gust of batly might got him airborn and he dropped over the side with it. The rope securely lowered to Clueless and Blade, he fluttered back to the deck and assumed his human form before sending Quicksilver out to begin it's massacre.
Nox screamed as he watched Blade plummet, then watched Clueless dive in after her before he narrowed his eyes, set his shoulders and started firing spectral arrows. Each body they passed through confused the victim, making assault by members of the Darkhorse crew easier.
Ruede laid down on Jasmine's bed, he'd all ready told her to hide under it. He could hear footstaps above and in the corridor outside the room, but no one had entered...luckily for them. He laid his chin down on his paws and watched the door, listening to every sound his ears picked up.
Bantam swung his sword around, releasing it to it's whip state before snagging a rogue and swinging them overboard. He looked to Psythe, then nodded, signaling his first officer to search out the leader of the pack and destroy him. With their commander gone, chaos would ensue and victory would be simple.
Psythe saw the nod and searched the deck, Finally finding the mind he was looking for. He grinned, then sent the man gift in the form of Raige. Tearing the commander's mind apart, he screamed in agony before hurling himself overboard to die in the sea, Raige returning to Psythe.
Blade choked and gazed at Clueless, dazed for a moment before she grabbed ahold of the rope and began climbing. She gave it all she had and fell to the floor after swinging herself over the side. Blade groaned after a fit of coughing and slowly rose to her feet, her bandana had miraculously remained in place, a single stray of dark hair having escaped and fallen in front of her eyes. At least her secret would remain safe... She glanced around, her eyes betraying her confusion as she found everyone on the ship not occupied gawking at her. She looked down, her shirt was plastered against her body, the side soaked red from the blood where the rapier had cut through her shirt and.. the binding she wore underneath. Blade's face flamed red as she crossed her arms over herself and quickly ran behind Zsasz, he being the only one she knew of knowing her secret. "They know I'm a woman!"
Zsasz glanced around behind him and grinned, then chuckled, "don't worry about them," he answered calmly as he called Quicksilver back to him, "and don't let em bully you either." He winked at her, then sent Quicksilver after a fleeing rogue, watching it pulp the man instantly before returning to his hand.
"That's easy for YOU to say!" Blade hissed at him as she untied her bandana and freed the long locks of damp hair. "You're not a lone woman on a ship full of men." Black flames ignited around her then burned upwards, drying her body and her hair completely before dieing down and leaving the hip length hair falling in soft waves past her waist. "They won't make me leave the ship will they? I don't have no place else to go..." Blade sat down on the deck and pulled her legs up against her chest and burying her face against her knees.
Nox finally managed to get down from the crow's nest as the rogue crew fled the Darkhorse. Seeing Blade, he hurried to her side, pulling his coat off, "princess," he panted as he wrapped his coat around her and dropped to his knees, "are you all right, princess?"
Atticus closed the Oblong Box, then tucked it away in his pocket and leaned against the center mast, watching the sudden commotion around Zsasz and Blade. He smiled slightly and shook his head, all this fuss over one person keeping a secret, there were times, especially like these, when he was glad the largest part of his humanity was now gone.
Blade grabbed onto Nox and peeked through her hair at the staring crew men. She felt like an ant under a magnafying glass, their gazes were so heated. "They know Nox," she whispered. "They know I'm a woman now, they're going to toss of overboard or give us to those pirates that just left, I know they will!" Blade squeezed her eyes shut, she hated feeling defenseless, it reminded her over and over again that she was only a woman, a helpless woman. "Please don't let them touch me, I'd rather die."
Atticus watched the crew, then sighed and pushed himself away from the center mast. He flipped Grievance, then raised the barrel into the air and squeezed the trigger, firing off a shot. The crew jolted and immediately spun around to look at him. "Disperse." He told them calmly, then leaned back against the mast pole and watched them gawk at him. "Now." He added with more ill intent to his tone. He gave the crowd a glare, then watched them start to thin out, they knew better than to push their luck with him.
Bantam heard the shot and rushed up the stairs to the main deck. He'd been checking to make sure Jasmine was all right. He searched the faces, finally spotting Atticus beside the center mast, then approached him, "what's the problem?" he asked as he watched the rest of the crew begin to wander off, grumbling obsenities and threats.
Atticus looked to him, then glanced at Blade before he shouldered Grievance and leaned back against the mast. "We have a slight...situation, that demands your attention." He answered calmly.
Bantam looked over at Blade, noting Zsasz in his human form-a rarity, and Nox hovering around the young boy in question. He took a deep breath and walked over, keeping his stride even and tempered, whatever the situation, he was fully in control of it. He knelt down slowly, then lifted Blade's chin up gently and looked into her eyes before looking at Atticus, "where is the problem?" he asked calmly. Upon Atticus shifting eyes, he finally frowned and let a glance sweep her body, then cleared his throat and rose to his feet, holding out his hand for her to accept.
Blade's eyes glittered with unshed tears as she looked up at him warily. She finally let go of Nox and took Bantam's hand to let him help her to her feet. She looked at him in honest confusion, unsure of what he meant. "You find no fault in me being a woman sir? If it displeases you then you can leave me and Nox at the next harbor." Blade quickly adverted her eyes to the ground, her hair falling over her face to hide the tears that slid down her cheeks.
Bantam started walking, folding Blade's arm over his, "that won't be necessary," he told her calmly as he led her to the conference room beneath the steerage platform, "you've proven yourself more than capable of handling yourself aboard ship." He opened the door, then waited for her to enter before he stepped in and pulled the door closed. He walked toward his desk, then sat down in his chair and looked at her, "my only concern now is protecting you from the rest of the crew. Considering the circumstances, I think Nox would be the most entertaining option, however, Zsasz and Atticus will now be keepin an eye on you as well, is that satisfactory?"
Blade stared at him in awe for a moment before shaking her head and allowing herself to smile. "Y-yes sir," she told him. "Thank you, I really apprecia..." Blade jumped when she heard a loud banging on the door and a muffled command to release the princess. Blade's cheeks turned crimson as she gazed at the shivering door then looked back at Bantam. "I could explain him to you if you wish..."
Bantam smiled and leaned back in his chair, "please do," he answered as he clasped his hands and dropped them into his lap. He'd been hoping for an explanation of Nox since they'd boarded and this had turned into the perfect opportunity.
"Well he..." Blade stopped when the door swung open and Nox lifted her up out of her seat and began mumbling something about getting her to safety when she smacked him in the back of the head and ordered him to put her down. "He's not here to hurt me you idiot," Blade grumbled before shoving Nox into a corner and shutting the door. She gazed back at Bantam, embarrassed for the moment before sitting down. "He seems to believe that I am his long lost princess Rajnandini from Astoria, no matter how many times I protest to it so I just gave up trying," she sighed. "From what I gather he thinks he's like a hundred years old and he was supposed to protect Rajnandini but it seems more like he's just wacko." She gave him a smile and shrugged her shoulders.
Nox straightened his posture and brushed himself off, then looked at Bantam calmly, "I am Nox Noctis Caelum," he announced with a bow, "archer to the queen and guardian to her royal highness Princess Rajnandini of the kingdom of Astoria." He finished his bow, then stood behind Blade and watched Bantam warily, keeping eye contact with him at all times.
"See what I mean?" Blade sighed. "No matter what this wacko says, my name is really Blade, Blade Ravenhart of Azseroth. I am a desendant of the great Galion Ravenheart." Blade squared her shoulders proundly and smiled at the sea captain. "I would be happy to remain a part of your crew sir, I shall do my best and earn my keep, I vow this to you."
Nox looked at Blade, then pulled her from her chair and shoved her out of the cabin, then kept pushing her toward the stairs leading down to their cabin. He had to shove harder once she dug her heels into the deck and finally slipped when she anchored herself completely. He hit the deck, then shook it off and jumped to his feet before he began shoving again, getting nowhere as Blade planted herself and refused to budge, "prin...cess," he panted as he finally turned and used a shoulder possition to try and move her, "you'll be...safer...below...deck..."
Blade stumbled forward a few feet and braced her hands against the door frame leading to the stairs. "Nox leave me alone," Blade growled as she held herself there. She began to loose her grip to his stronger one and finally dropped down and rolled into a ball at his feet, Nox losing his balance and tripping over her before rolling down the stairs. Blade lifted her head and pushed aside enough hair to gaze at him. "I'll do whatever I wanna do Noxie, so knock it off!"
Nox got up and bowed to her humbly, "as you wish, princess," he said softly as he stood to the side of the stairs, still bowing. He remembered her temper, when not given her way, Rajnandini could quickly grow angered and potential harmful, he knew it best not to push his luck, "I am your humble servant, your highness..." he added, keeping his eyes on the floor.
Blade sighed and got to her feet. She walked down the steps and looked at him sadly before giving him a quick hug. "I'm sorry..." she mumbled before rushing off to her cabin to change the ruined shirt and back into her normal blue one. She walked past Nox on the way out and walked back on deck, finding the floppy hat she had been wearing resting on the wooden planks at her feet. She picked it up and dusted it off before replacing it back on top of her head to cast her eyes in shadow. She glanced at Nox and sighed. "We'll have to change our course a little so I'm sure that Psythe will need my help, you can wait up there with me if you wish."
Nox ascended the stairs but kept his eyes on the deck, "yes, your highness," he answered softly, keeping possition a foot back from her heels, her preferred distance. She disliked it when he was too close, it made her appear as though she needed a guard, and she hated looking weak. She demanded he always look at the ground, since he was taller than she, and that he was never to hold eye contact with her. "I will accompany you, princess."
Blade stopped at the top of the stairs and stumbled when Nox bumped into her. She turned around and glared at him as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Will you stop looking at the floor? You need to watch where you're going when you walk!" Blade spun around quickly and walked to where Psythe was standing. She ignored him as she looked down at the maps and studied their new destination. "Better watch out for the Macellum law enforement and stop staring at me."
Nox lingered at the top of the stairs, then turned and kept watch, looking down at his feet as he fidgetted. Keep your eyes on the ground, watch where you're going, all the things he was used to hearing from her. How was he to keep his eyes on the ground and watch ahead of him at the same time. He sighed and let his shoulders droop, then caught hold of his emotions before he started to cry.
Psythe shook his head with a grin, "I knew you were a woman the first time I saw you," he told her with a chuckle, then glanced at Nox, "your buddy seems a little down, it wouldn't have anything to do with that gash in your side would it. You'd better go see Clueless, he's not only the cook, but he's the ships surgeon as well." he told her with a wink.
Blade stared at him, surprised for a moment then glared at him and turned away. "I'm f-fine thank you very much," she mumbled, swaying a little bit. "I have t-taken much worse blows than th-this one." Blade tried to walk forward then staggered backwards into Psythe, se quickly regained her balance and shook him away. "Just leave me alone."
Nox spun around, then grabbed Blade from Psythe and glared at the navigator coldly, "do not lay hands on the princess, ever!" he snapped at him, then stood Blade on her feet and dusted her off, "the princess does as she pleases, you will not interfere with her demands!" He gave Psythe another glare, then looked at Blade before noticing the blood on his hand, "p-princess, you're injured," he gasped as he grabbed her, then hoisted her and carried her away to the lower cabins, "you must be healed at once, your highness."
"Nox put me down!" Blade yelled struggling violently in his grasp. She was getting dizzy but she ignored it and continued fighting to free herself. "Nox.. ahhh!" Blade cried out in pain when her fierce movements caused the wound in her side to tear further. The pain boggled her mind and intensified until she moaned softly and merely passed out, her body slumped limply in Nox's arms and her head falling back.
Nox skidded to an abrupt hault and dropped to his knees, laying Blade down on the deck, "princess," he asked as he looked at her, then watched blood pool around her and screamed, "NO! EGAD! I've killed her!" He cried out hysterically as he started wailing, then jumped up and ran to a water barrel, he threw the lid off then scooped a handfull and ran back to Blade's listless body. He uncupped his hands, waiting for the last remaining drop that hadn't all ready seeped out to hit her face before he returned to the barrel to repeat the procedure. Ten trips and nothing, not even so much as the bat of an eye, sent him to his knees again, raising his hands into the air, "princess!"
Atticus walked over and grabbed Nox to hold him while Zsasz, Clueless and Koda attended to Blade. He rolled his eyes and shook his head as Nox fought him, kicking and pulling to free himself and rush to the aid of his princess. "Settle down." Atticus told him calmly. "You know...she's not really Rajnandini, Nox, for one thing, she's better looking and for another, she's too young...time has been steadily marching on."
Nox stopped struggling and looked up at Atticus for a moment, half dazed, then looked to where they'd taken Blade, "not...Rajnandini?" he asked softly, then sat down on the deck and thought for a moment. Perhaps she wasn't Rajnandini, but she was still in need of his protection. He jumped to his feet and raced down the steps and beat on their cabin door, "PRINCESS!" he yelled as he kicked at the door and beat on it harder.
Blade opened her eyes, her vision was blurred and all she could see was flashes of color moving in front of her eyes. She had no idea where she was or what she was doing there or who these people hoovering over her were. "Who are you? Why is Nox screaming? I'm fine, let me up, I want out of here, who's holding me down?" Blade tried to shove away the nearest person and twisted around trying to get up. "What's wrong with Nox?! NOX!!"
Nox heard Blade scream his name, then screamed in return and clawed at the door, bloodying his fingers before he stepped back and rammed the obstruction. It held firm and he repeated the procedure, then again and again before the door finally creaked and gave way on his tenth attempt. "Princess!" he said as he rushed to her side, shoving everyone else out of his way, "worry not, my princess, I'll fix you," he told her softly, then shifted in form to the healer the queen had once employed, a man of great talent who needed no rune to heal the sick or mend the wounded. He placed his hands on the gash in her side, then watched as it started to glow softly, healing from the inside out until it closed, leaving smooth skin in it's wake, there would be no scar. He took a deep breath and shifted back into himself and waited, "princess, are you all right?"
Blade heard voices, she heard Nox growing louder and louder until everything was quiet. She stopped struggling when she heard Nox's voice so close to her and closed her eyes with a sudden feeling of peacefulness. "Nox..." she sighed and opened her eyes again, smiling up at him. Even though the pain was gone she still felt a little woozy and her eyes betrayed her wearyness. "I guess I should have told you I was hurt, I'm just so stubborn, I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble." Blade's eyes shifted to Clueless who was standing behind Nox. "I didn't get a chance to thank you... for saving my life. I am in your debt."

Blade sighed as she stepped out onto the deck and took in a deep breath of fresh air. The previous night's events had left her weary and very depressed. She sighed softly as she leaned forward to look over at the water flowing against the side of the ship. She hated being the cause of trouble but it seemed to always happen that way. She was always finding herself in the worst predicaments and it seemed the harder she try the worse she made things. She was happy to be cleaned up and wearing her own clothes, glad that she always carried an extra pair wherever she went. She smiled down at the water, not afraid of it anymore, not like she was before, but she still did not like it one bit. She gasped loudly when she spotted the out of place current that appeared to be something moving beneath the water. She stood up straight and quickly looked around for Nox before remembering that he was bellow getting his cooking lessons from Clueless, she turned again and looked at the water, "What in the hell is that?!"
Sahdena paused for a moment several yards away from the ship and frowned softly, debating her options. There had really been no other clear choice but to leave the machine, to say nothing of that miserable brat Syn, behind and move on. She had caught enough of their conversations to realize they planned on trying to reverse whatever had happened to cause them to age. She hadn't been sure if they had intended to 'help' her as well but she hadn't been willing to take that chance...she was perfectly content with her new situation and had no intention of becoming a child once again. That had many hours ago but she had wasted no time in phasing into her ghost state and fleeing into the ocean. Now here she was with no real idea of where she was, staring up at a ship full of strangers. I was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to her...save her abduction from the palace.
Figuring that the worst that could possibly happen would be that she would have to escape to the ocean once again, Sadena allowed her body to drift up to the surface of the water. She rose until her feet were an inch or so above the waves and then calmly walked the distance to the ship before floating upward once again. She saw a woman staring at her and immediately masked her own unease behind the polite, slightly bored, smile she had been taught to use when conversing with others when she was unsure of their station. A small but graceful bow and she introduced herself, hoping that the woman would not prove as annoying as Syn had. Surely not everyone beyond the palace walls would behave in the same boorish fashion as that unholy pigtailed menace had. "The sun's blessings be upon you. I am Sahdena Maharani Nethea bena'Selah ben'Seh'dier, princess of Vastitas and heiress to the Phoenix Crown."
Blade stared, no gawked, at the young girl in front of her. "You just floated out of the water..." Blade jumped when she heard Nox's bellowing yell and clopping footsteps coming towards her. She cringed at the word 'princess' as he scooped her off her feet with a declaration that he would protect her from the evil water monster. Blade sighed, partially in annoyance, partially relieved that everything was back to normal and partially curious about how Nox always seemed to know what she was feeling and when she was feeling it. She shrugged her shoulders and smacked Nox in the back of the head so that he would put her down. The moment her feet touched the deck, she turned to the younger girl, now over the shock of her sudden appearance. "My name is Blade Ravenhart of Azseroth," she told Sahdena calmly. "And this is Nox, best you ignore whatever he says, I'm not really a princess, he just enjoys calling me that for only Orion knows why." Blade rolled her eyes and elbowed Nox in the ribs so that he would release his deathlike grip on her shoulders. "Now tell me, what brings you uninvited to the Darkhorse? Just out for a walk in the middle of the ocean? You would pardon my coldness but one cannot be too careful with too many enemies roaming about."
Sahdena gave the man, Nox, a small glare as she tried to calm her speeding heart. When he had come rushing out shouting about a water monster, she had whirled about, expecting to see one right behind her...then she had realized the he was calling her a monster. Evidently everyone was rude outside of Vastitas...maybe it had something to do with genetics. Perhaps her people were toe only ones capable of even possessing manners or a sense of decorum. In all it was most disconcerting but at least Blade seemed to have him firmly in hand for the moment even if she did seem a bit hostile. "I was abducted and now that I have left the man responsible, I wished to see something of the world before I returned to my home. I did not mean to cause alarm or to give the impression that I meant you or your ship any harm. I...I ask your forgiveness." The last was said in a quiet murmur and Sahdena turned to return to the ocean, noticing a tremor in her hands that betrayed her growing fatigue at having travelled so far in her ghost state...but she obviously could not remain on board this vessel.
What was it about her that seemed to evoke such a response among other people? First Syn, then she was called a water monster and now this woman seemed to think of her as a possible enemy when they had only just met! In truth she was only tired from her journey and wishing to know her exact location so she could find her bearings but she had been met with nothing shy of hostility. Her uncle had always warned her that people could sense those who carried demon blood and that they would always regard them with fear or hatred...it was unfair but evidently all too true. Why else would these two be acting in such a manner? Nox was still glaring at her as if she were a scorpian threatening to sting him and Blade's expression was no less reassuring. A princess she might be and as such she was expreienced in dealing with courtiers and servants...but she had no idea how to react to this situation and regardless of her body, intellect and demonic blood, she dealt with rejection as any young girl would. She was tired, she had no idea where she was, she couldn't call to her uncle for fear he would force her to return to the palace and now here were two ther people who seemed to hate her for no reason. Sahdena sank to her knees, her hands rising to cover her face and she began to cry.
Blade gasped in shock, the girl was behaving much in the way a child would behave and it invoked a softer side of Blade that she rarely ever shown. The girl was too obviously not an enemy and certainly not one of Arcades' spys. Blade sighed and knelt down beside the girl, lifting her long hair out of her face. "Please don;t cry, I didn't mean to offend you," she sighed softly. "I am just a bit paranoid because I am in a bit of trouble in a distant land. Besides that I nearly died last night. My friend here thinks that everyone is an enemy." Blade leaned closer to the girl so that she could whisper and be heard. "He's not exactly right in the head so just do as I said and ignore that he's even here. If you really are a princess then it would explain why you are so emotional to a little callousness, but believe me I didn't mean it as an insult, you do not understand what it is like out here, the world is a very dangerous place, especially for a young girl, so it is best not to trust people until you can discover for a certainty that they mean you no harm. Believe me... I've been where you are now before." Blade sighed again, the not so fond memories of leaving home floating in her mind. "You look scared, you can stay here for awhile, maybe until we dock in Macellum, a ummm ship is not safe for a young girl like you. Best you find yourself a nice room in town and sleep there until you can find a proper escort to assist you, else you end up in trouble. Trust me, it is for the best that you listen to me, I know exactly what you are going through and I do not wish for an innocent young girl to make the same horrible mistakes, bad enough that there is one of me running around this horrible world."
Sahdena quickly tried to wipe away her tears and felt a hot wash of color stain her cheeks as she struggled to regain her composure. Here she was again...weeping like a child. It was completely mortifying to say nothing of the shame she was bringing to her bloodliine by her disgraceful behavior. "My sincerest apologies...I I am not usually this emotional. It is very embarassing."
Her cheeks warmed again as another wash of color stained them a deeper shade of pink and she rose to her feet, her hands trembling as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. "I believe that I merely traveled too far without resting...surely that must be the reason that I am being so sensitive." She absently tightened her fingers in the sapphire silk of her veil and stared at the deck as she fought to hide the emotions in her eyes, both relief, doubt and a touch of fear swirling within their caramel depths. At least it had not been her demonic blood that had triggered such a response...and Blade seemed sincere in her concern...perhaps resting here would be best... In truth, Macellum seemed as good a location as any other and perhaps by the time they arrived she would have adjusted enough to her new body and the world around her to gage and control her reactions with more finesse. "You have my gratitude, lady..." She would have said more but there was a growing fluttering sensation in her stomach that seemed to worsen with each slight movement of the boat. Sahdena paled slightly and grasped the railing, "do you think it would be possible for me to get some water?"
Koda leaned against a wall, propping his right foot up against it as he removed the cigarette from his mouth and crossed his arms. Another demon, or at least, another half-demon, intrigued him, there were so few of his kind around anymore. He looked at Blade, then took a drag from his cigarette before exhaling, "tip for ya, Sparky, you'd better get her a drink and get her below deck to rest before Atticus sees her," he told her with a wink, "and it looks to me like she's gettin sea sick...better take a bucket with you, y'know...just in case..."
Atticus cleared his throat from the shadow he'd managed to conceal himself within. "No need for secrets." He told them all calmly, then crossed his arms. "She's perfectly welcome to stay as a guest, she is, after all, a princess of the Vastitas crown and a little good diplomacy goes a long way." He finished coolly, nodding to Sahdena before he wandered toward the captain's chambers. "I'll inform the captain you're here..."
Blade lifted an eyebrow at Koda and Atticus before turning back to the girl. "Com'on you'd be better off out of site, this is a really tough crew," Blade rose to her feet and pulled Sahdena with her then lead her downstairs to her cabin. She pulled a packet out of her hip pouch and dumped it's contents into a goblet of water before handing it to the girl. "This should ease your stomach, I know what it's like, it happened to me the first night but it gets better." Blade gave her a faint smile, "I'm sorry Princess, but this is the best that we can give you on a ship, it's better you sleep in here in my cabin anyways. I won't allow any harm to come to you, if you need anything then just ask me or if you can't find me then ask Nox and he'll come and get me for you." Blade turned and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her so that she could rest undisturbed. She sent Nox back to his duties in the kitchen and turned in the other direction. Psythe had given her the day off and she planned on using it to pull herself back together. She stopped in front of another door and glanced around to see if anyone close close enough to see her then ducked into the cargo room. She quickly made her way through the stacks of crates and barrels to the back of the room and ignored the lamp as she climbed up onto a crate stacked in the corner. She sighed as she leaned into the corner and hugged her legs up against her chest, resting her chin on her knees as she stared blankly into space, completely lost in her thoughts. A silvery tear slowly slipped down her cheek, she didn't want to remember, she wanted them all to go away forever. She closed her eyes, moaning softly. She didn't want to relive the past....
.............
"Grandfather?"
Please stop this...
"......Grandfather?"
I don't want to see...
"Grandfather why are you so cold?"
Grandfather!
"There is nothing more that you can do for him, Angel. We have come to take him away."
NO!
"No! I'll be all alone! I don't want to be alone!!"
I was always so alone....
"I'm sorry........ Blade."
Sahdena watched Blade leave and allowed a small sigh to escape her lips before she sank onto the small bunk bed built into the wall. It had not, she mused as she sipped from the goblet, been one of her better days. In all she felt that she had been handling everything to the best of her abilities...but evidently her best just wasn't good enough beyond the palace walls. She had never thought of herself as particularly weak before but two crying episodes in as many days was a disappointing revelation about her character. "I am a...what is the word? Ah...a wimp."
She took another drink and realized that her nausea had passed so she set aside the goblet and let her gaze sweep over the small cabin as she composed her thoughts. There was another of the blood on board this vessel but she did not feel confident enough to satisfy her curiosity. Besides, she couldn't tell if her was one of the Kindred or a half-blood as she was...and that made her nervous. Some demons hated half-bloods more than they hated pure humans...still...he had not seemed to harbor any anger towards her. He had almost seemed amused...
"This is so strange." Morosely, she settled back and closed her eyes, forcing her heart beat to slow as she altered her breathing, forcing her body into a state of suspended animation. It would only take a moment in that state to replenish her strength and while she rested, she could think of what to do. She had almost reached for her uncle's mind when she caught herself and checked the instinctive urge to seek his advice and protection. If he sensed what had happened to her, or grew suspicious about her new abilities, he would most likely teleport to her side the instant he sensed her location...for now she could not risk calling to him. She was, for the first time, completely alone. The thought both excited and terrified her, she wasn't afraid of physical harm...she could always turn ghost if she was threatened...but what if she wasn't strong enough or intelligent enough to make her way without the support of her family and her crown. As a princess she could always survive and thrive but could she do the same as a normal woman...as just Sahdena? It was a challenge she couldn't pass up.
Blade, of course, naturally entered her mind since she was the first woman she had met and she seemed both experienced and kind...perhaps it would help to speak to her. After all, she could not remain hidden away within this cabin until they reached the next port...it would be no different than hiding away inside of her father's palace. She would learn nothing and would be stir crazy by the time they arrived. A thought sped her heart and her breathing returned to normal as color returned to her cheeks before she opened her eyes, rising to her feet. Hoping to find Blade, she turned ghost again and began her search, careful to avoid being seen by any of the crew.
It may have been a ship but it still took her quite some time to finally locate Blade...and that was more by luck than any real effort on her part. She had ducked into a room when she heard footsteps and had felt something tickling the edge of her senses. It was Blade, huddled on a crate in the corner, looking just a lost and alone as she had felt a few moments ago and Sahdena felt a wave of sympathy flood her.
"Perhaps everyone feels this way at times...only some must be better at hiding it. I was beginning to wonder if it was only a flaw on my part." She allowed her body to regain mass and settled onto a chest nearby, her eyes lowered to her hands which were calmly folded on her lap. She briefly thought of her father...the one time she had seen him cry had been after Vashna had left to return to her own realm. Kieran had arrived to comfort his brother...and the two of them had spent most of the night drinking the grape juice Kieran had brought with him. She had wanted to taste it as well but Kieran had told her it was only for adults and that her father would feel better after a few glasses. Evidently it had curative powers of some sort. She thought of the dark bottles of the ruby-red fluid that was kept in a rack within her father's private suites and then felt the weight of one within her hand. Another thought brought two of the crystal goblets from the palace kitchens and she quickly poured Blade a glass. "Would you like some grape juice? I was told this particular kind is a great delicacy in my homeland since we cannot grow these type of grapes within the desert." A friendly smile shaped her lips as she offered the goblet to Blade, "my gratitude for your kindness, Blade."
Blade looked up at the girl and quickly wiped away the tears that had left damp trails along the sides of her face. She glanced at the glass and finally took it in wobbly fingers, it had been awhile since she'd drank anything besides water and she could not resist the chance to have something with a little taste. "Thank you," she told Sahdena quietly then took a deep drink, choking at the sweet and bitter taste that burned her throat. "Sahdena, this isn't fruit juice..." Blade coughed after swallowing the fiery liquid and then looked at Sahdena with watery eyes. "It's whiskey, it has alcohol in it." Blade sighed and shrugged her shoulders. Whiskey was better than nothing, even if she wasn't particularly fond of drinking. She lifted the glass and downed the rest of the fiery liquid then held it out for more. After her glass was filled again to the brim Blade took a hard swallow and fell into another fit of coughing before she finished off the rest of the glass, her cheeks flushing with the potency of the liquor. "Hey this stuff is really *hick* good."
Sahdena gave Blade a confused smile, wanting to ask what whiskey and alcohol were but not wanting to reveal her ignorance. Did I take the wrong bottle? Father told me that was all grape juice... She saw a flush on Blade's cheeks after her coughing fit had passed and Sahdena turned her eyes back to her own goblet, having yet to taste of it. "Whiskey?" Shrugging, she lifted the crystal to her lips, it might not be the fruit juice she had wanted, but it was rude to offer someone a drink and then not partake of it yourself.
It was a tradition of her people dating back to a time when assassinations by poisoning were common to the point of being expected so it was expected for guest and host to share the possible danger as an act of trust. Besides...Blade seemed to like it, so maybe it wasn't all that bad despite the strong smell. Closing her eyes, Sahdena mimicked Blade and took a large swallow of the dark liquid, promptly choking as her mouth and throat were bathed in liquid fire. Tears coursed down her cheeks but she forced herself to swallow rather than spitting the accursed stuff out as she wished to, shuddering and coughing harshly as she panted for breath. "Dear phoenix...it is like someone found a way to bottle the sun's fires!!" She turned, large, slightly accusing eyes to blade, "and you think this is good?! You have been out at sea too long, lady Blade."
Almost mechanically, still stunned from her first taste of the whiskey, Sahdena filled Blade's glass again and then stared at her own. She watched the fluid within her goblet as if she expected it to leap out of the crystal and bite her, debating tossing the vile stuff out onto the floor. Then she felt a funny tingling in her mouth and throat as a slight warmth spread through her veins...it was almost pleasant, or would have been if the taste of the whiskey wasn't still fresh in her mind. "hmmm well I don't like it...maybe my father placed that there by mistake. I know he said that was grape juice."
Another thought produced a different bottle but she had forgotten to get another goblet and her own still held whiskey in it. Sahdena giggled and shrugged, idly wondering why the thought had suddenly struck her as being so funny. "Bet this one is ummm better..." She eyed the cork in the bottle and a thought sent it zipping around the room, careening off of the walls. "Whoopsies." Another grin and Sahdena sniffed the bottle, giggling again, "smells better anyway." The cork narrowly missed her head as it whizzed by and Sahdena giggled again before lifting the bottle to her lips and taking a large drink. "Hey! This one isn't bad!"
A flick of her wrist and the whiskey spilled to the floor as Sahdena filled her glass with the blood-red liquid. "Kinda sweet...wanna sip?" Another drink and Sahdena felt a delightful heat pool in her tummy as color flooded her cheeks but when she held out her goblet to Blade, she pouted to see that it was empty. "'ow'd that *hick* happen?" She gave Blade a stern frown, "you shouldn't...umm should not be drinking my grape juice, Blade...if you wanted some, you could have just asked. I'll forgive you though since you're so nice...have another. Sahdena giggled and filled her goblet again before pressing it into Blade's free hand. "There ya go" Another giggle and Sahdena lifted the bottle to take another drink, promptly toppling backwards from the chest to hit the floor with a loud thud but somehow managing not to spill the juice on her. "whoopsies again...*hick*."
Blade looked down at Sahdena with widened eyes for a moment before bursting out laughing and tumbling ungracefully to the floor beside her. "I haven't had this much *hick* fun in years!" Blade cried out through the laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks. She finally calmed herself and got up off the floor, taking another hard swallow of the drink, the fire of it not burning her as much as the first few glasses. "I am Henery the *hick* eight I am! Henery the eight I am I *hick* am! I got married to the woman next door! She's been married seven TIMES before!! And all of them were named *hick* Henery HENERY!! I'm her eighth old man, I am *hick* Henery! Henery the eigth I am!!!" Blade stopped singing and turned to look at Sahdena, "Hey who was being *hick* so loud? That's not polite ya *hick* know! I coulda been def by now!" Blade shook off the surprise and grinned sloppily as her drink sloshed over the side of her glass and spilled onto her hand. She dropped down to her knees beside Sahdena and lifted the empty bottle and giggled as she turned it upside down. "No more!" She tossed it and listened to it shatter near by as she walked over to a barrel and used a crowbar to pop open the lid. "Hey there's ummmmm RUM over here!" Blade giggled as she leaned over to look into the barrel. "Ack ack ahhh!" Blade cried out as she flipped forward and fell face first into the barrel, swallowing it by the mouthful as she kicked and thrashed trying to get herself out. The barrel finally toppled over and sent Blade and gallons of rum washing across the floor. Blade slammed into the door and watched as the liquor flowed underneath the door before giggling furiously. "Ooopsie Blade spilled the *hick* rum!! I'm teeeelliiiiing!" Blade scrambled, trying to get to her feet and fell several times before grabbing onto the handle of the door and yelling loudly. "Noooooooxieeeeee!!!"
Sahdena collapsed into a helpless heap on the floor, giggling and idly, twirling her fingers in the rum that was now puddled on the floor and soaking into her clothing. There was another barrel of the stuff by the now empty one and she giggled again as she rose to her feet, slipping and falling to her bottom before she got it right and managed to stagger to the barrel. "Hows *hickhick* does this one taste?" Somehow she managed to concentrate enough to pop the lid and teleport a small portion of the rum into her mouth. "yummy!"
Suddenly she remembered who Nox was and she frowned at Blade as she floated a few inches above the ground, idly flipping over onto her tummy and slowly kicking her legs. "oh not him! He'll just call me a sea beasty again." She giggled and began humming softly, teleporting yet another sip of rum into her mouth before falling to the ground with another thud as her concentration lapsed. "Yooohoooo Nox...*hick* evil seabeasties are at*hick*tacking and trying to drink our rum!" She began to sing-song Nox's name as she wobbled back up into the air and found herself humming the tune to the song Blade had been singing. It was rather catchy but not as nice as the music her musicians played for her at the palace.
*hick* "Ya know..I've never sang before..never danced neither. Never had time...had lessons *hick* My mothers dance...they're all very pretty and sweet but they won't teach me." She floated upright and grinned at Blade, "but I watched sometimes...wasn't sposed to but I did!" She giggled as she happily told her new friend her secret and unhindered by gravity, she began to flawlessly mimic the complex movements she had seen her mothers perform for her father. "Course they don't wear much when they do it..cept these pretty little chains with tiny golden bells all over it. See!" She giggled and was suddenly clothed in the thin veils and ornate golden chains that glittered with priceless gems and tiny bells. "Aren't they pretty!?" She began to dance again, her body chiming and flashing with her movements, the chains threatening to slip away from her mature form at any moment. Then she realized Blade was still dripping with rum and might like one of the dancing costumes as well. "here ya go!" She laughed as the chains and translucent veils suddenly appeared around Blade's body as well, "now we mach *hick* match!" Sahdena giggled again and continued dancing, clapping her hands with enthusiastic glee, "sing about Henery again! I liked it!"
Blade looked down at herself and emerald eyes widened, flashing brighter in contrast to the bright blues of the costume she wore. "OH MY GOD!!" Blade screeched. "I'm almost naked!!" She gasped in shock then looked up at Sahdena dancing and started giggling. "Hey, that's kinda neat!" Blade stuck her tongue out and began mimicking the moves very sloppily until she gave up and started singing instead, bellowing out yet another verse of Henry the Eigth. She hopped out of the way when the door flung open and several rather peeved looking crew members stood outside glaring at the mess they had made before gawking at their skimpy costumes. "Hey it's a party!!" One of the men yelled and they all rushed into the room, several more following after them. Several of them began drinking and carrying on loudly when one of them lifted Blade and threw her over his should before running out the door and up the stairs with several bawdy crew memebers behind him carrying the barrels of rum. Blade kicked and screamed at the man, pounding her fists on his back in an unsuccessfull attempt to get him to put her down. "Hey put me *hick* down right now you big oaf!! Heeeeeey I thought Atty and Batty were supposed to be protecting *hick* me!" Blade yelled out. "Lemme go or I'm gonna *hick* buuuurn you! I mean it! *hick* oooooh Blade don't feel so good..." Blade closed her eyes, her mind swirling dizzily as she listened to the crew around her singing and having a good ole time. Blade opened her eyes and lifted her head to look back at the stairs as they grew father and farther away. "Hey Noooox!!" Blade screamed. "Noxie! Noxie! Noxie! Where are *hick* yooou?! Tell this big *hick* ugly *hick* oaf *hick* to put me down!*
Nox heard the screaming and rushed from the galley to come to the aid of his princess. He tripped at the top of the stairs, hitting the deck and grimacing at the sudden wave of odor that assaulted his nose. He looked up and screamed at Blade's attire, then quickly got to his feet and vaulted at the crewman containing her, "unhand the princess immediately!" he snapped at the man as he pulled Blade from the oaf's shoulder and then kicked him squarely in the gut, sending him toppling backward. He set Blade down, then stood in front of her and backed her against a wall focussing his mind on the first person he could think of. Raising Grievance, he fired off a round and struck one of the barrels of liquor, sending the pirates scrambling away from him. In a heartbeat he regained his own body, then glared out over the ruffians, "anyone who lays another finger upon the princess suffers the same fate as that barrel-or worse!" he told them with a snap.
Sahdena's eyes widened in surprise as a man made a grab for her and a small squeak escaped her lips as he toppled forward, passing through her ghostly form to crash to the ground with a curse that nearly scorched her ears. "oooooh! What you said!! *hick* Blade did you hear what...oh yeah!" Sahdena finally stopped dancing and began drifting after the way her friend had been taken. "Imagine. trying to grab me *hick* what was wrong with that man?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly at her friend's calls and she mimicked the curse the man had used. Another man grabbed for her and Sahdena instinctively flailed at him, fumbling out another curse as her hand passed through his head. It caused her to start giggling again. "Well that isn't *hick* fair!" She giggled again, "lets try again!" She phased solid and this time her hand connected and she yelped at the sudden sting as her palm connected with his cheek then her eyes widened again as he lunged for her. "EEEP!" She turned ghost right as his hand passed through her torso and knowing what the man had been trying to grab brought a high color to her cheeks and finally managed to truly ignite her temper.
"Insolent swine! Heart Breaker!" Sahdena narrowed her eyes and her hair flowed upwards, stirred by the unseen forces surrounding her as she lifted her fingertips and blew the man a kiss. A soft amber colored light shot from her fingertips and into the man's chest, stopping his heart. She held it just long enough to see the terror form in his eyes and then she released him, letting him fall to the deck as she backed away, fear coloring her own eyes. that was the first time she had seriously tried to hurt anyone and knowing that she could have killed him sickened her. Sahdena suddenly felt tainted and wanted to run, to dive beneath the waves and hide, but she couldn't leave Blade. Sahdena felt a sob lock in her chest and she fled, phainsg through the men until she came upon Blade and her protector. She allowed herself to phase solid again and stood beside her friend, her body trembling with misery. "I'm sorry..." The words were a soft whisper and then Sahdena collapsed in a dead faint, her body striking the floor with a loud thump.
Blade giggled at the girl at her feet and then peeked around Nox. "Where've you been Noxie? I been callin and *hick* callin you..." Blade put her arms around his neck and leapt up onto his back giggling as she squeezed him. "Carry me cause I don't wanna walk!" She stuck her tongue out at the crewman who had grabbed her then gave Nox a kiss on the cheek. "Ain't he so sweet!" The crewman grumbled and they all turned and ignored Nox, going back to their rowdy singing and drinking. Blade pouted as she looked over Atticus and Psythe. "I been a bad Blade." She tried to keep a straight face then immediately burst out into another fit of giggles, dropping her head down on Nox's shoulder, the long hair falling over to hang in front of him. "I've been a baaaaaaad Blade!!!"
Atticus heard the shot and rushed out of the Captain's chambers, then narrowed his eyes as he perused the rapidly inebriating crew. Seeing Nox carrying Blade toward the cabins was the only clue he'd needed and he scowled before he wandered back into the captain's chambers. "Sir, it appears that the crew has found the Rum we were shipping to Tamerlane and are having a party, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
Bantam looked up from his paperwork immediately, his eyes wide for a moment in shock, then narrowing slightly, "they're what?" he asked dryly, "they just had 3 hours in Scyphus-and what do you mean they've found the rum headed for Tamerlane, Swiffer'll have my throat in a noose if I don't get that cargo to him!..." He said as he slammed his pencil down on the desk, then took a deep breath and calmed himself, before he looked at his paperwork, "go out there and break up their little party and salvage the rest of that rum," he growled through clenched jaws.
Blade peered over Nox's shoulder, still giggling as she lifted the bottle she had been holding. "Nooooxie, take a drink of this! Com'on just one, for meeee!" Blade held the bottle around to him and climbed up, bending over his shoulder so she could look him in the face and looked at him as seriously as she could muster. "Pleeeeease Noxie, just one *hick* drink. Or two, or three... oh hell drink the whole bottle!"
Nox turned his head away from the stench of the bottle, then sighed and relented. It would make the princess happy, and...it was his duty to serve. He lowered her to her feet, then steadied her and took the bottle with a grimace before he took a sip and harnessed the urge to spit it back out. He swallowed it and looked at Blade with as much smile as he could manage, "refreshing... princess," he wheezed.
"Oh com'on Noxie! Drink *hick* the whole *hick* thing!" Blade giggled as she pushed up on the bottle. "Have a little fun!*hick* Your princess commands you to have fun!!" Blade bounced off and peeked around the corner, glancing back at Nox before sneaking down the hallway and pouncing on Koda's back. "Alas ye landlubber! Surrender now or I'll snap yer twiggy neck and toss yer head to thee gators!" Blade cried out as she wrapped her arms around his neck and gripped onto him with her legs. She tried to keep a straight face but only ended up in a fit of giggles.
Koda removed the cigarette from his mouth, then crossed his arms calmly, "alas ye landlubber?" he repeated questioningly, then wrinkled his nose at the sudden stench that curled his nostrel hairs, "went row, row, rowing in a barrel of rum did ya, Sparky?" he asked her as he looked over his shoulder, at her, then looked at the cigarette in his hand before he grinned maliciously, "gives me an idea," he pondered aloud before he turned and wandered toward the stairs leading down to the cabins, carrying Blade with him.
"I thought I told you to surrender!" Blade struggled to say through giggling and tugged at a lock of his hair. "Where ya goin?" Blade picked up a lock of hair and stuck out her tongue as she concentrating on weaving it into a small braid then dropped it and admired her handy work. "There! Now you look awful purty." Blade giggled as she hugged his neck.
Nox forced down a large swallow of rum, then choked on it before looking at the bottle before he watched Blade bound off. She'd ordered him to drink, he daren't refuse and without another word downed several more mouthsful of the vile liquid before he watched everything go fuzzy. The burn started to wear off and gradually seep into his bloodstream in warm currents which were actually rather pleasing. Catching a glimpse of fur, he immdeditate went to investigate, finding Ruede lying beside a water barrel. Nox looked at him, then at the bottle in his hand before he flopped down beside the dog and grabbed a ladel from one of the water barels, "here ya go, poochie, can't leave ya out of everything," he told the dog calmly as he poured the ladel full of rum and set it down.
Ruede looked at Nox, then at the ladel and sniffed it. It smelled rather hideous to him, but he'd try it anyway. Lapping up a tongue full he quickly jerked back and let his tongue lol out of his mouth, burning. He shook his head, then drew his tongue back in and sniffed the ladel again before looking at Nox, "what on Earth is this horid stuff?" he asked.
Nox looked at him, then set the bottle down, his limbs seemed to be ceasing their functions, "I don't know, but it doesn't taste so bad after the first couple of swallows," he said, his speech heavily slurred as he looked up at the sky and winced at the brightness of the sun.
Ruede looked at him again, then sniffed the ladel before he lapped more of the demonic brew held within it's bowl. Nox was right, after the first couple of swallows his throat and tongue were too numb to taste anything and suddenly everything seemed to be a little more at ease. He finished what was in the ladel, then got to his feet and staggered back into a down position, "that was odd," he said as he rose again and weaved before falling against Nox, "oh, this is...this is rather interesting, actually," he said, then drooped out his tongue and panted a smile as he pushed away from Nox and weaved away a few steps before looking back around to him, "I'll be right back, I have to...take a powder," he said, then staggered off and found what looked to be suitable facilities. His blurred vision made knowing exactly what it was an impossible feat so he simply stood and lifted his right rear leg, weaving for a moment before managing an uneasy balance. A look of serene relief washed over his canine features and he lowered his leg. He blinked his eyes and found a path back to Nox, leaving Atticus with a wet trouser leg and a puddle at his feet.
Atticus felt something wet on his pantleg and looked down, widening his eyes as he watched Ruede lope off. "Even the damn dog is drunk." He grumbled as he shook his leg and glared around at the rest of the crew. Regaining order would be a task fit for godhood, but it would have to be done. Firing off a shot from his rifle would most likely send them into a frenzy so he tried to think of a more inconspicuous route to take, his eyes finally settled on Blade as she came tottering up the stairs from the lower deck. He rolled his eyes at her choice of attire and shook his head before he wandered toward her with a sigh.
Blade looked up at Atticus and smiled sloppily before stepping on the silk of her clothing and tripping forward into a heap at Atticus' feet. She looked up at him from where she was sitting on her knees and swayed back and forth dizzily. "I think yer uh friend is umm gettin into trouble," Blade giggled as she pointed a thumb behind her and gave Atticus a wink. She slowly and very clumsily, climbed to her feet, using Atticus' blue cloak to give her balance and then grabbed onto his arm, giggling at him. "I never realized that standing was so hard to do!"
"Trouble seems to be an epidemic as of late." He told her coolly, then glanced over his shoulder at the rest of the crew who'd actually drawn themselves away from their drinking slightly to look over at him. This was his chance, the perfect diversion. If he could keep the crew occupied on him, then Zsasz would have more than enough time to get the rum secured away. He looked at Blade calmly, then took a deep breath. "Don't take this personally, please, but I need to attract their attention so Zsasz can hide the rum." He told her before he pressed his lips against hers gently.
Emerald eyes widened in complete and utter shock, Blade just froze, unsure of what she was supposed to do. 'Attract attention.' Blade choked on a giggle as she tried to supress it and flung her arms around Atticus and kissed him back before pulling her mouth from his and loosing her balance completely, causing them both to fall down.
Atticus widened his eyes as he hit the deck of the ship. This would certainly draw attention to him and it was workin, he'd all ready heard several comments on the beneficial position he was now in. He sighed and rolled his eyes, physical contact was not his forte and never really had been. "As soon as Zsasz hides the rum, I'll escort you to your cabin and keep an eye on the door." He told Blade calmly, then took a deep breath.
Blade looked down at Atticus, her cheeks flushing red before she sat up, too woozy to move any further than where she sat on top of him. "Ummm... sorry bout that Atty," she told him half shyly with a nervous giggle. She swayed a little bit and fell forward, laying her head on his chest and closing her eyes. "Why don't this boat stop movin, and why're they all starin at me? Is it because I'm wearin a dress? I bet it is! I hate dresses and I hate it when men stare at me, I wish they were all wearing dresses so they'd stop starin at me!"
Atticus widened his eyes a moment, then sighed. "Granted." He said calmly, then closed his eyes and crafted the spell from within his mind. His body glowed for a moment before the glow swept over the ship, every living thing it touched suddenly clothed in the same attire she was dressed in. The skant silk two piece veil and chain ensamble now adorned each physical body aboard the ship, each of varying colors. He heard several screams of shock, then heard the clammering of feet as the crew attempted to run for cover and hide their exposed flesh from the wandering eyes of their shipmates. "Satisfactory?" Atticus asked softly.
Bantam felt something cool on his flesh and narrowed his eyes slightly. He shrugged it off until he saw the suddenly exposed skin of his arms, then rose to his feet and scowled. He took a deep breath, then walked around his desk and approached the door before he opened it and walked out. He looked around, noting that his entire crew seemed to have befallen the same predicament. His eyes fell onto Atticus and Blade before he sighed and placed his hands on his hips, "somebody made a wish, now who was it?" he asked dryly, then realized the hilarity of his position and crossed his arms before he walked out toward the mast, "no one changes until I get a confession-in face, not one of you changes until we get to Tamerlane, because then you can all explain to Swiffer where a large portion of his rum went and then pay the cost out of your own purses. Anyone-ANYONE, who partook in this event willingly will not change his clothing until I give you instructions to do so, is that understood?" With his instructions barked out he wandered back to his chambers and inside, then threw the door closed with a slam.
Atticus watched Bantam disappear back into his chambers and actually had to supress a smile. He laid on the deck for a minute longer, then finally sat up and rose to his feet, lifing Blade with him. He carried her to the stairs, then down them and walked into her cabin before laying her on her bunk. "I think it's time you got some sleep, I'm sure you'll be feeling the aftereffects of this in the morning." He told her calmly, then layed a blanket over her and walked out of the room, standing by the door to keep a watchful eye out.
Blade tossed and turned restlessly on the cot before throwing the blanket off and walking to the door, peeking out the crack left. She spotted Atticus and grinned, throwing open the door and almost tossing herself to the ground with the force of it before she fell onto Atticus' arm and grinned up at him. "I don't wanna go to bed and you can't make me!" she giggled before pulling him inside and falling back onto her bunk, pulling him down to sit in between her legs. "You're gonna keep me company!" she giggled as she wrapped her long legs around his waist so he couldn't get away from her, until she wanted him to, and started weaving his long hair carefully into a braid.
Atticus sighed and conceeded, allowing her to groom him without giving a fight. He'd been instructed to make sure she was safe aboard the ship, which meant he needed to have a good repor with her, this task would fall under that catagory. He crossed his arms, sitting still and staring across the room at the set of bunks against the far wall.
Koda stopped dead still, then looked down and raised a brow, "this is new," he said as he lifted the silk cloth dangling from his waist, "nice material though, good blend." He wandered over to the mirror against one of the walls of his and Psythe's cabin, then inpected himself closely before he turned to the side and frowned as he traced his hips, "why didn't anyone tell me my ass was so flat?" he complained. He narrowed his eyes, then walked away from the mirror and grabbed a cigarette from his table, "burn," he growled at it, then took a long drag and walked out of his cabin. He approached Clueless' after finding the door opened, then leaned in the doorway and watched Blade and Atticus, "you think I should shave my legs? I dunno, I just don't feel attractive anymore, Ats," he said as he turned a slow circle and tried the only veiled dance he'd seen performed in the Isadore desert, "whatta you think, needs a little more hip, doesn't it?"
Atticus rolled his eyes and shook his head with a gruff sigh. "Koda, is there ever a situation that you DON'T take light of?" He asked dryly, then sighed again and looked down at the floor to avoid Koda's nausiating display.
"Hold still I'm almost done!" Blade giggled as she finished one last twist and admired her handy work. She leaned forward and gave Atticus a kiss on the cheek before unwrapping her legs and hopping up to stand on the bed. "I think he looks rather pretty!" Blade giggled before hopping off the bed to join Koda. She lifted her arms and swung her hips back and forth in a provacative manner and then looked up at Koda. "Whaddaya think? Do I need more hip too?" Blade grinned and ducked past him, out the door before anyone could stop her. She turned around and grinned mischeivously before ducking into the nearest cabin and hiding behind the open door.
Psythe stomped down the stairs ignoring several cat calls and offers of marriage. He stopped and glared at Koda, then smacked him upside the head, "will you stop enjoying this humiliation," he told him sternly, then walked into their cabin and pulled off the upper portion of the outfit. He tossed it a side, then dropped the lower half, swingling the door closed to cut off Koda's commentary. He grumbled as he pulled open the chest at the foot of his bunk, then pulled out a pair of black trousers and stepped into them, fastening them before he stopped, finally settleing down enough to feel a presense in the room with him.
Blade stared with wide, curious eyes for a long moment, as she watched Psythe change his clothing, before shaking off the surprise of this new and intriguing discovery and grinned devilishly. Before he could turn around she leapt onto a nearby table and vaulted onto his back, wrapping both arms and legs around him and clinging to him with all of the strength she could muster.
Psythe screamed in surprise and spun around, growling in personal disgust at his idiocy when whatever'd leapt onto him simply swung around as well. His first thought had been Koda, but the door was still closed, so he turned his attention to the well displayed legs now encompasing his waist. They were smooth, too smooth to belong to a man, so his only other suspect was his new pupil. A quick glance over his should proved him right and he sighed before grimmacing at her putrid odor. "Rum," he sighed, then shook his head and conceeded to being clung too. "I'm going to lie down, so unless you release me and go back to your own cabin, you'll be lying down with me," he told her as he turned and sat down on his bunk.
"Don't be so sour," Blade giggled. "No one wants to have any fun around here." She peeked over his shoulder and frowned at his unsmiling face. "Do I really smell that bad? Mmm then I'll burn it off!" Blade grinned as she squeezed her eyes shut and bit her bottom lip as the ebony flames engulfed her and purified her body. They faded away and left her hair floating gently around her. "Do I smell better now? Did ya know you can clean with flames as well as water? When anyhow, I'm not letting go so you might as well forget it!"
Psythe took a deep breath, then sighed and shrugged his shoulder, "Okay, if that's how you want it," he said as he layed down, then turned onto his side and pulled his blanket over him. He needed some sleep, today had not been a nice day, and the sudden assault upon his fashion sense had been his last straw, "goodnight," he told Blade as he snuggled into his blanket and closed his eyes, forcing sleep upon himself.
Blade pouted at his total ignoring of her and tried to wiggle out from under him but he was much too heavy for her tired and liquor poisoned body, realizing too late her mistake of not letting go of him. She sighed, only succeeding in pulling him back onto his back and further on top of her. After a few more attempts she gave in to her fate, draping her free leg over his hip and wrapping her arm over his chest and cuddling her head onto his chest. If she was gonna be stuck here she might as well be comfortable. Blade yawned, and let her eyes drift closed, losing herself to a deep sleep.
Psythe opened an eye, then grinned and chuckled softly before he settled in, taking some of his weight off of her so she'd be a little more comfortable. He knew he was subject to Nox's wrath when he found her, but it was the last thing on his mind right now. Her warm body against his felt good and he actually rather enjoyed it.
Clueless stepped onto the deck and looked around, obviously he wasn't the only one suffering from a severe fashion deficiency. He sighed and wandered back down to his cabin, then entered and raised a brow at Atticus, ignoring Koda completely, "I suppose it wouldn't be too much to assume you had something to do with this?" he said calmly as he opened his trunk and pulled out a clean set of clothes, "so who was it? Which one'a them rummies made a wish," he added with a wink.
Atticus looked at him, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Yes, someone made a wish, and I'm not telling you who it was." He answered dryly, then got to his feet and walked outside, smacking Koda on his way by. "Will you stop being neurotic and go change, you're being an idiot." He told him.
Koda grinned and then hopped onto Atticus' back, giving him a kiss on the cheek before he hopped back off and slipped into his room to avoid a retalliation. He raised a brow as he saw Psythe and Blade in bed, then grinned maliciously and threw open his trunk for a set of clothes.
Ruede opened his eyes and yawned, then stood up and shook before he noticed a strange attire clinging to his fur, "this is rather unique," he said as he looked at Nox, then slapped him with his paw after seeing the same outfit on him, "it's rude to dress in the same attire as another, I demand you go change," he told the man insistantly, then panted happily and flopped back down to continue his nap.
Nox looked at the dog for a moment in befuddlement, then looked down and called out in surprise at his attire. His cheeks flushed a brilliant crimson and he looked around quickly before he rose to his feet, sobering upon the shock of his nearly naked body. "I don't have any other clothes here," he whispered to Ruede calmly, then looked around again, "...those were all I had-I'm doomed!" he grabbed the top of a water barrel to use a shield, then hid as much of himself behind it as he could before he began to slink toward the stairs leading down. He descended them backwards, then turned and ran into Atticus, calling out in shock before falling against the nearest wall, "oh, I wish I had MY clothes back on, this is utterly humiliating!"
Atticus glared at him as his body began to glow. "Granted." He growled and then smacked Nox upside the head. Upon contact, the light from his body flowed into Nox and swept around him, removing the skant gown and replacing it with his own set of clothing. "There, are you happy now, Nox? And don't ever say that word again!" That said he ascended the stairs and glared at each man peeking over barrels and boxes at him. "Don't even think about it." He growled at them, then headed for the captain's cabin and entered.

Blade sat in her grandfather's favorite chair staring into the fireplace. Emerald eyes rimmed with red from crying, saddened by the loss of her only family, a young girl with no one to care about. An emptiness settled into her as she gripped one of the mystical daggers tightly in her white knuckled fists. She leaned forward and tentavly reached a hand into the fire, staring as the flames licked her fingers in a heated caress. She closed her eyes and felt the surge of warmth spread through her, filling her with the fires of fury. She would triumph over these obstacles, over this emptiness, she would not be weak. She would not be just a woman...
Blade gripped Psythe tighter, her fingernails gently scraping over his skin. A small whimper escaped her and a tear slipped down a pale cheek. She slowly opened her emerald eyes gazing blankly at Koda for a moment before squeezing her eyes shut and pressing into Psythe with a fevered desperation of one so alone inside.
Nox headed for his cabin, glancing into Psythe and Koda's before his eyes widened and he called out in surprise, "Princess!" he yelled as he entered the room, throwing an accusing glare at Koda who stood with only his trousers on. He threw off Psythe's blanket, then pulled him off the cot and gathered Blade in his arms before he hurried her across the hall to their cabin. He laid her down on her bunk, then threw a blanket around her and wrapped her up in it before dropping to his knees before her, "oh! I'm so ashamed, my princess!" he wailed in apology, "I should have been at your side! Forgive me!"
Blade shivered, the warmth she seemed engulfed in now gone as she peeked open her eyes, recognizing Nox despite the blurred vision. "What are you grumbling about now?" Blade muttered sleepily as she put the palm of her hand on his forhead and giving him a slight push. "Quit your babbling and let me sleep." Blade flipped over onto her other side and wiped away the tear that had escaped her eyes. What was it that I was feeling? What...? I'm so confused. Blade sighed softly and stared at the wall, sleep eluding her as the drunkeness wore off completely.

Sahdena sighed softly and curled onto her side, shivering as a slight breeze flowed over her skin. Even in her sleep she sensed that something was wrong and her instinctive response was to turn ghost which gave her the added benefit of no longer feeling the chill of the air. Even before she had fully awakened, she sent out her thoughts to feel for those within the palace, seeking her family and servants. When she caught her mistake, she immediately threw up her guard once again, checking her mental voice before Kieran managed to locate her.
She came awake with a start, her eyes wide and her breath locked in her throat as she froze both in mind and body, waiting to see if her carelessness had been noticed. When no one called to her or teleported to her side, she allowed a relieved sigh to escape her lips and then she moaned as a sharp pain laced through her skull. "Oh."
The moan turned into a whimper as she raised her hand to her temple. She had felt nothing like this since the day she had first received Mirage's kiss when her father began helping her to build an immunity to poisons. She had been ill for days after the cobra bite, but after that first sickness, each following dose had less and less effect until it had gotten to the point that not even the red scorpion of the sands posed any concern to her. Of course this was worse...she felt as if she had fallen into a nest of them...a large nest. She whimpered again and then cringed as another wave of pain throbbed behind her temples. Maybe she had been poisoned somehow and the thought made her begin to concentrate on speeding her metabolism in order to clear the poison from her blood.
She completely ignored the people she phased through as she drifted towards the back of the ship, needing someplace quiet to recover and concentrate on her task. Her ghostly figure still sparkling from the lengths of gold chains and gemstones looping about the veils of white silk but she felt too weak to even think about finding her own clothing. She sank to the deck against the railing and was immediately struck with concern for her friend.
"Blade..." She whispered her name and began searching for the other woman's mind, relaxing somewhat once she found her but concerned over the other minds she had brushed. From what she could sense, what had occurred was hardly commonplace and she knew she would have to apologize to the captain. She had conjured the whiskey instead of the fruit juice she had wanted and everything had seemed to spiral from there...she'd be lucky if he didn't just throw her off of the ship for causing so much trouble.
The thought was incredibly depressing and Sahdena turned her head enough to stare through the railings fighting against the cursed sting of tears, watching the play of the waves and knowing the lifeforms that existed beneath them. She had always thought the golden sands of the desert to be a bewitching sight. She loved to watch as the wind sculpted the dunes and the heat formed glimmering mirages, but the sea easily surpassed it in raw beauty. It was so primal and free...free in a way she would never be able to fully understand...or experience.
For the first time, she began to feel a true longing for the kind of life she knew she could never have. The past few days, with the sheer newness of the world around her and all the experiences it had to offer, had been nearly magical for her...and it would all be crashing to a halt so very soon. Even if she wished it otherwise...her place was in Vastitas with her father and her people. It was her duty.
She sighed again as another breeze touched her cheek, cold against the lone tear that had escaped her eyes, feeling a wash of shame. She was a woman now and still her thoughts and desires remained childish...her people and her bloodline must come before her own petty dreams otherwise she would never be the kind of ruler she wished to be. Still she couldn't resist the small plea that rose from the depths of her soul. "Please...just a little longer...then I will return and never allow myself to regret...just give me this time for my own life...and forgive my selfishness..." Finally, finding it nearly painful to watch the ocean, she closed her eyes again and rested her head against the rails as her body continued to recover.
Blade sat up and rubbed her eyes, wondering if she had drifted off for a few minuites. What had happened? She closed her eyes, rubbing her temples with her fingers before her eyes suddenly widened and she leapt from the bed. "Oh my god, what did I do?!" Blade yelped in surprise. She quickly threw open the door and bolted outside, running up the stairs, heedless of her attire. She was completely mortified at her actions, the mess she had caused. She reached the deck and gazed around in shock at the mass of crew members passed out on the wooden planks, all dressed in the same clothing as she. Her gaze drifted towards Bantam and she walked towards him, her face flushing crimson as she approached. "Bantam I wish to appologize, I uh..." Blade pressed her bag of coins into the sea captains hand. "That should compensate for the damage I've done." She looked at him the rushed away, moving up the stairs to sit on the stool she always left by the maps, her mind wondering, drifting into lost thought.
Syn climbed up onto the ship, her eyes traveling over the surroundings before finally resting on Bantam. "I'm looking for my brother, goes by the name Psythie... um I mean Psythe," she told him, clasping her hands in front of her hopefully. "Is he still here?"
Jasmine poked her head out the door and she quickly bounded away from the stairs to hug her father's leg. "Daddy I got funny clothes on!" Jasmine whined. "I woke up in em, where are my real clothes? I don't like these!" She squeezed his leg tighter as she gazed up at him with a pout on her lips and her eyes caught sight of the girl he was speaking to. She stepped around until she was behind Bantam and peered up at the girl from behind him, embarrassed at the strange clothes she was wearing. "If you're lookin for Psythe, he's my daddy's navigator not yours so go away!"
Bantam looked down at her Jasmine with a smile, then tossled her hair and looked at Atticus, "do it," he told him dryly, then watched the marksman's body glow before he touched Jasmine lightly and her normal attire replaced what she'd been wearing. He lifted her up and held her at his side, looking to Syn calmly, "Psythe is here," he answered, "may I ask exactly who you are and what you want with him?"
Syn looked at Bantam and sighed softly as she quickly gripped Vyce's hand. "My name is Syn, Syn Sunastain," she told him. "And this is my twin brother Vyce. Psythe is our brother, we had an err.. accident and we need his help." She gave Vyce a glance then looked at Bantam's skeptical look and decided that she had to explain what had happened for him to believe her. "Well sir, I was arguing with another girl on board with us and well our magic collided, a psychic and a demon, the com-ination doesn't work out too well. I uh.. was 6 years old and now I'm 17. I need to ask Psythie if he can fix it, I want to be my real age again. So Vyce won't be alone."
Blade heard Psythe's name and perked up. She glanced at Nox then stood up, approaching the railing before peering over the side at the new comer. She listened to her story, intrigued for the moment before deciding to go investigate further. She walked down the steps and grimaced at the silks dragging along behind her before stopping at the foot of the stairs and gazing at Atticus, her cheeks turning crimson at the memory of... "Atticus.." she said quietly, trying not to draw alot of attention to herself. "Do you think you could maybe...?" Blade crossed her arms over her chest and bit her bottom lip, fighting the urge to cry at the discomfort she felt in the skimpy attire.
Atticus sighed and waved his hand, reaching out as he started to glow softly. He pressed his palm against Blade's sternum, then grinned as the magic faded into her body, reclothing her in her usual attire. He pulled his hand back and turned, then sighed and took his place at Bantam's side, keeping a close eye on the goings on around them.
Sahdena frowned softly as she watched Blade leave and then she turned her full attention back to the man who was obviously the captain of the ship. It had taken longer than she had thought necessary for her body to recover and now Blade had taken on the responsibility for something that was not her fault. Sahdena's eyes clouded with worry as she wondered how the man would react. He hadn't seemed overly angered...but then again, he could just be waiting for his visitors to depart before punishing Blade in some fashion. Then there was Syn...
Of all the times for that despicable girl to rear her bratty head...I know there are wards humans may cast offering protection against demons...perhaps a demon can cast a ward against a human? The thought brought a small smile to her lips even as she debated her course of action. She couldn't allow Blade to take the blame for this little disaster, it was utterly unthinkable to say nothing of being dishonorable...but she really had no idea as to how to deal with this situation.
I don't know what else to do... She frowned and thought of her proper clothing, since the dancing costume seemed to have somehow played a part of the chaos. A thought channeled towards her proper clothing and the dancer's garb shimmered until the simple gown of white linen replaced it. She absently adjusted the scooped neckline and another thought touched upon the sapphire blue veil, leaving the gossamer fabric draped about her hair to tumble over her shoulders in graceful folds. ...but I hope this is enough... She walked towards the captain, looking far calmer than she actually felt and making sure to politely ignore Syn.
Then it dawned on her that she had no idea how to address him since she had never encountered a situation such as this in her training. Lesser nobility, diplomats, dignitaries, commoners...there was a proper etiquette for conversing with each...but a sea captain? With a small mental shrug, Sahdena decided to address him as she would have a foreign dignitary of questionable rank. "Forgive my rudeness, lord, but I feel there has been a regrettable misunderstanding. I cannot allow another to take blame for my mistakes...the lady Blade had nothing to do with the recent excitement. I am solely responsible."
Sahdena closed her eyes and her thoughts touched upon the small ivory coffer within her own chamber. The jewel was her birth gift from her mother, a fire ruby claimed by Vashna's demonic powers from its fiery abode deep within the earth. "Please accept this with my most sincere apologies." The words fell from her lips and the ruby, easily the size of her fisted hand, hovered before the captain. She didn't know its true worth but hopefully it would be enough to smooth over any anger he might feel or any damages to his ship. "If it is not enough then I will find some way to repay the damages..."