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23:25, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 4 - The Keys.

Posted by Jackson KnightFor group 0
Jane Lewin
player, 159 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #69

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jane made eye contact with Marina for a second, and turned back to the dishes. Strangely, she got the feeling that she would like that woman. Pretentious? Sure. But something seemed nice about her. Jane dried her hands on her apron and tried to hide a smile at all of the 'darlings' and 'my dears'. At least the Captain was feeling better.
Jackson Knight
GM, 207 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 05:03
  • msg #70

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"No, indeed." Jackson mused, eyeing Marina over a spoonful of gruel. Was that why she had stayed? A bit more time spent on a boat? That made Jackson feel a little better about it; he was pretty sure she wasn't staying based on his sickly charms. But perhaps The Queen of the Eastern Skies had heard a few interesting rumors, here and there. Maybe about the silly little trinkets the Patrol seemed so interested in finding. Yes... maybe he would ask Marina to stay on for a little bit if she tried to tear herself away from the Cloudcutter later. But if she wouldn't stay, it didn't hurt to have one more friend in Undertown.
Marina Alvarez
player, 38 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 19:33
  • msg #71

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Marina smiled fondly over her porridge. Life on a boat was always simple: the food, the skies. And most of all, the people.
"So if Brax is your cook, who is your quartermaster?" Marina took a bite, then raised her voice a little, "If he is as handsome, I may have to smuggle myself on board when you leave."
Jackson Knight
GM, 208 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Thu 30 Apr 2020
at 03:51
  • msg #72

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Pressing his lips together into a tight, suppressed smile, Jackson succeeded in not laughing out loud as he glanced at Brax. He was greatly amused as he watch the older man's ears turn slowly pink as he worked at the counter with his back turned, pretending not to have heard.

"Ha! My quartermaster is as much man as Brax and myself combined! I'll introduce you." Turning his gaze back to his breakfast, Jackson considered his next question carefully. Jane had made huge waves when she had come on board, and she was a shy, pretty as a flower petal slip of a girl. He knew the iron in her, but to all appearances it looked like a stiff breeze would knock her over. She looked younger than she was, and all of his crew were fiercely protective of her. She may have lost her brother by blood, but she had a whole ship full of brothers now. Her place was here. He knew for a fact some of them hoped for a bit more than brotherly love from Jane, but he knew it would be some time before she could open her heart like that.

Now, Marina... she was an entirely different creature. She didn't seem to have a place. Charming and blithe, self-assured and confident, she looked not where she stepped, knowing without a doubt that her foot would fall on something solid eventually. That was not just the confidence of the arrogant or disillusioned; it was confidence born of experience and mistakes made and learned from. He could sense the depth she struggled to hide behind innuendo and and a low-cut blouse. The loss of a ship was one thing; he wondered what else had been taken from her.

He knew his crew would accept his decision, as they had when he had taken on Mordecai and Jane. And just as then, he knew a new crew member would be welcomed and a place made for them. He just wasn't sure if this place was the place Marina needed.

Hang it. He would never know unless he asked the question.

"Why become a stow-away, my dear," he began lightly. "When you could just join up?" He lifted his gaze to meet her dark eyes evenly, so that she would know he was serious. But then he quirked a little grin, so that she would know he wouldn't be hurt if she decided to play it off like a joke and gracefully decline.
Jane Lewin
player, 160 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Thu 30 Apr 2020
at 15:15
  • msg #73

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jane stole a side glance at Brax when the Captain asked Marina to stay, and saw the mans eyebrows rise the barest fraction. She hid a smile herself and started returning bowls and spoons to their respective cabinets and drawers. Brax kept a tidy galley.

She waited for the woman's response, wondering how she would feel if she said yes, or no. It would be interesting to have another woman on board, even though they seemed as different as night and day. If she said no... things would continue on she supposed. The search would continue.
Marina Alvarez
player, 39 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Thu 30 Apr 2020
at 20:25
  • msg #74

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Marina was at a little loss for words. Just like that? And Jackson was serious too. All she could think of was the intense process of recruitment for her vessel: interviews and showing of skills or ability to learn such skills. That took anywhere from hours to days.

Marina was picky like that.

And here this captain was, asking her if she wanted to stay, knowing her only by reputation and a single night.
"Well," she began slowly, the wheels turning, "I've done every job you can think of on a ship, but I imagine you have a full crew." Marina fingered her talisman as she thought, returning her eyes back to Jackson's. "Unless you don't have a coxswain?"
Marina didn't want to seem too eager, but even the slightest thought of being out in the sky... And being that much closer to her goals, it was almost too much for her to disguise. Almost.
Jackson Knight
GM, 209 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Sat 2 May 2020
at 01:49
  • msg #75

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Played the game well, this one... but she couldn't think that this was going to be that easy. Jackson grinned widely and leaned back. "That position remains unfilled... but whether you can earn it or not remains to be seen."
Marina Alvarez
player, 41 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Mon 4 May 2020
at 19:52
  • msg #76

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Marina pursed her lips and nodded slowly, failing at concealing a smile of her own, "My performance last night wasn't enough to convince you, huh?"
Jackson Knight
GM, 210 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Wed 6 May 2020
at 03:41
  • msg #77

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jackson's grin brightened with genuine fondness. "It earned you an invitation, didn't it?" Pleased, he leaned forward and continued his breakfast.
Marina Alvarez
player, 42 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Wed 6 May 2020
at 20:56
  • msg #78

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"That's fair, I suppose," Marina chuckled, resuming her meal also. As she ate, Marina studied Jane. She worked hard, probably hard enough so that she doesn't have energy or time to pause. To think. Even to feel.
Poor kitten, she thought. Marina had never lost a blood relative she cared for, but blood doesn't always equal family. Though, Marina imagined losing someone so close stung more.
Jane Lewin
player, 161 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Mon 11 May 2020
at 19:48
  • msg #79

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Brax set Jane to prepping the vegetables that would go into the hearty stew that he planned on serving the crew for lunch. She hauled the sack of potatoes to a table in the galley to peel them. As she sat with her knife and bowl, she looked over at Jackson and Marina, figuring that if she was going to stay, there was no point in being stealthy with their study of each other. So, she offered a smile before grabbing a potato and beginning to skin them. Who knew how long they might tease each other this way? A thought popped into her head, and before she could think on the appropriateness of it, she said quietly, "Well.. you filled at least one of her positions last night Captain. Seems only fair to return the favor." her cheeks burned, but she kept her eyes on her work with a small smile.
Jackson Knight
GM, 211 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Tue 12 May 2020
at 00:50
  • msg #80

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jackson paused with his spoon still in his mouth, looking askance at Jane. His shock was comical, but he got over it quickly, swallowing his mouthful to laugh.
Marina Alvarez
player, 43 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Tue 12 May 2020
at 18:34
  • msg #81

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"Oh, kitten has a tongue!" Marina laughed and ran her finger along the bottom of her bowl, scooping out the little remains, "You turn the sweetest shade of pink." She turned to Jackson and licked her finger clean, "I see now why you keep her in the galley."
Jane Lewin
player, 162 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Tue 12 May 2020
at 22:42
  • msg #82

Chapter 4 - The Keys

   Jane felt her face getting even warmer and laughed it off, keeping her eyes on the work before her. It'd probably be best if she kept her thoughts to herself for the rest of this conversation. She fell easily into her rhythm of peeling and setting the finished potatoes in their own large bowl.
Jackson Knight
GM, 212 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Thu 21 May 2020
at 02:53
  • msg #83

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Captain Jackson's laugh degenerated into a hacking cough, his whole body shuddering with it. He cleared his throat afterward with a grimace, turning back to his breakfast. He was determined to finish it, even now that his throat hurt and his appetite had taken a minor beating. "Our relationship will no doubt engender many such observations," he said hoarsely, raising a bite to his lips. The slight tremble in his hands could be seen in the end of the spoon. "But we'll just have to rise above them." He grinned winningly.
Marina Alvarez
player, 44 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Thu 21 May 2020
at 21:14
  • msg #84

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"No doubt," Marina agreed. Jane was a quick one. Shy, but quick. Getting along seemed easier than Marina had thought before. A small fantasy of taking the girl under her wing flashed through her mind, but she looked to take care of herself just fine.
"Do you need some water, darling?"
Jackson Knight
GM, 213 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Fri 22 May 2020
at 23:39
  • msg #85

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jackson nodded gratefully, getting down to the last few bites of breakfast. "Today I need to visit a doctor in town. One of my crew members was injured recently... I'm going to go see about his recovery, and how long we'll be needing to remain here. You acquaint yourself with the ship, Marina. I should be back before midday."
Marina Alvarez
player, 45 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Mon 1 Jun 2020
at 18:41
  • msg #86

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"Quite the day you have ahead of you," Marina scooted off the bench and picked up her bowl, "Who do you suggest I speak to first to show me the ropes?" Winking at Jackson, she sauntered deeper into the galley, smiling at Jane as she passed. Brax gave her a nod as she dipped her bowl into the remaining soapy water.
Jackson Knight
GM, 214 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Tue 4 May 2021
at 07:10
  • msg #87

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jackson pretended to think about it as he casually set his bowl down beside Marina's elbow for her to wash, then tried to slink away without appearing to slink away.

"Jane," he said brightly as he reached the stairs, "I see you're busy with those potatoes, but why don't you and Marina go find Raff and give our prospective hire the grand tour." He stopped two steps up and leaned down for a parting remark. "The perspectives of our newest crew member and my oldest friend and quartermaster will help you make an informed decision, my dear Marina. Adieu." And he was gone, the light in the galley seeming to fade a little as his mischievous smile lifted from sight.
Jane Lewin
player, 163 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Mon 10 May 2021
at 22:10
  • msg #88

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Jane looked over to Brax for a quick nod of approval before putting down her knife and brushing her hands over her apron, "We should find Raff up on the quarterdeck." she said, moving away from the benches and towards the steps out of the galley, "If not, someone should be able to point us in the right direction." she smiled at Marina, and shrugged, "I'm still a bit new to how things work, but I'll answer what questions I can."
Marina Alvarez
player, 46 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 19:46
  • msg #89

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Marina finished rinsing both hers and the captain’s bowls before following Jane above deck. “Never underestimate your own input and opinion, my dear,” She smiled at the young woman, a secret grin showing no teeth, “Lest others do the same.”

The wind kicked her hair back and ruffled her billowing sleeves. Rank smell wafted above in the air from Undertown. Marina smiled at her surroundings, examining the boat with a critical eye. She was finely built, and seeing the ship the night before did her no justice in the daylight. The Cloudcutter’s crew pranced to and fro, calling to each other as they maintained the ship and did their morning duties. The bannisters were worn smooth from use, and the familiar squawk and cry of the gulls renewed Marina’s earlier heartache. The Siren’s Call had been a light and fast ship, similar to the vessel’s first and last captain.
The pirate noticed that the majority of Jackson’s crew were young men, bright-eyed and eager. Excited to do their work, with the undertone of the recent loss of life and an injured comrade. Such is the nature of the lightning business, Marina mused, a flashy living until the thunder arrives. Marina took a deep breath, allowing the atmosphere to soak in.
Jackson Knight
GM, 216 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 21:36
  • msg #90

Chapter 4 - The Keys

As Jane led Marina up out of the galley, there was a hiccup in most of the work as the crew paused to look. A few scrambled over the flight rock, mending breaks in its net. They were sweating with the heat of the lamps required to keep the stone low in the dock, and stole glances away from their work. Many were combing the sails for damage, marking it with red chalk. Alex and his gunners were helping with this, sitting against the rail with billows of canvas in their laps and fingers dusted red. The master gunner had paused in his work, looking up to regard Marina with the same stony expression he had worn the night before.

There were two piles of pulleys growing beside the door to the Captain's quarters. One was for gear that could be mended, the other for ones broken beyond repair. Wesley had his clipboard in hand and Beau was helping him count. From the scowl on the short man's face, it appeared he was having to replace more than he cared to.

The rest of the crew was either cleaning or salvaging and mending ropes. There was one crewmember who didn't appear to be doing anything, turning a short length of frayed rope over and over in his hands. He sat next to the others with ropes, a confused look on his face.

Raff's heavy footsteps started clunking down from the pilot's nest; the tall Quartermaster appeared on the stairs right of the Captain's door, cradling two bent levers in his massive arms. He got to the bottom of the stairs, noticed Marina and Jane, and stopped in his tracks. His dark blue eyes widened a bit in surprise, black eyebrows climbing.
Jane Lewin
player, 164 posts
I'm not the same
person I was yesterday.
Wed 23 Jun 2021
at 03:50
  • msg #91

Chapter 4 - The Keys

When they reached Raff, Jane stopped and gestured to Marina, "Captain wanted us to show Marina around. Give her an idea of the ship, see if she wants to join on." she shrugged and slipped her hands into the pockets of her apron. A wave of grief washed over her suddenly, closing a tight fist around her throat. She worked hard to swallow past it, and blinked forcefully, hoping no one noticed. Normally, the grief only overwhelmed her when she was alone. A flash of panic at the loss of emotional control in front of the crew jolted through her, and she rocked back on her heels to try and seem relaxed, "If it's a good time."
Marina Alvarez
player, 47 posts
I like big boats,
and I cannot lie.
Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 18:40
  • msg #92

Chapter 4 - The Keys

Marina studied the quartermaster. His stony face was complimented by his body, and he commanded respect with just his silhouette. While he wasn't particularly handsome, his bearing was awfully attractive. Marina found herself agreeing with Jackson's earlier statement: he was, indeed, twice the man of anyone she had met.
Jackson Knight
GM, 217 posts
All I want is a little of
the good life...
Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 01:46
  • msg #93

Chapter 4 - The Keys

"Join on?" Raff asked in his bass rumble. He regarded Marina again, frowning, then gave a little shrug like he was shaking something off. "Hm. Just a moment." He stepped to the side and added the bent levers to the pile Wes was accounting, then turned and wordlessly gestured for them to follow him.

He led them first to Jane's room. "Wes won't be happy about sacrificing more storage," Raff said as he opened the door. "But we've put up Jane in here. We sometimes used it as a brig. We'd move a few more barrels and you'd set up a cot or hang a hammock here..." he trailed off, regarding her again, clearly puzzling out how he should address her. "... miss."

He glanced at the doorway that was at the end of the narrow hall that ran beside the galley, the door to the even smaller room that was used as an armory. The room where Mordecai's body lay. He glanced back at Jane, then passed it by and went on with the 'tour' to the other side of the galley where the rest of the crew bunked.
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