Fantasy Rifts [IC][Closed]

[Chaos Gallant]

“Smuggling…?” The mention of illicit dealings made Terrence's eyebrow raise. ‘Sounds like fun…’ He thought, but made no mention of it. Instead, he made his way unhurriedly aboard their ship.

Unexpectedly, the quaint vessel was trim, tidy, and in right order, at least from what the orc could determine. He figured it was fair to compare to the ships the Family Halforth held in contract even if when compared they weren't nearly the same size. It was enough for Terrence to momentarily forget the negativity he'd been saving up towards the ship’s captain.

Terrence listened to the talk of seasickness while his eyes had finished inspecting their ride across the sea. “You speak too much of it. We will end up jinxed.” He stated simply to the rest of the party. The orc wasn't too worried about it, though he'd never been on such a small vessel or for such a journey as long as theirs.

 

[Vexumin]

Much like the Sobekon, Reece was of a mind to check below deck at what furnishings were available. He followed behind Edoardo, eager to see what was available as well, but admittedly was not surprised by the cramped condition of the space. One could only have so much on a ship of this size, no matter how well tended to it was. It seemed there were at least a few hammocks available for them all, but Reece didn't go to claim one for himself. Despite his almost delicate appearance, he was no stranger to sleeping in rough conditions. In fact, he was more drawn to a corner over a hanging bit of bedding.

Among what supplies there were, it didn't take him long to find a coiled pile of thick rope, pushing it into an unobtrusive spot and then falling into the tough fibers. It was large enough to hold him, making it at least moderately comfortable, if you enjoyed sleeping on a rough, lumpy cushion. Reece didn't care though. It was stable, avoiding the excessive sway of a hammock. Most notably though, he seemed to be avoiding taking any spots should there not be enough for others.

He stretches in the coil of rope, raising his legs and almost balling up, taking as little space as possible. Although it looked uncomfortable, he was surprisingly on the verge of sleep. For the time being, he just sat there, half-lidded, looking around the inside of the ship.

"I'm glad the ship is nice. Clean. I had my worries, I admit."

 

[Beann]

Following along with the rest of the group, Aelestra had claimed a hammock for herself, plopping herself down to sit while her legs remained outside of it to sway herself back and forth. She looked between Edoardo and Fraskia as they spoke of seasickness and what to do. The silent monk had not traveled across the ocean before so she was not sure what to expect but she hoped the voyage would go by quickly. It didn’t sit well with her that they would be making a stop given the Guardian’s directive but who were they to argue against the captain of the ship? Her eyes switched over to Terrence for a moment and then to Reece who had taken what seemed like an uncomfortable spot in the corner. She could only nod in agreement to his statement, her bare feet gently tapping at the wooden boards underneath.

 

[demytra]

Arnas chuckled along to the jokes of Edoardo and Terrence as he settled in further. "Scav fish?" Arnas mused aloud following Fraskia's advice, scratching his chin, "Heard tales about them, never seen them myself. Reckon it'll be the first time I see anything on the ocean, if I'll be honest. Most shipfaring I've done is the river-ways leading from home. Great barges of the riverfolk, like Gerwin here, travel up and down the estuaries and streams of Ergos. Travelled on one when I first left Amber Crest, and man it was something." Arnas chuckled as he recalled a good memory, shaking his head with a grin while he sorted his equipment away nearby. "Fed me all sorts of fish and seafoods, and whatever else they were carrying aboard. That night, I ate like a king I tell you what!"

"Aye?" Gerwin cut in, having prepped above deck and was now prepping everything below. "Me kin be good ta travelers, fer we know all 'bout it." The Utterlin pattered over to a nearby collection of crates and fastened the rigging that secured them in place before nodding. "Yer dwarf fren be arrivin' too. He collect 'is companion."

The pattering of footsteps and hooves above deck signalled Ornam's arrival and his subsequent descent as he led along Boulder with the reins. The ram, already saddled with all the essentials for the pathfinder meant that he had everything he could need to carry out the job assigned to him. An impressive amount of satchels, cooking equipment, and other materials hung on the back and sides of the beast - which seemed wholly unbothered by the weight - as Ornam grunted: "Where ta put Boulder?" he asked of the Captain.

Gerwin looked at the beast for a moment, which chewed lazily on a bit of hay it had taken from the stables of the tavern, with a look of slight disgust before sighing. "Yer packbeast be at ta pen... 'ad it fer a transport of a cattle once. It be open now." He pointed to a small area at the furthest end of the level, which was a small pen that was two sides surrounded by the ship's frame and the remaining two having a basic wooden fence constructed to hold a beast inside. Small bales of hay lined the floor there to allow for the animal inside to sleep soundly, which Boulder appreciated with a soft baying as Ornam led him over and began to unload the materials off his back.

"There be 'ammocks that ar' free." Gerwin then commented to Reece as he made himself comfortable, surprised at the elf's insistence of refusing one.

"I'll gladly take the free space." Ornam commented aloud and he took down another satchel from his companion and set it aside.

Arnas would then approach Aelestra and smiled: "How's the hammock?" he asked, before signing with another word he learned recently. Uncomfortable?

Beann Vexumin Breadman Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera quietly boarded with the rest, her muted exhale of discomfort lost beneath the sounds of footsteps upon planks. She felt a distinct sense of wrongness about floors that rocked back and forth, no matter how gentle. The ground was supposed to be solid, after all. Unmoving and stable. Such reservations were why her fleeting experiences with boats prior to all this could be counted on one hand.

She swallowed that faint tension fluttering in her chest down as she followed the group below deck. Perhaps it was nerves or the salty air, but her throat felt all too dry. She decided then she needed a drink.

The confined space below deck wasn’t the worst place she had it rested in. It was surprisingly organized in fact, though the tighter space made her vaguely aware of every breath she took. Her gaze passed over the available hammocks, the idea of claiming one not crossing her mind. A swaying bed on a rolling ship instilled a sense of being bait dangling on the end of a hook. Instead, she placed her pack against a spot on where wall met floor and used it as a cushion that she sat against it. She stretched out her legs until the soles of her boots pressed against the nearby pillar, her seated position providing a sense of stability. Aye. Definitely need a drink.

Her gaze swept the room before settling on Gerwin. The Utterlin drank enough to pickle himself, and she was willing to bet he had something worth imbibing in tucked away.

"Oi, Captain," she called. "I'm not of mind to suffer the waves sober. Got any swill stashed away to ease the nerves?"

 

[Beann]

Shifting her weight onto her feet, she paused her swaying back and forth motion on the hammock when she noticed Arnas was approaching her. Aelestra blinked at his question and there was a slight twitch from the corners of her lips that indicated that she was pleased that he remembered a few of the words she had taught him. She shrugged in response, indifferent to the feeling currently but it was subject to change depending how she would sleep through the night. Her eyes shifted from him briefly, following Vera for a moment and noticing a subtle sense of unease. Seasick, perhaps? Aelestra didn’t linger too long on the concern before switching her attention back to Arnas. ‘Different.’ She signed before scooting herself to one side of the hammock — an invitation to sit beside her.

demytra

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Edoardo leaned onto the back of his arm, his other hand softly clenching the bandaged wound, its sting searing slightly. His eyes were gently shut, seeking the quiet respite of deep rest, his mind adrift in the thick, ochre marsh streaked with sunlight filtered through the verdant, loose vines and fluttering leaves of trees. A ripple echoed from his body sliding through the dark waters, passing by the fine-cut bushes — dominated by multitoned flowers, their petals glistening with the beads of water— that hemmed the stream down into the horizon. As smouldering sun's heat caught the grey scale of his craggy back, Edoardo felt the warmth and chill warring on his surface. In the second between a heart's tattoo, Edoardo wondered if this had been a memory or a conjuration of his exhaustion.

His fingers tightened around his neck, wicked claws pressing into the toughened flesh. The obstinate urges to linger scraped at the Sobekon, chary of the reality awaiting him, but he forced himself to stir against the somnolent spell that befouled him. Slowly, his eyes prised open, amber glint about them. In that moment, his tongue burned with the recollection of the seabrine as if it still flooded his throat — the bitter sting melding with a sudden metallic touch as though a blade weighed on his tongue. Edoardo rose up, pitched on his elbows on the firm wooden floor. "Water, please. Something is harrying my throat." He breathed, consternation lacing his breath like the mephitic stink rising from the sallow, sagging skin of a carcass, adding his request to Vera's appetence for alcohol.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

The orc’s gaze wandered across the others as they settled in below deck, some already claiming their spots. His attention then turned to Vera, whose gaze was locked onto Gerwin with the kind of intent that suggested she would not take ‘no’ for an answer when it came to acquiring a drink. Terrence smirked. “If the Captain here is feeling generous, I believe I will join you in this endeavor. If we are to be tossed about by the sea like sailors, it would be best to do so with spirits in our bellies like sailors, yes?” His words carried the light-hearted air of camaraderie, if not a bit of sarcasm. “Or is the only beverage you keep on board sea-brine?”

 

[Vexumin]

Reece had been on the verge of sleep, and was darn well passing into it after a moment. His dreams were not quite as varied as some. He usually returned to a single place. A single time. A dark room and a sickeningly sweet stench on the air. The day had been bright, but that was drowned out by the gloom of this place. However, despite how horrible this dream... memory might be, he would not consider it a nightmare. More of a reminder.

"There be 'ammocks that ar' free." Gerwin then commented to Reece as he made himself comfortable, surprised at the elf's insistence of refusing one.

And his eyes were open. Out of that room. He looked around for a moment and then stretched on the coil of thick rope before his eyes fall upon Gerwin. He shifts so that he was sitting on the coil. "Ah, perhaps. I was just making sure there was room enough for everyone. Even then, I fear the extra swaying will do me little good." He was certainly worried that swaying atop more swaying would have him wishing for death before too long. However, he offers Gerwin a smile. "If the journey is smooth, I'll happily claim one, thank you."

When the talk of drink came up, he nods his head. He did not enjoy drinking too much, but he wasn't opposed to a cup or two. Besides, it could be nice to do alongside new companions.

 

[Breadman]

"Getting drunk and sleeping in a hammock while on a rocking ship. Haven't eaten anything in a while, too." Fraskia commented as she slipped into her own spot. "Braver souls than me, I'll give you that."

 

[demytra]

"If the journey is smooth, I'll happily claim one, thank you."

The Utterlin looked at the cleric before him for a moment before letting out a soft scoff. "If ya wish ta get splinters, be me guest." he retorted sarcastically.

"Oi, Captain, I'm not of mind to suffer the waves sober. Got any swill stashed away to ease the nerves?"

"Water, please. Something is harrying my throat."

Gerwin audibly grumbled at Vera's request, seeing as his own love for the bottle had left him rather wary of sharing the liquor with those outside of his know. But, given the Sobekan's reasonable request, he figured he might as well acquiesce to the former and deliver her a bottle. As he pattered over towards another end of the ship to search for the proper equipment, he spoke aloud: "Heed yer frend, ta drink on ta waves be inviting a storm upon yer belly." the Captain said aloud as glass clinked and he spat on the floor. "But, if ye insist on ta bottle... I be 'avin some." Shortly thereafter, he returned in sight with a dark-coloured bottle and tossed it gently towards Vera. "It be Rum from ta Pearl Cove." he stated bluntly, before tossing another bottle to Terrence. "Nurse it well." he stated directly - albeit with a bit of apprehension for losing his drink - before turning attention to Edoardo.

He had also come carrying a large waterskin - made of thick hides that was well stitched together - and handed it over to the priest. "Plenty more fer ye if ya need. Some goes fer ye lot." Gerwin announced to everyone, "Water be no problem fer our travels."

"Actually, I'll 'ave a rum too." Ornam chimed in, wiping a few strands of hay off his hands as he had finished settling Boulder in.

"Vittu! Perkele! Am not a tavern!" Gerwin complained aloud, throwing his hands up in the air as he pattered off to collect another bottle from his precious stash. "Sisku te santanaa vie... ta guardian be oweing me fer giving all me liquor ta ye lot!"

Arnas in the meantime, seeing Aelestra's invitation, took her up on it as he sat himself on the free space available and allowed himself to lean back into it. Without the pressure of standing, he felt the release of relaxation start to creep up his spine as he let out a groan. "Still would have liked a nice bed, but this is good too." he commented to Aelestra with a smile, before allowing it to sway for a few moments. Silence passed between the two of them in that moment while the others went about their own business, until the young man broke the silence: "What do you think Argos is like?" he asked, musing on the idea that they would be stepping foot on such a mysterious continent soon enough.

Beann Breadman Chaos Gallant Oreo Cookie Vexumin Worthlessplebian

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Terrence caught the bottle of rum with ease, his grip firm as he turned it over in his hand, inspecting the label—or lack thereof. He glanced toward Vera, giving a small smirk as he uncorked the bottle with a quiet pop. He raised the bottle slightly, taking a swig. The rum burned, rich and warming as it slid down his throat, and he let out a slow exhale of approval. “Nothing as good as Dandolio has to offer, but it is certainly better than the sea brine.” The orc turned his gaze towards Vera, “To full purses, steady hands, and blades that never dull." He said, raising the bottle towards her for a toast.

Oreo Cookie

 

[Beann]

Aelestra nodded in agreement, an actual bed would have been a much better arrangement, especially for those who were more susceptible to seasickness. However, she figured it couldn't be helped given the size of the boat. When silence fell over the two, she simply rocked the hammock back and forth with her feet. Pushing them backwards with her heels and then pulling them forwards with her toes. The swaying motion felt more relaxing than the movement of the ocean itself.

Hearing his question, she turned her head to look at him for a moment, trying to recall all she's heard of Argos and how she could describe it with the minimal words she taught him so far. There was a slight twinge in her eyebrows as she continued to think until she finally brought her hands up to sign a single word: ‘Untamed.’

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Edoardo took the leather-wrought container into his hand, wicked claws gently prodding against the tanned hide's surface. Amber eyes surveyed the workmanship of the waterskin, thumb easing down the the length of a twine woven into the leather. He took the container around the neck, undoing the stopple. He threw a glance towards Terrence as his voice echoed the sea brine they acquired as part of the ship master's requirement of assistance. Edoardo felt his back prickle at the thought of the Gods-forsaken drink. His hand went up, the bulbous pouch of the waterskin swaying as Edoardo joined the merchant and sellsword's celebration. "To fortune of the spirit, honed weapons, keener minds, and the Gods' favour." Edoardo added, voice a soft whisper before drinking from the waterskin's lip. The crystal chill of the water doused the dried bitterness in his throat, quenching the iron-tipped fury of reminiscences.

"Better." He mouthed, white teeth glinting. "It seems thoughts of my home have rooted themselves quite firmly in my mind this eve. At the abbey, we used to donate the excess of our vegetable oils in receptacles such as this," Edoardo said, gesturing to the waterskin, "to the supplicants. It had been one of the first tasks during my tutelage."

 

[Vexumin]

Reece considers the Utterlin's words for a moment before nodding. He certainly felt a considerable amount of prickling from the rough rope he considered resting on. It's not like he particularly minded it, having slept in all manner of uncomfortable conditions, but if the option was there to rest somewhere a bit more comfortable then he'd take it. He just wanted to consider his companions in the end.

Things were starting to calm, folk were taking their moments to drink or to rest. Reece looked around a bit more, scanning faces and expressions. Not like he was searching for anything in particular. It's just that he doesn't know these folk that well. Something he would love to change, but that certainly doesn't happen over night. For the time being, he sits upon one of the hammocks, leaning into it a bit and gently kicking a leg back and forth, making him swing to-and-fro.

As he sat there, he would listen to the conversations, listen to the soft sounds of the ship on the water. Though he is tired, he was nonetheless excited. He hasn't done too much sailing in his time. It'll be another experience for him. One more to add between him and what he dreads. He shakes his head a bit to banish those sudden thoughts. Best not to dwell on such unpleasantness. Instead he turns his attention to the focus hanging around his neck. The crystal bauble glows softly with that deep blue light, and energy with the consistency of thick paint swirling within. Reece smiles. It was always a source of comfort for him.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera caught the bottle, the weight unexpected but certainly not unwelcome.

"Much obliged, Captain." The words left her easy, dry, but not without a fraction of gratitude. She hadn't actually expected to pry a bottle out from the Utterlin who clung to liquor like a sea-swept rat to driftwood. Might as well show to thanks for the miraculous bit of generosity.

She flicked the cork out with her thumb, taking a deep swig without bothering to test the waters. The burn hit her all at once. It was richer than she was used to, smoother too. None of the acrid aftertaste from rotgut swill she was accustomed to—the kind of drinks that would peel rust from a blade.

Rum from Pearl Cove, huh? Damn fancy by her standards.

Terrence’s voice cut through, his bottle raised in a toast, Eduardo quickly following suit. Their words were a mercenary's toasts if she ever heard some. The kind of sentiments she could definitely raise a drink to.

Smirking, she lifted her own bottle in reply. "Aye. Here's to hopin' the road ahead is paved in coin and fortune." She gulped down another mouthful. "And to many more fine drinks ahead too. Gods know we'll need 'em."

She knocked back another swig, the warmth spreading through her limbs. The sooner she got to the bottom of the bottle, the sooner the ship's swaying would cease to matter.

 

[demytra]

Arnas nodded to Aelestra with a smile, agreeing with her assessment. "Good thing we have a trailblazer with us." he said, motioning to Ornam who by now was nursing his own bottle of liquor that Gerwin had begrudgingly surrendered to him. "Otherwise we'd have to deal with that untamed aspect-"

"We still be traversing the wilds lad." Ornam spoke up after taking a swig of rum, "But I know the way 'round the more dangerous parts."

"And Boulder will be fine?" Arnas asked.

"Aye, he's used to walking the trails. If ye need to lose some weight, he'll carry it for ya too." The ram let out a snort, as if responding to the dwarf's comments, before moving back to chewing a clump hay. "Don't mind him."

"WE BE SETTIN' SAIL!" Gerwin shouted from above deck, his feet pattering on the wood as he frantically made final preparations. Eager to observe, Arnas quick got up and headed up with anyone else that was of the same mindset. The captain pulled a lever near the rear of the vessel, which in turn set in motion large gears that pulled up a heavy chain. Moments later, the anchor came into view as it was pulled into a port on the vessel's side and set in place for later use. The sails above had been unfurled and, fortunately, caught a favourable wind that started to push them along. Gerwin manned the helm, holding a small compass, as the ship slowly made its way out of port. The people grew smaller as did the buildings as they were brought further out to sea, and were stopped quickly by a patrol.

In any other situation, Gerwin would have been turned around and chastised by customs to attempting to leave without a permit - but that situation had been rectified by the group's actions as he proudly showed the permit in hand to the officials in the small sloop. Being let free afterwards, Arnas watched from the rear of the vessel as the city became a dot in the distance and a faint fire from the lighthouse shone in the coming dusk. He took a deep breath, calming his nerves towards the prospect of leaving the only continent he had ever walked on in favor of the vast expanse of open ocean. He certainly didn't have sea legs, but he was comforted by the fact that he was surrounded by people he knew as well as the supposed competence of the captain bringing them across. If the Guardian's confidence was given to the Utterlin, then surely he could trust him.

Within a half-hour, land had all but disappeared for the endless lapping of small waves. And as everyone settled in for the night, Arnas found himself staring at the planks above him in his own hammock with the only thought he could think of. Father is going to kill me for being out here.

---

Chapter 3 - On Strange Tides

For three days the journey across the sea was calm as they headed towards Gerwin's 'necessary' detour, as there was a fortunate and pleasant wind that kept the vessel at a good pace. The lack of storms also helped to keep things tidy aboard, to the Captain's pleasure, as he proved himself an able sailor by all measure. But he was more impatient when the ship arrived at their first destination: an tiny, verdant isola out in the middle of nowhere. Isolated from all manner of civilized life, it was quaint and serene - save for the rummaging that Gerwin was planning on doing as he anchored the vessel close enough that everyone could step out into knee-high waters. The Utterlin quickly scrambled towards the vegetation and disappeared into the shrubbery while Arnas stepped out onto the sands and took a deep breath.

The wind carried a soft hint of salt, but he himself was more concerned with what the Captain's doings here entailed. "Need any help?" Arnas shouted aloud.

"If I ask fer ye 'elp, ye'll hear me!" Gerwin shouted back with a hint of annoyance from behind the vegetation.

"Tch, we're going to be helpin' him carry all the barrels knowin' him." Ornam commented as he pulled up a fistful of white sand and let it run through his fingers.

Arnas took a look around again, noting the vast emptiness of water that surrounded this place: "As good a place as any to hide for smugglers. Lack of prying eyes, not a single soul around to tell any authority."

Gerwin would reappear from the brush, breathing heavily as he fanned himself with his large hat. "...alrite, fine. I need yer 'elp." he admitted, setting aside his pride.