carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
|
Post by carabadgermum on Aug 7, 2010 22:01:20 GMT -5
Her dismissal was so off the paw that Jayne nearly missed it. She was watching the door where Vrelt had disappeared and did a double take when the queen mentioned her name. She bobbed a quick curtsy, "Yes, m'Lady," and scurried towards the door only as an afterthought did she drop into another curtsy to the king before she left the room. "Evening y'Majesty."
Then she was out in the hall and breathing a sigh of relief. The room she knew belonged to the king's half-brother was on the way to her own. She was glad that she could stop there without attracting notice by being in another part of the castle. Still as she tried to walk at a sedate pace her heart hammered. The ferretmaid grew more and more nervous as she inched closer. What would she say? What would he think of her? What would Her Majesty do if she found out? So there she stood outside the bastard prince's chambers, deliberating.
Larka had slipped into the shadows once again. She wasn't about to let anything distract her from her mission this time. Moving just as she was trained, the stoatmaid melted from one pool of darkness to another until she was just at the bottom of the ramp but still out of sight. She stood completely still and watched as Walon approached the guard. She would wait until just the proper moment before she made her move.
|
|
Kal Skirata
Co-Administrator
Green Leader[P:NaN]
When the barren leaves blow
Posts: 2,162
|
Post by Kal Skirata on Aug 8, 2010 10:10:58 GMT -5
Walon strode purposefully to the top of the ramp. Stopping for a moment, he looked around at the crewbeasts still aboard. Then he walked with purpose to the hatch leading down to the main hold, speaking as he went. "Just taking a look. Don't bother yourselves." he said, knowing they'd do the exact opposite, giving Larka the opportunity she needed to get aboard while he argued with them. His coat was still slung over one shoulder, but his paw stayed close to his flasher. He didn't trust these beasts. If they decided they were more loyal to Vrelt than to Their Majesties, they could kill him and dump him over the side. Not without their own losses. he promised to himself with a savage grin.
|
|
Vrelt
Moderator
[P:0]
Go Seahawks!
Posts: 1,346
|
Post by Vrelt on Aug 12, 2010 10:12:04 GMT -5
Drask shook his head in dismissal of what Callista said, though he said nothing; the ferret did not want to get in an argument now. Their were far more pressing matters that arguing about his brother. Of course, his wife had only just met him, she had no clue about his half-brother, other than a brief meeting between them. Drask knew his brother was not merely a strong beast, Vrelt was clever as well, and he had the experience to back that up. Vrelt was raised in the court, he knew all about royal politics, and he's been a corsair for eight years. If a beast makes it that long, it's clear that he is cunning, to some extent. Experience outweighs just about everything else, and Vrelt had it. Thankfully for the pirate, he had heard plenty of Artist's Delight throughout his travels. Drask figured that his brother would know the drink from the moment he sipped it, and judging by the other ferret's reaction, Vrelt had recognized the beverage.
The king nodded to Cad, acknowledging the efficient mongoose. "Thank you. I want you to keep an eye on Vrelt throughout his visit, Bane. Try to keep him from pulling anything while he's around, but make it obvious that you're watching him." Drask would have Cad keep a little bit of fear in Vrelt's heart while he was here; as it would keep the ferret on his toes, having the deadly mongoose hanging around him constantly.
Cad Bane was about to question the orders, to stay where Vrelt could see him, but the mongoose quickly understood what the king was getting at. He was to keep Vrelt on the lookout, to keep him scared while he was here. The mongoose gave Drask a nod, not even looking in Callista's direction; he served Drask, not his wife. Cad walked out of the throne room, a plan for these new orders he was to carry out was already forming.....
Vrelt forced himself to calm down, staring at the Artist's Delight that was now on the stone floor of his room. He thought back to what a beast once told him, about how to reverse the effects of the potent drink. His mind wasn't foggy enough that he forgot totally what he knew of the drink; he was supposed to get some Fire Water, that stuff would "burn" away the taste of Artist's Delight!
The ferret readied himself, preparing to head to the kitchens, where he would get enough Fire Water to rid himself of the sweet taste of Artist's Delight. Vrelt pulled open the door, a fiery look in his eyes as he started to charge through the opening, but he stopped in his tracks, as he caught sight of Jayne. The pirate raised his arm, about to slap the servant out of the way, but controlled himself, thinking through his actions before doing something he would regret. There would be punishment if he was violent with any of Callista's servants, especially Jayne, and that could ruin his plan to get back at the queen. With a deep breath, the ferret locked eyes with the servant, the fiery look remaining as he spoke, in a low voice, so that he would not attract the attention of any other beast in the hallway."Go and get me some Fire Water. Make it quick, I need that drink now."
The first mate crossed his arms over his chest, calling out to Walon in a gruff voice. "Don't touch that hold, mate. This ship is under the command of Vrelt Darkfang, making this a privateer vessel, an' making us no part of the fleet. You've got no right t' go digging through the holds, the same as I've got no right to give counsel t' the king." The weasel was unsure of how his words would effect Walon, but if the situation turned violent, he was prepared, and he had the advantage, with the crewbeasts to back him up.
|
|
carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
|
Post by carabadgermum on Aug 15, 2010 17:53:10 GMT -5
Jayne was shocked and she flinched slightly at Vrelt's sudden appearance. She was about to stutter out an apology when his order interrupted her. As usual having an occupation to fulfill made the ferretmaid much more confident. She smiled, glad to be of service and bobbed a curtsy. "Yes, sir. I'll go right away."
She spun on her footpaw and hurried in the direction of the kitchens. Her mind full of not only his words but also the sound of his voice. It was a strong low voice that seemed to be even in his inebriated state, completely in control. She blushed realizing that she would love to hear him speak to her again. And then she thought of what he had asked for: Fire Water. Yes, this beast had a head on his shoulders. It was just the thing that Her Majesty said would burn off that awful drink she had forced Jayne to serve to Vrelt.
Intent on her mission and her train of thought Jayne didn't see the big stoat still lurking in the hall way. She bumped into him. "I'm so sorry, in a hurry." Hoping he'd leave it at that and wouldn't keep her from her duty she scurried on toward the kitchen.
Silently thanking Walon for his distraction, Larka stole along to the mooring lines and scrambled effortlessly across to the deck. She had received her training in climbing from a very skillful pine marten and could now boast an agility that rivaled her teacher. As soon as her footpaws hit the deck she was off, still sticking to the shadows but observing every detail of the ship's operation. ((shall she find anything or go away disappointed?))
|
|
|
Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Aug 15, 2010 19:49:43 GMT -5
Krauser took a single hop-run after her and caught her by the arm. "Woah, whats the rush eh? Oh, don't give me that look, the only time Callista ever needs something that bad to send you running like that is when she's angry and if she's angry. Everybeast would have heard her yell at you. Now what's going on?"
( *GAGS AND DIES FROM DA SHORTNESS! DX )
|
|
Kal Skirata
Co-Administrator
Green Leader[P:NaN]
When the barren leaves blow
Posts: 2,162
|
Post by Kal Skirata on Aug 27, 2010 17:34:38 GMT -5
((I don't know...It'd be easier to ask Vrelt, but he's not here...))
Walon laughed loud and hard at the first mate's protest. "Listen here, you ignorant piece of seascum! You're berthed at my dock. As such, your ship is subject to all the rules and regulations pertaining to any ship of the fleet." Walon grinned, but there was no humor in it. "And as the Fleet Commander of Riftgard, I am excersizing my right to inspect any ship that docks here. So get out of my way, or maybe you'd like to go up and advise the king on the policy relating to the docks." he said pointedly, his humorless grin widening
|
|
|
Post by Jasyn on Sept 1, 2010 0:32:44 GMT -5
(Let's assume that Jasyn never met Drask or Callista, shall we? I didn't quite like my Conquest posts anywho...) Humming softly to himself, Jasyn poled a raft from a burning wreckage of a ship with his sheathed sword. The chains coiled around his chest clinked softly with the movement, and he had some nice musical activity with the splashing of sea water. That nasty corsair had no brains, but the fox expected less. The fact that he managed to get Jasyn stranded on his own ship was a testament to his cleverness, albeit short-lived. But the merc had seen a map or two in his day. There were a couple of Islands this way, maybe he'd run across one of them and find employment. And there was one now, how fortunate. The least he could manage was a trip back to Mossflower; at most he could find some warlord or king and weasel a job out of them. In short order, Jasyn had the raft shored up and was making his way across it. He had his scythe assembled, and his hood up; so when he heard shrieking to his left, he was bemused rather then startled. He turned, and saw a ferret shivering on the ground, staring at him with wide eyes. He was babbling incoherently, so Jasyn strode over, and then leaned. Staring at the beast with his gray eyes, he asked a question in his 'Death' voice. "Where is the Leader of this Island?" A quivering paw pointed to a castle (how had he not seen that before?) and then the ferret got up and started running at high speed to the place. Cackling at the effect, Jasyn stood straight up and began striding over to the place. He had made shore at the far end, but a little walking never hurt anyone.
|
|
Vrelt
Moderator
[P:0]
Go Seahawks!
Posts: 1,346
|
Post by Vrelt on Sept 28, 2010 22:01:48 GMT -5
The first mate sensed he was losing the argument, but it wasn't in his nature to back down. His loyalty to Vrelt Darkfang far outweighed the fear of punishment from the captain's half-brother. The weasel continued, thinking that even if Walon had a right to be here, at least, he could give the ferret trouble and slow him up. "Well said, mate. The thing is, Vrelt Darkfang owns this ship, he earned it through blood, and even if it's on your dock, Vrelt is still royalty, and I doubt he'd like you sniffing about his ship. Especially since this is the most profitable ship that arrives at these docks. So if you have to look around, I'm escorting you. I won't have anything stolen from this ship."
((Yeah, shortness. I don't know what to post for Vrelt or Drask, so I'll try to add something for them in my next post. And I'll post for the guards at the palace gates once Jasyn arrives.))
|
|
|
Post by Jasyn on Sept 29, 2010 4:35:18 GMT -5
The mercenary eventually made it to the castle at the end of the island. As he looked at the fortress, he rubbed his snout thoughtfully. "So, this looks promising enough. I wonder if there's anything inside worth working for..." He simply shrugged. "Only one way to find out, I suppose." That said, the fox walked around the fortress and to the front gates. Before he confronted the guards, however, his gray eyes spotted the pier. As he noticed the ships, he grew more hopeful. "Well, look at that. Seems to be some high-and-mighty is here." Barely giving a thought to the figures on the ship, he stepped to the gate. "I would like to pass, Let me in..." Once again using his 'Death' voice. Hey, intimidation always works in his favor. If they were scared, let them. It might make his chances of entry higher.
|
|
carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
|
Post by carabadgermum on Sept 29, 2010 14:57:34 GMT -5
Jayne tried unsuccessfully to pull out of the stoat's grasp. Sighed impatiently, "Over did it on the Artist Delight wants some Fire Water from the kitchens to calm the effects." She didn't specify who had sent her but she assumed (or rather hoped) Krauser would continue to believe it was the Queen. She figured staying as close as she could to the truth was the best course of action.
The stoatmaid was rather disappointed to find everything well and in good order. The decks even looked like they had been well swabbed in preparation for the docking. She was all set to swing herself back down onto the dock and silently make her getaway but first she wanted to give Walon a nod or a wink in thanks for his help. She sneaked around behind the first mate to where she could see Walon over his shoulder. Larka smiled at the argument and then joined in. "Oh I don't think that will be necessary. Everything looks to be shipshape." She patted the first mate on the shoulder as she passed him. "Keep up the good work, sailor. And thanks for the distraction, Commander. Shall I tell a certain ferretmaid that you said hello when I get back to the palace?"
|
|
Kal Skirata
Co-Administrator
Green Leader[P:NaN]
When the barren leaves blow
Posts: 2,162
|
Post by Kal Skirata on Sept 29, 2010 15:19:46 GMT -5
Incensed, Walon raised a paw and backpawed the first mate right across the face. "First of all, Captain Whelp is not recognized as part of my chain of command. Second, this ship is number one by only a small margin, and finally, if you ever accuse me of wanting to steal something again, I will kill you, no matter who your captain is." Walon was prepared to keep going when Larka reappeared.
"I'd like that very much ma'am. And you're very much welcome for the distraction, though I was planning on doing it anyway. I do it to almost every ship that comes here." he said, turning around and simply ignoring whatever reply the first mate would give and started walking for the gangplank. "But I trust your judgement and I don't want to waste any more of my time on this tub."
|
|
|
Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Sept 29, 2010 23:40:02 GMT -5
If this island was owned by Callista and her family..... Or if there were at least 200-400 of his fellow soldiers living in this fortress too. He would have killed her on the spot, but unfortunately. He couldn't, he would never be able to get away with it if he did. Krauser listened in on the entire conversation, he knew. It didn't take a genius to know. Anyone who has been with Callista would know long enough that she almost never gotten overboard with the drink. Even IF she did. There would be a little more panic and mayhem than this. Another misfortune is that he couldn't tell Callista about this either, if he did. She would become enraged and would possibly face mass trouble from the idiot royal families...... Oh how he wished his country's military would just come over here suddenly and conquer the place....
The stoat let the ferretmaid go and didn't say a word, though he made a mental note to take her down along with the other ferret..... When the right time finally came....
|
|
carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
|
Post by carabadgermum on Oct 2, 2010 17:29:49 GMT -5
Jayne was almost certain that Krauser didn't fully accept her claim but she wasn't about to stick around and find out for sure. Once she was free of his grasp she gave him a frightened curtsy and then took off running toward the kitchens once again. Alcohol was not generally available for the servants for obvious reasons so the ferretmaid would have to explain to the steward. This she did quietly and prayed that the old weasel's discretion would save her from the wagging tongues of the rest of the staff. She tried to spin her application in such a light that she had no choice in the matter and was only following orders as in fact she was. Then once she had the vessel in paw, Jayne hurried to deliver the beverage. She took the back stairs hoping to avoid Krauser on the way and made it back to Vrelt's quarters without further event. She knocked softly on the door and whispered at the crack. "Your Fire Water, Sir."
|
|
Vrelt
Moderator
[P:0]
Go Seahawks!
Posts: 1,346
|
Post by Vrelt on Mar 17, 2011 0:36:58 GMT -5
Vrelt had been waiting on the other side of the door, silently listening for Jayne’s return. Thankful that she was quick; he opened the door and caught sight of Callista’s servant. The ferret immediately grabbed the Fire Water from her hand, and he took a gulp of the extremely strong drink, which made his mouth feel as if it was on fire. This beverage truly lived up to its name. He felt the sweet taste of the Artist’s Delight being burned away by the Fire Water, and he coughed after the drink burned its way down his throat.
Taking a smaller sip of the drink he looked back at Jayne, his expression less fierce than it was when he sent her to fetch the Fire Water. Vrelt realized that he swilled down the beverage without even attempting to see if it was poisoned, which was a possibility due to the politics on this island and his half-brother’s obvious distaste of him. Perhaps this servant could be someone he could trust; to a degree that is. Vrelt’s voice was cool when he finally spoke. “You knew they were giving me Artist’s Delight, Jayne?” He was already planning his next move, which would be risky, but it would be a step to completing his goal; to continue to wreak havoc in regards to Callista and Drask. Though his mind was beginning to get foggy….. No, it wasn’t time yet; he would sleep off the effects of the alcohol for a few hours before doing anything else. Vrelt took another small sip of the Fire Water and awaited Jayne’s reply.
Now that they would be rid of any distractions, at least until dinner, Drask decided it was time to explain a portion of his strategy to his wife. Personally, he had no qualms about killing Vrelt, but at the moment, it would be risky for him. The Royal Families wanted Vrelt alive, so that Drask would have to deal with more than normal duties as king. And he would have to worry about staying on their good side, and he would have to restrain himself from killing Vrelt.
He spoke, his voice calm and under control as usual. “Callista, you’ve been here long enough to understand our politics. The Royal Families hold much power, more than they have held in the past. Ever since my great-grandfather, Czeck Darkfang died, their participation in what goes on here has increased. And although they seem weak, they still have influence over many beasts here. That’s why it is imperative, at least for the time being, for me to remain on their good side. Until I have gained enough support to permanently remove their power. Czeck did that in the past, but after his death, they gained their power back. If I am to follow in his footsteps, I must maintain good relations with the Royal Families, until they can be removed.”
Drask drew his saber and pointed the deadly blade at a large painting on the wall, a painting of Czeck Darkfang, who looked remarkably similar to Drask. The king spoke again, his voice gaining power as he continued. “He was one of the greatest leaders in Riftgard’s history, a powerful and cunning king. He struck fear and respect into his enemies and soldiers alike. He is the beast I must live up to, the beast I must surpass. But in order for me to do that, I must be patient, until the time is right. And then we will crush my opposition and grind them under my heel!” He clinched his fist and looked back at Callista, his eyes flashing with raw ambition and determination to complete his goal. The king sheathed his saber, the look of ambition still in his eyes and he spoke again, though his voice a bit cooler than before and his fist unclenched. “Do you understand why I must respect the Royal Families, Callista?”
|
|
carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
|
Post by carabadgermum on Mar 22, 2011 9:33:20 GMT -5
Jayne's gaze dropped to the floor. It was partially because of her guilt at the truth of his accusation but she also didn't want him to see the blush that had risen to her cheeks beneath her fur just at the sound of his voice, especially when he said her name.
She nodded but then she felt that she must explain. "I didn't want to. I know I shouldn't question Her Majesty's orders, but I thought it was just awful that she would want to ... " She looked back up and into his eyes again, lost in their blue depths for a moment before she shook her head slightly, looked away and finished her statement, "to hurt you."
Shocked at herself for actually saying that out loud she rambled on, "I - I - I mean, you're the King's brother. You're arrival should be greeted with respect and honor and - and...." Jayne faded into silence once again. She was only making things worse now he was going to think she didn't respect her mistress when of course, the ferretmaid would never do or say anything against Queen Callista.
|
|