Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Casts a curious glance at Gaul. Then to Blaze who berates him. After a moment of look back and forth between the two he kneels to check Flame again. When Flame jolts upright Smough chuckles slightly. He lies her back down on the deck with a pillow under her head.
"Eh, I prefer opportunistic naval commander. But, I've been called worse." He sits back on the deck. And gives the signal to set sails once more. "I believe proper introductions are in order. I am Admiral Smough Ghat. I command the Storm Raiders. And yes. I am a practicing surgeon master and doctoral healer." Smough stands and walks over to the railing.

Smough sets himself on a tied barrel as they crest a wave and are break into open waters. They are in sight of the shoreline and headed south. A seemingly unnatural wind ushers them on. As Smough packs a pipe with tobacco he enjoys the strong sea breeze.
"So. What are the names of the brave,fierce, and mighty Mountain Breakers. And what led you to find yourselves in such a predicament?"

Before anyone can answer Raia has appeared on the back of her Great Wolf. Chron chuffs aggressively. She levels her rifle bayonet at Smough's throat with one hand. With the other grips her pistol in its holster.

Smough smiles smugly. "Hello there Warden. What brings you out this way?"
"Go check your fiends." Raia says to Sia who is riding behind her.
"They're fine I assure you." Smough answers pretending to be hurt.
"The word of pirate filth is about as trustworthy as pig shit. You profited off of the suffering of my people for nearly a year. And you expect me to trust you." Raia barks. Smough sucks his teeth.
"Now, that was just business. And as I recall you were more than happy for the steel that mountain produced. They may be brutes. But they held up a deal better than most others." Smough raises his hands in mock surrender. "I've got your women. I've got your goats. I return them to you unharmed, as a measure of good faith." Smough nods to the barge full of cheering women and bleating goats. While everyone was fussing over Flame he had them transferred.
Raia eyes Smough suspiciously. She lowers her weapon. "If you try anything I'll cut you and your miserable bilge rats down without a second thought."
A deck scrubbing scrawny twig of a man raises his head. "Hey, I ain't miserable!"
"Cheers to that matey." Smough says and lights his pipe.

Sia

Pecking Raia on the cheek I slide off of Charon and make my way over too the others. Pinching my nose a si come close I wave and yell, "Hey guys! You smell like shit. Bad day?

Razz

"Normally id break the chains but thats out apperently...idk what there made of but its ridiculous. So for ideas im tapped. "

Lexianna

I wipe a bit of orange juice from Jaylen's mouth. How boys could be so messy never fails to impress me.

Enjoy it while you can, floats unbidden in my mind and the Dark Lotus has nothing to do with it. It comes from somewhere deeper. It truly unsettles me. So instead I focus on the questions still unsolved.

"Alright dear tell me all you know about the Soul Void. Do all the lords have one?"

I should probably check in with the group by now as well.

"Have you all finished your mission? I currently have turned the sphere over to Karnariel and am waiting to hear from an Admiral Ghat."The words whisper from my mind to the minds of the others.

The First Lotus-Blackout 482,004,911

My scythe is in my hands once I feel her power surging. Housing orphans, how noble.

"We were intending on settling this in a peaceful manner but if you want a fight you've got one. The choice is yours. Stand down child. This is your only warning."

Casually, I step in front of Lilianna. I can feel her unease with another Umbral Seal bearer. She's assessing the mark this leaves on reality. Truth be told I don't like it either. I've not dealt with these types yet. Unfortunately, it seems like we'll be seeing a lot more.

Blaze

I fall back against the railing and just breathe. She's alive. The relief comes in a tidal wave. My eyes feel slightly misty and I blink it back quickly. My head falls in my shaky hands. My sister is alive. I think it over and over but I feel a twinge of something. Understanding dawns in terrible surprise. She almost died because of the Fox Spirit. The Fox Spirit she didn't tell me she could summon. Rage is a new storm settling over me. But I don't have time to confront her now. Especially not with Raia watching. In a land where women hold most the cards I'd hate to offend our hatch-ling ally. My diplomacy training won't let me have breathing room in this area. But my rage is an undeniable force.

In answer to the Admiral I point at Raia. "She's actually why we're here." I roll my eyes at Sia. "You'd just have to be there darlin'."

My sister still has a star-struck look in her eye as she watches the Admiral. He saved her so I owe him but I trust him about as far as I can spit. He's a pirate after all and if all those stories taught her anything it should be, to be wary.

Flame

Raia appears and while her exchange with Admiral Ghat happens I set to making myself more presentable. I unhook the I.V., slide my dagger out, and cut my palm back open. Immediately, the blood drenching me and Gaul is absorbed through my power. I quickly refasten my uniform top, and slide my dagger back into the sheath at my thigh underneath my skirt. As I stand slowly, I lean over and whisper to Gaul "I'm glad you're okay."

With myself more in order, I wait for Lady Rider to say her piece. For having saved her people she still doesn't look too happy. I hop at my chance to introduce myself to the Admiral before she can start up again.

I execute a perfect curtsy," I am Princess Flame of Haust, Second daughter of the Phantom Crown, and Honorblood Garde to His Majesty. I am extremely pleased to meet you Admiral Ghat and I owe you a debt." I smile up at him and tilt my head slightly. "How might I repay that?"

Just then a message clear as day rings in my mind. My brother shuffles over, his walk is predatory and his eyes bore into me but he quickly looks at the Admiral. "Friend of mine wants to meet you. Chun Li too I'm guessing. So....what's the move?" Though his words are all directed at the Admiral, he looks to me with the last sentence and I catch the double meaning. My ears lay back and I feel my insides wither under his blazing stare. He's seething.

Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Smough smiles at the mention of Royalty and Haust. He considers questioning but realizes he doesn't care to know. The information will come around to him. Always does.
"Lexianna yes? I've been delivered her message. It's our current heading. We will arrive in a few days time and I'll be heading to Shadowhold myself." Smough states coolly. Raia narrows her gaze.
"What's going on at Shadow's castle?" She interjects.
"I've had my eye on the late Lord Admiral's Command sphere. Their friend has pinched it for the little rebel boy." Smough answers.
Raia's eyes go wide. "To Karnariel?"
"The very same." As Smough answers Raia is glaring with anger, suspicion, and uncertainty at Blaze, Flame, Gaul, and Sia.
"Does she know that that boy wants us all dead?!" Raia is getting worked up. "Is Shadow?"
"If he was dead you would be first to know." Smough states. Raia ponders for a moment.
"I'm coming to Shadowhold. I'll need to be there first hand to get a grasp on all this. But first..." Raia turns to Sia. "I made you a promise. I don't intend to break a promise to my soon to be wife. I have to go back to west point with the rescued. My people will need to know about this development. After that I will go to Shadowhold. What will you do?"

Taking a long drag of his pipe Smough hands it to Flame and pulls her aside.
"Seems to me you are all a long way from home. I'd ask for riches beyond my reckoning but I don't see that panning out." Smough clicks his tongue, looses a rougeish grin, and blows his smoke into a strong ocean wind. "What do you think is fair compensation, My Princess."

Blackout 482,004,911
The woman has a white knuckle grip on her staff.
"Peaceful?! You are ones accosting me without justification! I've done no wrong! My healing is Science! Not witchcraft! Why won't the church believe me?!" She is visibly shaking. "You're all zealots!" As she jabs the butt of her staff into the ground Umbral Reality courses outward and becomes a vibrant garden of thorns and flowers that quickly closes in on The First. Zaak intercedes and blocks the deadly black thorns with a wall of Infinity Crystal. The wall instantly shatters and with a curse Zaak unleashes his own Umbra in a pulse to counter the Woman's attack.
"Stop this we aren't with the church! The power you found is dangerous!" Zaak attempts to reason with the woman but she isn't listening.
"Liar!!" With a swing of her staff more deadly flora is cast in their direction.

Gaul stands up and stretches at this point, the grime of combat covering his body having been absorbed by Flame. That’s a useful ability, he thinks to himself as he strides in front of Rider and Sia.

“A storm is brewing in the direction of West Point by sea, so you’ll have to teleport your people in order to get there safely.” He nods in the direction of Blaze and Flame, “We’ll stay on the ship and head towards our companion. Sia, obviously, is free to do whatever she likes.” He pauses briefly, and turns to the Admiral.

“As far as payment goes, I’ve spent a large portion of my life at sea. I am willing to do whatever job you deem necessary to clear our debt. In return, I’d appreciate it if you’d allow my smaller friends here to rest. They’ve earned it.”

Gaul then takes a good look at the crew, smiles, and says “They’re no Vikings, but I suppose they’re passable sailors...in a pinch. Your orders, Admiral?”

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Jaylen eats another slice of orange.
"The Lords all have Soul Void, yes. It's a blessing granted by the False One. You see, their physical body isn't their true form any longer. They sacrificed it in exchange for a more powerful one. This True Self is hidden away in the depths of the Soul Void and a proxy is created to interact with the waking world. The Soul Void is also where a lord is at their most powerful. They can shape reality to their inner most truths. Their True Self is also where their mortality lies." Jaylen licks the juice from his fingers and wipes the rest on his tunic.

"This power the Lords possess is a direct result of The False One performing experiments with blood of the Messiah. You've come across Blood Stones. Perhaps even a Blood Gem. But the Lords were each gifted with a Blood Wish. That's what allowed them to utilize their respective Reality Marble. Their Soul Voids."

Father's Prison
Nevermore sighs.
"That's it? Just break it?" Nevermore groans. She considers complaining more but decides against it. She observes her shackles. "Stupid reality breaking power."

Smough's Flagship
Smough chuckles.
"Sorry to tell you. But Vikings aren't around anymore. The culture is dead. The bloodlines now follow Lord Valkyrie. Those tattoos in most civilized parts of the world will warrant a death sentence." Smough puffs his pipe. "If you want to help man a rigging and keep us on course. We are heading to Tinder Bay. Around the tip of Southpoint and northeast along the shore. You'll know it when you see it." Smough reaches for his pocket flask realizes it's not there and produces a flask from a different pocket entirely. "Or if you'd prefer to rest we have plenty of cots below deck. I'm sure the cook won't mind fixing you a meal. Your choice."

Flame

I'm on a pirate ship, with a pirate captain who's talking to me. I'm going to ride with said pirate leader on this very ship. As the ancestors live and breathe! My ears perk up. I'm so excited I don't think I could sleep if I tried. Plus if I stay above I'll get to witness Gaul at work. I'm about to give my answer when my brother slides in front of me closing his hand around my wrist in a too tight grip.

Blaze

Goddamn pirates. Just had to be pirates. She's not thinking straight and spilled her full title. He might as well ransom her for all I know! I lock my hand around her wrist and get right in the Admiral's face. I'll have to walk the intimidation line.

I force my voice to stay neutral but the timing of my words implies all I need. "I think you'll find our help in mutual survival payment enough, Admiral. You'll do well to remember that when you meet our other friends. Now, as you saw for yourself we just took down a mountain. Gaul had a great suggestion about rest. We'll see ourselves down." I yank Flame along behind me ignoring her quiet protests. Once we're below deck in a vacant cabin I whirl on her.

"Well thanks for that. You had to go and drop the royal bomb didn't you."She has the good grace to look down.

"You didn't have to be rude to him. I just wanted to give a proper introduction."

"Do you not have a brain in your head? He's a pirate! Greedy bastard would probably sell his own mother for money." Her head darts up and she glares right back at me.

"I'm not a damsel in distress! I'd like to see him try something on me. Besides, Gaul is a viking does that automatically make him a barbarian? I think you're just threatened."

"Thea- HA!" I shake my head even more livid."By what his pipe?!"
"Yes, I'm sure his is bigger."

My jaw actually drops. Then I recall the rage from earlier.
"Show me."

Her eyes widen. I've switched topics and she knows exactly what I'm talking about. My glare bores into her. Her ears flatten but she wisely obeys.

Sia

"Ill come with you babe, Someone has too make sure you dont run away before we tie the knot." Walking up too Smough she gestures too the pipe. After he hands it too her she takes a long drag killing it. Tapping it on the railing she hands it back too him. "Thanks Smough. So... pirates huh? Me too!" Gripping the waist band of her shorts she presses it down showing the Jolly Rodger tattoo on her hip. "Wheres yours?

Lexianna

The extent of Jaylen's knowledge is quite vast for one so young. Each answer bringing with it a new question. Tenketsu seems to sense the lengthy subject and changes to make me more comfortable. The fabric shrinks down to a simple wrap to keep me modestly covered before reshaping into a new design of white and gold. Fabric coils around my upper arm just below the shoulder in matching white cuffs. Gold beading leads from the cuff to a white bandeau around my top with a white bow in the middle edged in gold. Gold beads trail down my stomach and wrap around in a belly bracelet. The bottom piece is three layers of sheer white skirts with golden seams. It's shorter in the front for freer movement while the back hangs in varying lengths and layers creating a flowing visual. I shift crossing my legs in my seat as I listen to Jaylen my skirts shifting around me.

He explains that even when a lord dies their Blood Wish remains. It doesn't have a physical form and it's unclear if another person can acquire the remaining Blood Wish. If they can, the assumption is that they may inherit a different power as the Blood Wish grants the user's desire. Jaylen doesn't know where the False One is presently and his best guess is that our friends are located within the False One's own Soul Void. Jaylen also reveals that powers do not work on him due to his being an anomaly in this world.

I send another feathered messenger to Shadow detailing all Jaylen has uncovered about Poe with a promise to continue investigating. With it, a simple question. Is this sufficient for a meeting?

I pat Jaylen on the head and kiss his forehead. "You've done very well. Thank you for your information. I think it is passed time for you to be asleep. Off to bed." As I watch Jaylen scuttle off my posture relaxes slightly. "That was...enlightening. Even so, the boy reminds me so much of my own child. With as much as I've done this,being separate from family is never easy. There's always reminders." My voice is soft as I ask, "What about you Kar? Do you find reminders of family frequently?"

Li-Li-Blackout 482,004,911

As flora springs up The First Lotus wraps herself in a fiery vortex, slinging streams of fire at every encroaching plant. It almost looks like a dance with how her hands move. Then I look. Something is happening to her aura. Glyphs are appearing on it.

I look back at her hands and then back at her aura and put two and two together. She's making glyphs to breach reality. With each attack she throws she's also focusing her energy to create and attach the glyphs. It's what people who aren't like me with the Sight have to do to have any type of reality manipulation. If it were math, it's like me just seeing the answer to the problem where she has to write out the equation and solve it.

Galen must have taught my mother how to do that, just in case. I don't think it'll work and even if it does it might not be in time. I'll have to act quickly. I edge the entire fight and sneak into the cabin. Several pairs of little eyes watch me wary.

"Hi there. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your..." I search their minds for the right term. "...The Lady of the Woods is in grave danger and needs your help. She's fighting people that only want to talk. If she doesn't stop she might get hurt. Now if you help me out we may be able to save her."

I take the hand of the child closest to me who also seems to be the smallest. "Now all of you link up c'mon." With the children trailing behind me, I lead them all outside. As soon as I step outside,the First Lotus dodges to the side and throws another volley of fire that heads straight my way. Her eyes widen as she sees the children and the fire extinguishes seconds before reaching me.

I put my fingers between my lips and let out a high shrill whistle. "Lady of the Woods. Your kids have a request." I lean down next to the smallest child so I'm eye level and hand her a teddy bear. "He's a friend who can give people courage. Hold him close okay? He'll help you tell her what you want. She needs to stop fighting them but she won't listen to me. Maybe she'll listen to you." I stand back up and let the girl speak. I could force her to say what I want but instead I let the girl do what she will. She may help us, she may not. I look at the First Lotus and see what I figured I would. Disapproval. I hold my chin high and wait.

Blaze

Her back is against the wall and I'm effectively cutting off any retreat. Slowly, she turns her back to me and with shaking fingers unzips her uniform top. As the uniform slips down her shoulders, I start to see it. She lets the material fall in the back as she clutches the front to her. I stare in shock and disgust. The symbol of the Fox Spirit that is so revered on Haust is etched into my kid sister's once unblemished skin. It mares her back in deep intricate carvings.

Hate is my next feeling. An all-consuming hate for whoever did this. Someone dared to perform the Pain Rite on my sister. I will flay the skin from their bones. I will sanction a public spectacle so no one on Haust will ever forget what happens when you cross the royal family.

"Who?" My voice is a deadly calm as she slowly rezips her shirt. When she turns around I see determination in her eyes and rebellion. I glare. "The name Flame." She squares her shoulders and just stares back.

"I know you're angry I didn't tell you but they don't deserve your anger."

I laugh without humor," It's treason. Treason against the crown-"
"- Treason I committed! It was done on my command!"

"Who was it!" Then it dawns on me, there was only one person who could have done it."Captain Farley."

Flame shakes her head and I know I've guessed right. "No."

I back away and she grabs at me hands. "No! Blaze No!"

"Is he your intended?" She shrinks back like I've struck her."No of course not."

I open my arms wide. "Then obviously no problem. He'll be publicly executed the moment we return to Haust." I turn to leave and Flame grabs back onto me. "You can't!" I try to shake her off but she steps in front of me and shoves me back. "Just because you and Inferna didn't want it you expect me to be the same?"

"I expect you to put more thought into it and discuss it with us. You know how we feel about it. It's not just you Flame it'll effect any children you have too."

"That didn't stop Mom."

I'm sure it wasn't meant as a jab but I flinch just the same.

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Karnariel sighs. Lexianna is persistent on getting him to talk. He considers it for a moment. Then decides against it.
"Karnariel wants the Lords dead, Valkyrie especially, because they directly brought about the death of his parents." Jaylen says poking his head back into the tent. Karnariel looks furious.
"Say not another word or"
"Or what? You'll kill me? Strike me? Banish me?" Jaylen steps back into the tent. "I don't answer to you." Karnariel is livid. Visibly fuming. He storms out of the tent pushing past Jaylen who doesn't step entirely out of the way.

With Karnariel gone Jaylen rolls his eyes.
"That man is dangerous Lexianna. He is filled with hate and malice. I don't blame him. When the dimensions fell he was here in the mortal world. An emissary to the royal family. You see, long ago Karna brought fire to human kind. The ones he bestowed this gift were christened Starborn. I'm assuming you can guess that the royal family surname is. Karnariel tried to flee the castle with the two princesses but was stopped by his half sister Kara Sun. The Valkyrie. Karnariel only managed to escape with Stella, the younger princess, because Sabra, the elder princess, sacrificed herself to stop Valkyrie. Karnariel has been hiding the young princess for the last ten years." Jaylen continues his long winded explanation without breaking stride. "You see the late Starborn King was warrior beyond measure. But to stop the Great War exacted a heavy toll. The Gift of Stars was never meant to wielded by humans. It sears their body and soul eventually leaving a more and more frail husk until, eventually the fires overtake the vessel. And they perish in an inferno that leaves to traces of their physical being. Such was the result of many Starborn. Indeed almost all. Save for the late king."

Jaylen say set himself back at the table and is finishing his orange slices.
"The late king had enough constitution to father three children. Kos, Sabra, and Stella. Kos, the only male, was the Regent. He locked his father away in a tower and ruled by might and fear. He hoarded wealth and finery. He was harsh and often cruel. All the corruption in the land could be traced directly back to him. In a way, you could say that he was responsible for creating the Lords. He was also the only child to inherit the Gift of Stars." Jaylen having finished his orange gets up and waves goodbye to Lexianna. The leaves her alone in the tent.

After a moment the tent flap opens. Nicholas enters and sets his gaze on Lexianna.
"You got the sphere." He says quietly. "I need help with something."

Nicholas explains that the Sun Cloaks, though fierce, are missing their Bright Blades. The Bright Blades of the Sun Cloaks were arrested for treason and imprisoned in East Point. Nicholas asks Lexianna to accompany him to rescue the Bright Blades and strengthen the Sun Cloaks battlefield presence.

"Please, I know that if you are with us we can save them. They aren't just soldiers. They inspire their comrades and can turn the tide of decisive battles. They represent hope. Something we desperately need in these times."

Smough's Flagship
Smough's eyebrows raise at the sight of the Jolly Roger.
"Oh?" Smough opens his mouth and fish hooks his cheek to reveal a jolly roger tattoo on the inside of his cheek. He removes his hand and laughs. "I thought the black flag was just where I'm from. Good to know that elsewhere are similar customs." Smough laughs repacks his pipe and takes a long drag.
"Sia, let's go!" Raia calls for Sia from the barge with women and goats.
Smough hands Sia the rest of his pouch of tobacco. "We'll have to trade stories sometime."

Sia

Taking the pouch from Smough i set myself up on the railing of the ship. Digging out a gold i bite into it and flip it too him as he does the same. "Arggg." Leaning backwards off the railing i fall down into the surf. Diving under the boat i catch a fish in one hand and shoot up the other side up onto the deck. Almost sticking the landing my foot slides out from under me on a patch of pitch. Falling backwards and cracking my head onto the railing i go down hard. "FUCK!!" I let go of the fish as i go down flopping onto the deck holding the back of my head. When the pain subsides i look up too see Raia looking down at me. I look down feeling a blush creep in.

Lexianna

I watch Jaylen bound off again. The child isn't completely wrong about Kar. I don't think he's dangerous yet but he will be if he doesn't handle the rage festering inside.

Jaylen's put me in a bit of a bind. I had hoped Karnariel would open up to me in his own time. Speaking on one's personal experience often helps. Just to have someone listen, if not give advice. Jaylen took that choice of trusting me away.

Still, I can't let him harbor this idea of vengeance forever. Not when there's an honest chance for change. I've killed nobles before. They're souls weren't salvageable but regrettably the main motivator was that it was easier. It's shameful to even think. But, I'm not that kind of Lotus anymore. Getting the lords together for discussion is critical. So, Kar and I will need to talk.

When Nicholas approaches I'm genuinely delighted. I reach out and touch is hand. " It honors me that you trust me for this. I'd love to accompany you. Please tell me all you know about East point."

Flame

When he flinches I see my opening and press on.

"Whether you acknowledge, use it, or not you can't deny that Mother saw it as a gift. You had more time with her than any of us you could help me."

"Like hell I will! I'll chain you in a dungeon before I let that thing have your soul."

I raise my voice to match his, "I'll control it better with your help!"

"Continue this line of questioning and you'll be subject to disciplinary action." He bites the words out.

"I'm not wrong and you know it."My anger matches his and drips in my voice.

When he wordlessly draws his sword, I do the same. This is how we normally sparred back home. The only difference is I enjoyed sword fighting and he always complained. He's proficient I know, but he probably hasn't been using it as much as I lately. Lax on keeping up training. If he won't help me willingly I'll push him to see why he should.

Blaze

Infuriating, foolish, stubborn sister.

Honestly talking isn't getting us anywhere and I'm itching to unleash some violence. Wordlessly I pull out my sword and cross a hand behind my back. Using arcane energy I put a barrier around us, it pushes some of the cargo back and gives us room to work. Last thing I need is Admiral Smough getting upset over crushed crates or slashes in the boat.

We attack each other at the same time.

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Nicholas returns Lexianna's smile. But it slowly slides off his face.
"We haven't heard from our agents in over a month. Not only that, all of the main roads in have been impassable. The Swamplands are difficult enough to traverse as is. But now it's impossible. We do have a way in though. A step crystal. Networked pathways in space. The one to East Point has been inactive since the roads shut down. Normally a Step Crystal can only be activated from the user side. Our quartermaster got it to work somehow. We sent over a team to secure the crystal, which they did, and do a little recon." Nicholas seems excited to be talking with Lexianna. "I've gathered volunteers to follow me over and investigate what has happened. About fifty. As of now that's everything I know. We can leave as soon as you are ready."

Smough's Flagship
As Blaze and Flame are about to clash a small frame appears in a swirl of Shadows. He stomps Flame's sword down into the floor. For Blaze's sword he locks the teeth of a swordbreaker around it and applies tension. Not enough to break it but more than enough to lock it in place.
"No fighting aboard the Admirals ship." A soft yet assertive young male voice calls out from behind the shrouded mask and cowl. Every inch of the boy is covered in assassin's garb.
"Indeed. I don't care that you two are having a squabble. I do care that it is in my home." Smough's lax demeanor is now replaced with an authoritative one. "You are guests here. Don't do anything to make me regret my hospitality."

Just then from above a pirate calls down.
"Admiral, Skyships!"
Smough throws his hands up in exasperation. "For fucks sake. You two go to the pantry at the back on this floor. Stay there until I say." Smough wheels about and storms up the ladder. The assassin boy lets the two have their swords back. He looks at each one in turn. Then leaves without saying any more.

Up top Smough extends a spyglass and spots Valkyrie's Flagship approaching quickly from the west. Smough finds Gaul and tosses him a small jar of a make up in his skin tone.
"Cover your tattoos." Smough says at Gaul. "That goes for any of you that have them. If you are stupid enough to get caught I can't help you." Smough addresses the rest of his crew. A few men begin checking their arms and backs. Yet more help each other cover portions of tattoos that should be familiar to Gaul. The rest begin to make preparations to be boarded.

Smough looks around for the barge with the women and goats but it is gone.

Barge
The fish Sia had held smacks Chron in the face and he yelps slightly. He snarls at the flopping fish and eats it. As Chron swallows the last of it he licks his chops and looks expectantly at Sia. Raia bursts into uproarious laughter.
"So graceful. So majestic." Raia shakes her head in amusement. "Hold onto something Ladies. We're going home." The world melts away and is replaced with a rush of lights. The ships now rests in the middle of a plains valley right behind the West Point Castle.

Sia

Stepping up too Charon I level my eyes with his and flash my teeth. "That was mine give it back!" Jumping up and laying acrossed the top of his head I try too pry his mouth open. "Bad dog, BAD!"

Sia

Stepping up too Charon I level my eyes with his and flash my teeth. "That was mine give it back!" Jumping up and laying acrossed the top of his head I try too pry his mouth open. "Bad dog, BAD!" Pulling harder too no avail i huff. "Fine!! Ill go get TWO fish!! HA!!!" Stepping off the side rail i crash into the sand face first. "FUCK!!" Lifting my head i spot a river that flows into the nearby water. Huffing dejectedly i roll a few times into it and dive too the bottom swimming towards the city.

Flame

I'm completely thrown when a man dressed in shadow stops my brother and I short. What is a ninja doing on a pirate ship? My brother is unfazed. Like ninjas on pirate ships are his everday, for all I know they are. We both take a step back our court masks slipping causally into place, like slipping on a jacket.

As soon as Smough and the ninja are gone we share a conspiratorial look. My brother and I aren't good with orders, especially from people we don't know well and don't yet completely trust.
He takes a slow step toward me putting away his weapon. "This isn't over."

"Of course not, I've just gotten warmed up." With a final glare at each other we dart into our positions. I slide into the shadows on the ladder, ever my brother's guardian. He follows right behind me. We focus our hearing and try and eavesdrop on what's happening up top.

Lexianna

I nod at his words carefully tapping one finger against my thigh as I listen. I can feel the anxiety coming off of him in waves. Poor fellow. I decide to keep him talking for a bit, with some people just talking is enough to settle their nerves.

"Fifty. That's quite a number you must have some motivational speaking skills. Normally a small group of people is best if you're trying to infiltrate and keep things quiet but I'm sure each one will come in handy. Especially if there's a large area to watch over." That reminds me...

"Nicholas, do you happen to know anything of the lord of East Point?"

I'm wondering if once the Bright Blades are rescued, I can turn this into a visit with the lord residing there.