[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/A74hwGb.png[/img] [i][h3]Tekah, Guy, Penny, Ciro: A Collaborative Episode[/h3][/i][/center] [hr][hr][h2][u]A Sailor's Folly[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=O N E] Guy had spent his day at the port, performing like any other mariner would. He was pleasant if not a little short with on account of the workload he had on him. He was not afraid to use his magic to help people of the sovereign pact, speaking to them with a friendliness in their native tongue the way. He was one of them after all. He even assisted the struggling Revidian from time to time and making friends even if they were on opposite sides. Today they were in the same boat of listening to unreasonable captains and wharf masters. His charm had a way of breaking though when he spoke to them in an accent found in northern Revidia. He spoke to the men of Zengali about the people in ports the lazy ones and the great ones. They were relatively resistant to calling any of them great but oh were they willing to call some of them lazy and diseased. All this noted with a fake laugh and noted down for later. He flirted and helped a few Zengali woman and he learned they were the source of information here. Gossiping was a treasured thing. It almost was comparable to the high class girls in Ipte's courtyard. And oh he learned so much more than he wanted, [color=51D092][i]I'm sorry Jafiri, Nyo is just not into you apparently,[/i][/color] he cringed at the future rejection that was sure to be the talk of the town. But still, he learned enough, it was time for the festival. Food and drinks were to be had and Guy filled himself up after a hard day's work though the spices were a little overbearing for him but the alcohol covered for any misgivings. Holding a bottle of wine, Guy waved off to the Sovereign pact men on the port, [color=3EB488]"Have a good night, tomorrow we earn our own tale!"[/color] Just a naive young man chasing fortune like anyone else, now he drunkenly stumbled down the port. [color=3A9D8B][i]These kind of missions were the best. Good people, good food, and most of all, straightforward.[/i][/color] Guy headed to a ship owned by Ciro Volta. From the rumours, it was just any other trading vessel in the larger fleet of the Sant'Agata della Compagnia Rossa. But Guy was privy to more than that. With what the main ship carried, there could be a chance that this also held dangerous cargo. No one could truly guess with Ciro since his trade routes expanded further than others. Which is exactly why Guy [i]needed[/i] to investigate. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]The Jig is Up[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=T W O] A quick scan of the ship revealed about 10 men standing guard. [color=2E5894][i]On the high side for sure but nothing remarkable with what he sells at that emporium of his,[/i][/color] Guy noted. The ship was of fine craftsmanship, he hated to admit. But again. Nothing of true note considering the company he was traveling with was a prized ship. Guy maneuvered his way onto the ship using only the slightest alteration to his sound and covered his very being the same way a magusjaeger would. The guards on the top deck were nothing of note, just watchmen who had no talent for it. Deplorable, really, but it did make this easier. The guards of the interior were much the same, some had the Gift but were obviously untrained. Everything was proving standard. [color=2E5894][i]If things keep going like this, then I can investigate the encampment next.[/i][/color] But as he was going to start getting to any place of importance, he was met with a guard of note. [color=2E5894][i]No signature, highly trained. Still within bounds of possibility.[/i][/color] Guy was confident but then he noticed a tight rotation of guards, all seemingly highly trained. Guy knew he was going to be discovered and it wasn't going to end well. He drugged himself up with some booze in case they might just toss him into the water as a drunk and let out a signal to an ally: people shouldn't come here. There was something under this perfect façade. He was proven correct almost immediately, in fact. It was naught but ten seconds later when he heard a voice. [color=8FBC8F]"Aren't [i]you[/i] sneaky for a 'drunk'."[/color] A guard in black and silver livery strode through a door and, before Guy could turn and try to make a break for it, another was coming down the gangway behind him. Just as he'd sensed earlier, these guys were [i]strong[/i] There was a quick exchange in an obscure dialect of Revidian and, in his inebriated state, Guy caught only a handful of words: 'This one', 'sure' and 'target'. Then, the second guard to arrive addressed him directly. [color=808000]"You don't struggle, maybe you live."[/color] They had draw to full capacity and, for each of them, that fell close to eight. Four hands reached for Guy, but an open gunport beckoned mere feet away. Guy raised his handle of wine, sloshing about whatever was left. [color=3A9D8B]"And what are [i]you[/i] doing here?!"[/color] he shot back like he had a personal grudge with the man, but upon holding the bottle to his head and squinting. [color=3A9D8B]"You're not Antonio,"[/color] He bent forward, losing his balance from the jug above him and falling towards the gunport. It took a second, and he [i]almost[/i] plunged through, but a powerful kinetic grasp found Guy and he was saved from his escape. [color=8FBC8F]"Looks like another drunk,"[/color] said one of the guards, who was [i]not[/i] Antonio. The second shook his head. [color=808000]"Tell the boss or toss him in?"[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Fun with Revidians (Part One)[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=T H R E E] The first guard considered. [color=8FBC8F]"Hey you!"[/color] he shouted at Guy. [color=8FBC8F]"Fuck Perrence. It's green because it was coughed up by Avince. I piss on Benedict the Blessed. I piss on Arcel the Victorious. I piss on Rouis the Unready."[/color] The other one glanced at his partner in horror for a moment before drawing back and snickering. Guy had long since dropped his bottle, it belonged to the sea now, may it rest in pieces. [color=3A9D8B]"That was close,"[/color] Guy seemed relieved, [color=3A9D8B]"Almost got a mouth full of c-"[/color] Guy was stopped by the hurl on insults and readied a kick for the man's stomach before he even got to Arcel, [color=3EB488]"Oh and maybe it's time to warm up Avince again. Maybe I'll say hi to the Doge's slut of a daughter on the way there."[/color] The guard who was Guy's target jumped back, and the kick was only glancing at best. The two of them looked at each other. [color=8FBC8F]"Perrench,"[/color] said the first with a nod. [color=808000]"And feisty,"[/color] agreed the second. Then, there were footsteps from further down the gangway, where the stairs were. [color=20B2AA]"Another drunk, Sebas?"[/color] asked a third guard, this one an awkwardly tall woman. The second guard shook his head. [color=808000]"One would think, Lucrezia, one would think."[/color] The other guard yanked Guy up from the ground. [color=808000]"But Giuseppe caught us a wriggler. He's as Perrench as they come."[/color] Giuseppe laughed. [color=8fbc8f]"Even called l'Anguilla's daughter a slut."[/color] Lucrezia snorted. [color=20b2aa]"Not that she [i]isn't[/i]."[/color] After a brief snicker, she turned to Giuseppe. [color=20b2aa]"Should I fetch Simona?"[/color] They exchanged looks and it lingered in the air for a moment. Finally, the one who seemed to be the head guard nodded. [color=8FBC8F]"Have her contact the boss. This one isn't who we thought might poke around, but I don't buy his little cover story. Not for a second."[/color] He leaned in and glared at Guy, incongruously smiling. [color=8FBC8F]"You a thief?"[/color] he asked, [color=8FBC8F]"A spy?"[/color] He paused. [color=8FBC8F]"Just a general asshole?"[/color] Guy listened in and tried to resist but 'found' himself not enough to break away. [color=326F91][i]Someone else? Noted. Potential messenger or tethered named Simona. Noted.[/i][/color] He looked at whoever was talking to him, [color=3EB488]"Wanna take a guess?"[/color] Guy glared back at him. He knew he wasn't in a good position, magically these 'guards' were stronger than him and they had obviously worked together. Ciro was coming now and that meant a direct encounter. Not enough was known to make a decision but at least he could count on Tekah to make sure Penny did not come here. [color=326F91][i]Admitting your leader's daughter is a whore, nothing but filth here.[/i][/color] Lucrezia dashed off on her errand and Sebas snorted at Guy's response. [color=808000]"Perrench,"[/color] he grunted, [color=808000]"That's all that really matters."[/color] [color=8FBC8F]"Unlike some,"[/color] Giuseppe added, [color=8FBC8F]"We don't equate patriotism with licking our leader's asshole clean."[/color] He scowled. [color=8FBC8F]"Then again, there are limits to what the Perrench brain is capable of."[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Fun with Revidians (Part Two)[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=F O U R] It was moments before Lucrezia came hustling back down. Following her was another woman: young, thin, and dark haired. She floated instead of walked, placing herself seated and leaning against a wall, fingers intertwined in her lap. [color=5F9EA0]"Signor Volta is on his way."[/color] She sat there, unmoving but for a blink of her eyes, and tilted her head tentatively. [color=5F9EA0]"You shouldn't have come here, Perrenchman. You're going to cause an international incident."[/color] [color=3EB488]"Oh fuck you,"[/color] was the only retort that Guy gave Giuseppe, gulping at seeing the floating woman come his way. With Ciro potentially being contacted by the person acting like a tethered, he also knew he couldn't use any magic around her; he'd be dead before he could finish drawing. Not that he wouldn't be dead in the current circumstances either, just another thing to watch out for. [color=3EB488]"For drunkenly wandering onto a ship?"[/color] Guy scoffed at her, not giving anymore thought to the absurdity. Besides, he was trying to remember what he was hearing. Sudden onset inebriation was hard to just suddenly deal with, Guy already made one mistake by trying to kick one of his captors: He'd missed. She sighed, still not moving much more than her face. [color=5F9EA0]"Well, I guess Ciro will decide when he gets here."[/color] There was a smile that was surprisingly easygoing. [color=5F9EA0]"You're probably exactly what you say you are, but this ship has valuable goods and your nationality makes things look bad, you know. "[/color] [color=20b2aa]"You know we're not supposed to call him by first name,"[/color] Lucrezia murmured, shooting the other woman a look. Simona merely arched an eyebrow tiredly and turned her gaze on Guy. [color=5F9EA0]"What's your name anyway?"[/color] she asked in an incongruously cheery voice. [color=326F91]"Guy,"[/color] Guy answered. He seemed increasingly nervous that he'd been caught. Having realized the situation he was in, his eyes darted around from person and person, sweat building as it began to dawn on him how truly fucked he was. [color=5F9EA0]"That's a nice name,"[/color] she remarked, [color=5F9EA0]"simple."[/color] She smiled and regarded him. [color=5F9EA0]"What were you doing here, Guy, [i]really[/i]."[/color] The smile fell away into a sort of sadness. [color=5F9EA0]"We're going to find out either way - it's our job - but we can do it now without any unpleasantness, I promise on my honour."[/color] Then, from outside, came the sounds of movement and voices, difficult to make out clearly but very much present. [color=808000]"That'd be the boss,"[/color] Sebas warned, crossing his arms. [color=8FBC8F]"Sure got here quick,"[/color] Giuseppe remarked. [color=808000]"He makes it down those stairs and we can't play nice anymore,"[/color] Sebas confirmed. [color=20b2aa]"Just fuckin' tell us, man?"[/color] That was Lucrezia. [color=20b2aa]"You can keep all your fingers."[/color] [color=2E5894][i]Could their hesitation be true? They're guards and their response was reasonable. Bringing down their client though? Not really proper for just a drunk unless Ciro had them specifically ordered to do so if it was Perrench or as a general rule and they were just covering that.[/i][/color] Guy made his split second moment to accept he was going to meet Ciro, fingers be damned. The information had already reached Tekah, even if it was only a drop of what was really going on. He hesitated and looked somewhat ashamed, he had his reason on his mind but didn't say anything. Though he did clenched his hands when Lucrezia threatened his fingers; he needed those. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]The Boss[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider= F I V E] Simona still had not moved one iota. She sighed. [color=5F9EA0]"Well, I tried."[/color] With that, dangling like a puppet, she lifted from the ground and began floating away. From the stairs came footsteps. Then, she was out of sight. [color=FFE4C4]"Cugina,"[/color] said a voice that Guy knew. [color=5F9EA0]"Padrone,"[/color] came the response. Then came Ciro Volta. He entered the room without pretense, pulled up a stool, and sat across from Guy. [color=FFE4C4]"Lots of Guys in Perrence,"[/color] he remarked. [color=FFE4C4]"Wasn't sure if it'd be you."[/color] [color=808000]"Where do you want me to start, boss?"[/color] It was Sebas, but Ciro held up a hand. [color=FFE4C4]"No need for that, amico."[/color] the youth smiled. [color=FFE4C4]"This man is known to me. I'm sure he has a good explanation."[/color] In truth, the Revidian looked almost... [i]hurt[/i]. [color=FFE4C4]"Right?"[/color] entreated his eyes. And there he was, Ciro Volta. The man Guy had come to do a light investigation on and ended being captured for. On some levels, he respected Ciro's level preparation, it was professional. On the other hand, Guy was immensely suspicious of Ciro. [color=3EB488][i]Not a lot of Volta left in Revidia,[/i][/color] Guy thought for a moment but held off the drunken remark. [color=3EB488]"I do have a reason. I had too much wine with an Eskandr twice my size and now I am here."[/color] He said not with a smile but more of an inebriated acknowledgement that he [i]had[/i] at least won that drinking contest. Ciro nodded, taking it in and - [i]perhaps?[/i] - understanding. He clasped his hands at the small of his back and pivoted to stand in profile. He twisted to glance at Guy. [color=FFE4C4]"Why here?"[/color] he asked, eyes darting over to Giuseppe, who loomed above him. [color=3EB488]"Why? Probably just looking for a place to piss and then I saw your ship,"[/color] Guy said simply, though he went to no effort to show any shame in his voice. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]A Royal Audience[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=S I X] Meanwhile, a good ways away, Penny was busy... running. She was dressed in pants and a long loose shirt that made her look like a man but also concealed the very slight bulge of her belly. Her wrists, shoulders, and leg burned with exertion. Her lungs heaved, and she'd have been well off the pace were it not for a very risky - and ultimately - successful play with a catapult. Brother Hodari was just enough of a Sovereign Pact loyalist, perhaps, to let it by. She hustled along, on the leg of the race closest to the docks, spotting the St. Elmo's Fyre and Ciro's ship - the Coure Volante - in the distance. They were no concerns of hers, however. Somewhere else, an Eeaiko girl was hurling herself through grey space to tell the one person she believed to help, Penny! Upon spotting the princess, Tekah disappeared into the void again to show up a few feet away from her, [color=B5BDA5]"Pweencess! We need yoor help!"[/color] Tekah asked, [color=B5BDA5]"Paup- Guy, hes been ceptoored!"[/color] She hopped up and down, nervously pointing off to wherever Guy had been taken. Penny swerved around the eeaiko as the last second to avoid a collision, stumbling to a stop and whirling. [color=f7976a][i]And this is my problem... why?[/i][/color] the Perrenchwoman found herself thinking. Already, she could see the other racers catching up to her. [color=f7976a]"Ugh!"[/color] she huffed, [color=f7976a]"Can you not see that I'm doing something? Did he get in trouble with the city guard or whatever?"[/color] [color=B5BDA5]"He's et Ceero's sheep. A laut auf guards!"[/color] Tekah kept looking back over to where Guy was, every moment wasted made her more jumpy, [color=B5BDA5]"He sent me a deestress noise, he waunts help,"[/color] Tekah's eyes looked so hopefully that the princess that Guy talked about would come save her father. They were passing her now. Penny heaved a greatly vexed sigh. [color=f7976a]"You have a long sensing range, right?"[/color] Restlessly, she swung halfway forward on her crutches before letting herself fall back onto her foot. [color=f7976a]"Are they hurting him?"[/color] She looked directly at Tekah with a furrowed brow. Anxiety practically bled from Tekah as Penny just seemed uninterested in her father's plights. [color=B5BDA5]"Eye-"[/color] Tekah reached out with her senses, like little drops in the water until she found paupaup. [color=B5BDA5]"-He's been beeten aup! End reel bedly"[/color] Tekah added more to her findings. Truthfully it was just a broken rib but it looked like it hurt! [color=f7976a]"Goddammit!"[/color] Penny cursed, as more runners passed her. She bit her lower lip in frustration. [color=f7976a][i]Always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong![/i][/color] In truth, he'd betrayed her, and in a way that would likely be disastrous for her future. His loyalty wasn't at all to her, but it was her fault for starting to think that it had been before he'd proven conclusively otherwise. Guy had always and would always serve the crown, not any individual member of the royal family. It still hurt, but she understood it, and there was more at play. If he was tortured and outed as a Perrench operative, the Revidians could use this as ammunition and, as friendly as Ciro often was, Penny knew that he was calculating as well. A merchant of his stature had to be. He would press his advantage. She nodded. [color=f7976a]"Let's go save him. Lead the way, Tekah."[/color] Tekah quite literally jumped into action, [color=B5BDA5]"Ookey! Thees wey your hyness,"[/color] Tekah blinked into greyspace and came back out maybe 20 feet away, waving her hands for Penny to follow. Since she was out of the race anyhow, Penny had no qualms about using kinetic magic to boost her movement. She quickly gave chase and it was not long before they found themselves within sensing range of the ship. There, however, she called out for the eeaiko to hold up. She'd been thinking as she ran - as much as a person [i]could[/i] think, anyhow - and she'd realized something: If Ciro was likely to present Guy as a spy caught snooping, which he [i]was[/i], Penny would need something in her back pocket to counter the accusations. She'd had an idea: a wonderfully awful idea. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]The Gloves Come Off[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=S E V E N] Ciro nodded at Sebas, who backhanded Guy across the face. It drew momentary stars in his vision, but he'd been hit harder before. [color=FFE4C4]"That was a lie,"[/color] Ciro stated matter-of-factly. He crossed his arms over his chest momentarily. [color=FFE4C4]"Each time you lie or disrespect me, it'll get worse."[/color] There was a pause where one could hear only breathing, the creaking timbers of the ship, and the sounds of lapping water. [color=FFE4C4]"Again, I ask you: why here?"[/color] His vision blurred but it came back to a drunken focus, only smarting for a moment. He didn't spit out any drool, that would be disrespectful [color=3EB488]"Clear cut method,"[/color] Guy said, rolling his jaw, [color=3EB488]"If only the fellow over here could hit harder than a seagull,"[/color] Guy smugly smirked at the man that hit him before turning back to Ciro. [color=3EB488]"You're right, I was dishonest,"[/color] Guy glanced away, [color=3EB488]"I wasn't probably looking for a place to piss, I was coming to piss on [i]your[/i] ship,"[/color] he said in a 'matter of fact' tone. [color=FFE4C4]"Would you like him to?"[/color] Ciro replied to the first query. [color=FFE4C4]"I'd prefer not. I just want answers so that I can protect my family's business, and you're not giving them."[/color] Guy's response did not draw a reaction from Ciro. [color=FFE4C4]"So it [i]is[/i] partisan."[/color] He nodded at Sebas, who wound up and delivered a kinetically-enhanced fist into his gut, so as not to break the jaw he'd need for speaking. Instead, it broke a rib and drove every bit of air from Guy. Something inside of him gave way. It was sudden and it hurt [i]badly[/i]. [color=FFE4C4]"Who sent you?"[/color] Ciro remarked coldly. Guy began to cough and strain under his broken rib.[color=2E5894][i]They always go for the ribs,[/i][/color] Guy thought, it was the most effective way to put damage on someone without showing it to others. Through the pain, he glared at Ciro, [color=3EB488]"I was sent by no one and I came-"[/color] he heaved in a labored breath, [color=3EB488]"-by my own faculties, I just don't like you."[/color] Ciro shook his head. [color=FFE4C4]"Well, it's mutual now."[/color] He scowled. [color=FFE4C4]"I wanted to trust you, even though you were Perrench. I thought you were a fellow mariner and you might be an okay guy, but breaking into my ship?"[/color] He snorted. [color=FFE4C4]"I'm not stupid, or at least not as stupid as [i]you[/i]. You didn't come here just to piss me off."[/color] His eyes narrowed. [color=FFE4C4]"Not a [i]guy[/i] like you. You're either a thief or a government spook, aren't you?"[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Exuding Confidence[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=E I G H T] Meanwhile, on the docks, Penny had caught up to the eeaiko, who looked like every moment not rushing towards Guy was torture for her. [color=f7976a]"Tekah!"[/color] she prodded. [color=f7976a]"Tekah, calm down. I have a plan."[/color] She gabbed the girl - oh, she looked about thirteen or so - by the shoulders. [color=f7976a]"They're probably going to accuse him of something political. We need ammunition of our own. Do you understand?"[/color] Penny was already reaching into a pouch at her waist as she spoke. Tekah was about to pull away, how could she calm herself when not only was Guy captured but he also gave the signal to not go and she was doing the exact opposite. But still she listened to Penny like she had been trained to do so. Her eyes lit up and she vigorously shook her head. A moment later she was gone with money to convince some people of just who wronged who here. She knew the general idea and now she just had to find the right people. [color=B5BDA5][i]Et waus teeme faur Sooper Tekah,[/i][/color] she bolstered her confidence with a healthy dash of naivete. [color=f7976a]"Tekah!"[/color] Penny shouted, [color=f7976a]"Remember, a Perrench sailor just walking along the docks and they saw him get kidnapped by people on that ship! Don't overload them with information! Give me a pinch signal when it's done!"[/color] Penny watched her run and then the ship was there: just out of auditory range. She hurried forward, arms and leg aching despite all of the chemical magic she'd pumped into herself to offset it. Soon, she was within easy sight, and she slowed to a pace where she could exude confidence instead of urgency. From one 'reputable' person, to the next, little Tekah scrounged up a handful of people who knew the truth: that those filthy pasta munchers had hauled up a good Perrench mariner for some reason. It was light work for the social prowess of Sooper Tekah. She sent out a pinch and sensed patiently for Penny, all her hope residing on a one legged pregnant princess that she had been told is amazing and kind and every other good adjective. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Here Comes the Pain[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=N I N E] Sebas raised a hand to strike him again, but Ciro shook his head and looked expectantly at the Perrenchman. If he was reaching, if he wasn't sure, he didn't show it. [color=3EB488]"I'm no thief and when the day comes, I will be a soldier much like any Perrenchman,"[/color] Guy paused, [color=3EB488]"I came to piss you off because I carry some disdian for you. I need no more reason, I just got too drunk and ended up acting upon unsightly impulses."[/color] The fight Guy had been holding until now seemed to have wound down now. Ciro scrunched up his nose. He thought. Then, he laughed. [color=FFE4C4]"Ah!"[/color] he laughed. [color=FFE4C4]"Ah haha!"[/color] He shook his head and the mirth died quickly. [color=FFE4C4]"It's Salomé, isn't it."[/color] His eyes narrowed. [color=FFE4C4]"You'll never have her,"[/color] he crowed. [color=FFE4C4]"She's a free woman and she chose [i]me[/i]."[/color] He laughed again, and shook his head. [color=FFE4C4]"And to think that I thought it was something more."[/color] He snorted, turning to Lucrezia. [color=FFE4C4]"Give him the treatment and let him go."[/color] Ciro glanced at Guy again, rolled his eyes, and turned to start walking away. He had kept his story withheld but consistent as someone should when being interrogated. He thought it was the right way to go. If he could clear suspicions of him being a spy then any humility was worth it. That may have been true a month ago or even a few hours ago when he was not so intoxicated but he found that laugh to be ever so demeaning. Maybe his pride had grown since he had arrived in Ersand'Enise, but he ended up scowling at Ciro, clenching his fists. He could not strike him; he had not gone mad. Ciro began walking but, then, he stopped. He stiffened. Then, he ran up the stairs, speaking rapidly in Revidian. Sebas began using binding on Guy and his own knuckles. Giuseppe and Lucrezia moved in, the former with a sack and the latter with some scary chemical magic building up and almost ready to unleash. His body was so willing to accept any bit of binding. But, no, Guy was not willing to accept a moment of reprieve from any of Ciro's men. He staunchly rejected the binding with his own mana and could only brace his own brain for whatever chemical magic was to come for him. His favorite magic was to mess with someone's mind, after all. But even he knew that he was not at whatever that level was. [color=3EB488][i]Resist, make it messy, fragment yourself and piece it back together. Resist.[/i][/color] Roughly, the bag was shoved over Guy's head and hands were laid upon his temples. [color=8FBC8F]"Stay the fuck still!"[/color] shouted one of the guards. [color=8FBC8F]"Hold his godsdamned legs!"[/color] he commanded the others. Meanwhile, Guy could feel his thoughts begin to go hazy, but there was no missing the voice of the person who had caused all of this panic: the person who was just outside! He only had to hold out a little bit longer... [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]The Cavalry has Arrived[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=T E N] Penny stood at the bottom of the gangplank, looking up at the Revidian ship. [color=f7976a][i]Filthy fucking pasta munchers is right.[/i][/color] She scowled. [color=f7976a][i]I can smell the cheap olive oil and duplicitousness from here.[/i][/color] A trio of guards came rushing down the gangplank and she cleared her throat. [color=f7976a]"We've come to speak to the owner of this... 'ship'."[/color] She wrinkled her nose. The guards clumsily blocked her way. [color=red]"You can't be here, ma'am!"[/color] cried one. [color=yellow]"We're very sorry!"[/color] added another. [color=blue]"Did you need any help?"[/color] inquired the third, her eyes going significantly to the empty side of Penny's skirts. [color=red]"Wait!"[/color] the first exclaimed in Revidian. [color=red]"She said 'we', there are more."[/color] Penny regarded them with disdain, the way one might a weed in her garden. [color=f7976a]"We are the crown of Perrence, Penelope of Relouse. You will part,"[/color] she commanded, [color=f7976a][i][b]"NOW."[/b][/i][/color] They exchanged panicked glances and started to but did not go all of the way. [color=f7976a]"You will part or we shall part you,"[/color] she growled. [color=f7976a]"We will speak with the owner of this ship and our countryman he has taken hostage and is torturing."[/color] She had received Tekah's message. It was time to set things in motion. Tekah held some Festival food and was joining the spectacle of the scene. She knew she had a role to play as another person to testify their story. But even more than that, the eeaiko found herself being encouraged by Penny's powerful display. [i]This[/i] was what Royalty was, what she had been told it was. Guy, for his part, struggled more than ever once he heard Penny's voice. She shouldn't have been here, but he adapted to the new situation, spitting at the guards before the bag went over and kicking them once it was on. Like a very angry animal he was slowly being restrained. He had resisted and resisted with his own chemical magic but it had proven ineffective. But there was something that always proved 'shocking' for an internal mage. Bracing himself for the a zap, Guy repulsed the chemical magic being enacted on him and maybe zapping a few others that seemed to just love holding him oh so tightly. If he hadn't have had specific training for this, if he hadn't been shocked as a youth at the Ecole Militaire, he probably would've blacked out. Nonetheless, Guy jerked and spasmed, losing control over his muscles and letting out a cry of pain through grinding teeth. He was not alone, however. The woman's hands jerked back from his temples and he could hear a crash as she hit the ground, even if he could not see it through the sack. The other two guards, less affected, reeled momentarily. Hesitantly, another set of guards parted, and Penny marched up the gangplank, noting a sudden spike in energy from an area near the back of the ship. It was sonic. She snorted. She couldn't prove it, but somebody had just dropped a bubble. [color=f7976a][i]As subtle as your shitty wines,[/i][/color] she remarked inwardly, reaching the top over their protestations. [color=red]"Please, ma'am, he's coming!"[/color] [color=blue]"If we could just ask you to wait here!"[/color] [color=yellow]"This is private property."[/color] Penny whirled on the last one. [color=f7976a]"Your accent,"[/color] she observed. [color=f7976a]"You're Arsican."[/color] [color=yellow]"I... yes?"[/color] [color=f7976a]"Then you [i]are[/i] our property. Make way."[/color] They had a tethered or some other interferer, trying to mask their sordid activities my infusing the area with ambient energies. Still, she could feel Guy fighting them. She just had to reach him! [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]I Love it when a Plan Comes Together![/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=E L E V E N] Then, Ciro was there. [color=FFE4C4]"Ah, Penelope, what can I do for you?"[/color] he inquired, placing himself directly in her path, hands clasped behind her back and a very patient smile straining his features. Down in the hold, there were sudden shouts in Revidian. The sack was ripped free of Guy's head, his wrists were roughly unbound, and he was shoved to his feet. Lucrezia was just starting to sit up, twitchy and groggy, and she did not even have the wherewithal to glare at him. Sebas and Giuseppe stood to either side of him, brimming with energy. [color=808000]"On your feet, frog,"[/color] the former snarled. [color=8FBC8F]"You could've made this easy,"[/color] sniped Giuseppe, [color=8FBC8F]"but you just had to be some kind of hero."[/color] [color=20b2aa]"Get moving,"[/color] grated a rather toasty Lucrezia, rising painfully to her feet, and Guy hadn't much choice in the matter, but it was clear that they had failed! He had bought himself enough time and they'd run out of it. There'd be no memory wipe and no professions of innocence, but then came the healing, from somewhere else entirely, and it was [i]powerful[/i], bullying through Guy's defenses against it. [color=f7976a]"Ah, Ciro Volta,"[/color] Penny replied. [color=f7976a]"I thought I smelled sweat and baccalà."[/color] She knit her fingers in front of herself, coming to a stop, and stood on her tiptoes, peering over his shoulder in the direction of the stairs down to the hold. [color=f7976a]"Kindly release my poor drunken friend?"[/color] she chirped in an voice dripping with artificial sweetness. [color=f7976a]"This fucking instant,"[/color] she added. Guy was never shy to feel successful. He had his memories, he had even gotten some licks in and then he'd even come away with some injuries to support a claim against them. How refreshing did this moment feel after getting roughed up! A bit too refreshing, even, as he felt his bones stitch together and the blood vessels reformed. No resistance could be had and he could guess where it was from. [color=2E5894][i]I just knew she'd be the problem,[/i][/color] Guy thought to himself as he looked to Sebas and croaked at him. [color=326F91][i]Just a little bit more before you are off this wretched ship,[/i][/color] he thought to himself. The moonlight was coming into view and the healing was done. Did they think so low of him that he wouldn't hurt himself again? A metal lantern was blasted into Guy's ribs, landing where it had fractured before, breaking that poor, poor rib all over again. No cough was to be had but there was a croak - this time not intentional. Ciro furrowed his brow, meanwhile, and took a step back, eyes widening in feigned surprise. [color=FFE4C4]"Such language from a future queen,"[/color] he replied to one who was clearly not in line for the throne. [color=FFE4C4]"You've must truly believe I've done something reprehensible to deserve that."[/color] He bowed his head graciously. [color=FFE4C4]"I apologize for appearances, but I assure you this is not the case. Your friend,"[/color] he continued with a regretful look, [color=FFE4C4]"drunkenly broke onto my ship, which is something my entire crew can attest to."[/color] He shook his head placatingly, even as Penny heard footsteps coming from the stairs. [color=FFE4C4]"Now, I know that he's no sort of spy for your government or master criminal, but he's wreaked a good deal of havoc and we're still taking inventory. I'm happy to return him in exchange for your assurances that this matter will be fairly arbitrated in a public court of law and appropriate restitution levied."[/color] The oily Revidian was speaking in his silver-tongued manner, but Penny had tuned him out roughly halfway through the monologue. She felt Guy hurt himself. Likely, he was building a counter-case for damages or perhaps they had healed any injuries done to him. She decided to assist him. [color=FFE4C4]"As you can see,"[/color] Ciro concluded, gesturing towards the door with his hand, [color=FFE4C4]"and I wish I could say the same for my ship and crew, he is completely unharmed."[/color] Swelling her energies, Penny reached out with the Gift and unleashed them in the form of a brutal smack across the cheek. Guy's head snapped around, his lip split, and his nose began to bleed. Giuseppe, Lucrezia, and Sebas tried desperately to restrain him from stumbling out into Penny's and Ciro's sight. Guy had not seen the smack coming, and it was [i]so[/i] much worse than what Sebas had done. [color=2E5894][i]That's a real hit, Sebas.[/i][/color] And for some forsaken reason he felt like he deserved it. The door was right there and what better a show of injuries to make it seem like he was beaten and tossed into view! All he needed was his sweat and some chemical magic. He was slick as the frog they called him, slipping out of their hands into view of the others. He protected nothing on the way to the ground, letting his face truly smash for the sake of performance. Guy came stumbling out of the doorway, a bloody mess, and smashed into the ground facefirst, chipping a tooth in the process. Penny's eyes widened in horror and she took an 'involuntary' step in her countryman's direction. Then, however, they narrowed. [color=f7976a]"Is this some kind of sick joke!?"[/color] She whirled on Ciro, who did nothing to cover his surprise. [color=f7976a]"[i]Is[/i] it!?"[/color] she demanded, and he swallowed in discomfort. It lasted only a second, however. [color=FFE4C4]"I..."[/color] He cleared his throat, glaring at the trio of guards in whose charge the Perrenchman had been left. [color=FFE4C4]"Giuseppe, Sebas, Lucrezia!"[/color] he roared, [color=FFE4C4]"Explain yourselves! This instant!"[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Crossing a Line[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=T W E L V E] They looked confused and then it was Sebas who spoke. [color=808000]"I'm sorry, padrone!"[/color] He nearly doubled over in bowing. [color=808000]"He tried to attack Lucrezia! He grabbed her breasts and was about to..."[/color] Lucrezia nodded, interjecting [color=20b2aa]"It's true,"[/color] she wept, holding herself tightly. [color=20b2aa]"While the others were gone, he slipped his ties and hit me with a magnetic spell to stun me."[/color] Indeed, one could still feel the heightened magnetic energies in her. One could see how her hair stood up. She sniffed. [color=20b2aa]"I'm sorry, Padrone. Then he..."[/color] She swallowed and looked down and away. [color=8FBC8F]"We intervened as soon as we could,"[/color] assured Giuseppe. [color=8FBC8F]"We pulled him off. He didn't get to do anything too..."[/color] He grimaced. Lucrezia cried. Ciro turned to Penny, and now [i]he[/i] was angry. [color=FFE4C4]"Well then, your [i]majesty[/i], it feels as if this is a little more complex then you might've assumed."[/color] He stalked forward. [color=FFE4C4]"Not only did your drunken idiot of a countryman break onto my ship. He tried to force himself on a valued member of my crew!"[/color] He shook his head and snorted indignantly. [color=FFE4C4]"I'd say the very [i]least[/i] he deserves is a split lip. I think I shall demand criminal penalties in a court of law. I think I shall ask you to [i]leave.[/i] This. Fucking. Instant."[/color] Penny's eyes narrowed. [color=f7976a]"And when did he do this to you?"[/color] she asked, shooting a look of apprehension Guy's way. [color=20b2aa]"A few minutes ago,"[/color] Lucrezia replied, wiping away some of her tears. [color=20b2aa]"I defended myself,"[/color] she answered defiantly. Penny nodded. [color=f7976a]"I see,"[/color] she remarked. [color=f7976a]"And what do you have to say for yourself, sailor?"[/color] She regarded her countryman neutrally. Guy started to rise from the deck, blood dripping from his nose. It was a good performance, he thought. But how quick the three revidians were to leverage false claims against him! They were utterly vile, enough for Guy to yell out, [color=2E5894]"Enough with your accusation! I laid no hand on her breasts!"[/color] Guy seemed riled. [color=2E5894]"I merely defended myself when she had grasped my head and sought to use the magic of Eshiran on my consciousness! I made no pass at that wench."[/color] Penny nodded. [color=f7976a]"As any reasonable person might suspect."[/color] She turned back to Ciro. [color=f7976a]"If this happened a few minutes ago, then why were they beating him now? Why are his wounds fresh, especially that one in his midsection?"[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"You still persist, splitting hairs in light of a mountain of evidence?"[/color] She did not back away from Ciro's display. [color=f7976a]"Evidence,"[/color] she snorted. [color=f7976a]"That's a principle. Isn't it. So, testimony alone should decide his innocence or guilt?"[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"That is generally the way it's done,"[/color] the Revidian replied coolly. Was there a hint of smugness to it? Surely not! He was angry on behalf of his valued crew member. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Weight of Evidence (Part One)[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=T H I R T E E N] Penny nodded again, thoughtfully. [color=f7976a]"Alright then,"[/color] she agreed, hands settling on her crutches before she took a step. [color=f7976a]"So then I have a hypothesis,"[/color] she began, [color=f7976a]"If you'll be so kind as to allow me to speak."[/color] Ciro smiled tightly and gestured for her to go ahead. [color=f7976a]"Your undisciplined crew, having been stuck in port for weeks, have been drinking. Sailors drink, after all, far too much, sometimes. Likely, my countryman was drunk as well."[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"Oh, most certainly,"[/color] Ciro responded. Penny began to pace, daring anybody to block her way. [color=f7976a]"But for someone who seems so greatly fond of due process, you've failed to ask the most important question of all, Monsieur Volta. Do you know what that is?"[/color] [color=ffe4c4]"I think I've asked all the pertinent ones, but clearly, you disagree."[/color] [color=f7976a]"You're not the least bit curious as to why I've shown up here?"[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"It's patently obvious that you two are in cahoots."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Wrong as usual, Monsieur Volta."[/color] She shook her head. [color=f7976a]"Your drunken crew assaulted my drunken countryman while he was wandering about the docks because they were bored and ready to make poor decisions. They took it too far and beat him severely and more or less had to [i]drag[/i] him up the stairs when he, clearly in a stupor, would not cooperate."[/color] She turned on her heel and stopped, tilting her head to the side slightly. [color=f7976a]"Now, these three are inventing a vile and ridiculous fiction to cover for their actions so that you don't discipline them."[/color] Much as she wanted to punch the Revidian in his smug little face, there would be a place and a time for that later. For now, she needed to offer him a way out. [color=f7976a]"Your dedication to your crew is admirable,"[/color] she declared. [color=f7976a]"And it must be, for you to sometimes share the same space, to take each others lives in your hands, for months on end."[/color] She shook her head. [color=f7976a]"But it is misplaced, sir."[/color] Ciro's eyes narrowed, but he was thinking. [color=FFE4C4]"And what makes you think I'd believe any of this over the word of my own crew: people, as you put it, who've held my very life in their hands?"[/color] Penny sighed. [color=f7976a]"Remember how I asked you why I was here?"[/color] He did not reply, his face hard and stony. [color=f7976a]"I was running in that footrace, mostly for the great irony of it, when I saw a pair of young dockworkers come running from the direction of your ship. As I was not going to win anyway, for Oraff has clearly not equipped me to do so, I asked them what had unsettled them so and they told me everything."[/color] Upon hearing the theory that was underplay, Guy decided to add onto it. [color=2E5894]"It's true,"[/color] he wiped the blood from his mouth, [color=2E5894]"I had been walking by this port, and was assailed by these men. They threw insults not only at me but said they piss on Perrence and Rouis themselves."[/color] His eyes were filled with hate at the man for poking fun at their Royalty. [color=2E5894]"I returned the harsh comments in kind and then after they grabbed me with magic and knocked the bottle from my hands,"[/color] he pointed to the water where a bottle of wine still floated. [color=FFE4C4]"You lie!"[/color] Ciro exclaimed, for he knew the truth. His crew had assaulted only an invader. [color=f7976a]"He does not, sir."[/color] Penny shook her head. [color=f7976a]"And neither do I. In fact, I have heard all about your crew's misdeeds from three perfectly neutral locals who corroborate his story and will swear by their testimony. Your people assaulted him and dragged him onto the ship and I had a suspicion it was Guy based on their description. Now, it is confirmed."[/color] She tilted her head, eyes narrowed. [color=f7976a]"Now, didn't you say that this man's guilt or innocence -"[/color] she gestured in his direction. [color=f7976a]"should be determined by weight of testimony?"[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"These are decent disciplined people!"[/color] Ciro exclaimed. [color=FFE4C4]"They wouldn't-"[/color] [color=f7976a]"Oh, but they [i]did[/i], sir."[/color] Penny was implacable. [color=f7976a]"They did and now they're trying to lie to the both of us."[/color] She took a deep breath and released. [color=f7976a]"Look: I know you're a decent fellow and just trying to look out for your people, but you're only digging your hole deeper."[/color] [color=FFE4C4]"These witnesses of yours: where are they?"[/color] Ciro inquired. [color=FFE4C4]"Hmm?"[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Weight of Evidence (Part Two)[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=F O U R T E E N] Penny pointed in the direction of a trio of figures in the near distance. She signaled Tekah to be ready for some form of sneak attack, for she did not trust Ciro an inch further than she might throw him. [color=FFE4C4]"They shall remain safely anonymous until their testimony is required in a public court of law, was it?"[/color] Ciro broke, at that moment, and she knew it. [color=FFE4C4]"Is that truly necessary? Is it truly worth the time and the gossip that will surely come?"[/color] He shot an apologetic glance at Lucrezia. [color=FFE4C4]"They've all agreed your scofflaw of a countryman did not do anything... worse to her, and she does appear to have taken her [i]satisfaction[/i] of him."[/color] Penny's eyes narrowed. [color=f7976a]"He didn't touch her,"[/color] she maintained, [color=f7976a]"but I admit that I cannot prove that beyond knowing [i]him[/i] the way that you know your crew."[/color] She nodded thoughtfully. [color=f7976a]"What I [i]can[/i] make quite publicly clear in that court is how they dragged him onto the ship and assaulted him."[/color] He had tried to place her on the back foot, but Penny had no such thing, and now he was on it instead. Still, she could not make obvious that a neutral outcome was her win condition. She had to make him squirm a bit more. [color=FFE4C4]"And so [i]then[/i] what, Penny?"[/color] Ciro scoffed. [color=FFE4C4]"We drag each other through the mud over this trivial matter?"[/color] [color=f7976a]"I do not think it trivial,"[/color] she rejoined, implacable in voice and demeanour. [color=FFE4C4]"We could start a [i]war[/i] over this!"[/color] he declared, incredulous. [color=FFE4C4]"For Dami's sake!"[/color] [color=f7976a]"We could."[/color] Ciro's eyes narrowed and something clicked behind his eyes. [color=FFE4C4]"Get off my ship,"[/color] he replied, gesturing at Guy. [color=FFE4C4]"Take him and get off my ship."[/color] He knew now that was all she had ever wanted from this and she had outmaneuvered him, plain and simple: she and this Perrench minion, who he was now more certain than ever was a government spy. Alas, he could not prove the assertion more than she could 'prove' her false claim. [color=FFE4C4]"And don't return."[/color] It was time to cut his losses. They were minimal. Penny smiled and curtsied [color=f7976a]"As you wish, [i]Padrone[/i]."[/color] She inclined her head in Guy's direction and took a few steps toward him, already reaching out to heal him. [color=f7976a]"Come now, my esteemed subject, let me see to that. Let us leave."[/color] [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]A Loyal Soldier[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=F I F T E E N] Guy was quiet for the most part. He had no ability in the realm of theatrical politics nor the ability to stand next to princess's magnificent performance. [color=2E5894]"Thank you, your highness,"[/color] Guy would normally give a bow but his ribs had taken enough abuse and let his humbleness show with a bow of the head instead. Walking off the ship he made no remarks at Ciro, he just seemed so very relieved to have made it out with his memories and not be acclaimed as a savage lecher. But so many other thoughts weighed on his heart. Most he could not broach right now nor did he want to but for one thing he wanted to do so. It was a blessing that Tekah didn't listen and even more so that Penny had came. There was a part of Guy that held more guilt that it should have for involving someone of Penny's standing into his reckless mistake. It was a guilt that he couldn't place but he felt a sting much the same as from a letter not too long ago. As they moved cleanly out of range, he placed a sonic bubble, [color=2E5894]"Do not be alarmed, Ciro had a tethered on board and I do not know of her abilities but she was very strong."[/color] His eyes made no note of the ship anymore as they had long moved past it and he could feel Tekah tugging on him from greyspace, always the nervous girl, even as an egg. He straightened up to give her a proper thanks the way he should to royalty, [color=2E5894]"Your Highness, I give my most humble thanks to you, Pen-"[/color] there was that sting again. It was the moment he began to understand it. His stance shifted, and he seemed much more normal, [color=3EB488]"Thank you, Penny. I know I am not deserved of your help for many reasons."[/color] The feeling sat with him for another moment, [color=3EB488]"I have not proven myself nor may you want me, but I promise on my name that when you call on me, I will answer only you,"[/color] Guy placed his hand over his heart and gave a deep bow to Penelope of Relouse, Princess of Perrence. [/hider] [hr][hr][h2][u]Summary[/u]__ ____ ___ __ __ _ _[/h2] [hider=Z E R O] After hanging out with some other parties, Guy decides to investigate Ciro Volta's ship, the Coure Volante, which has been stuck in Zengali since the troubles with the White Thresher really kicked off a couple of weeks ago. When he tries to sneak in, however, he finds much tighter security than expected, even for a ship of such value. Ultimately, Guy is caught, and decides to play the part of a drunk but, once the guards bring in Ciro himself, the merchant doesn't buy it and begins a rather unplesant interrogation. Guy is able to get a signal off to Tekah, who uses her extended range to find Penny and beg the Perrench royal for her help. Despite her recently-acquired distaste for Guy after his personal betrayal in reporting her unplanned pregnancy to the crown, she is guilted into helping and comes up with a devious, layered plan that Tekah helps her implement. Guy, holding out against the interrogation, is quickly healed when Penny appears and the Revidians panic. Ciro calmly stalls her on deck, giving his guards time to bring up a pristine-looking Guy, who had broken onto the ship but not been harmed despite his bad faith actions. However, Guy manages to reinjure himself and Penny assists with a telekinetic smack. When he stumbles out on deck, battered, Ciro's attempt to gain concessions from the Perrench fails momentarily. However, his crew members make up a nasty lie about Guy having tried to assault a female member of the guard, and Ciro once again presses his case, with Penny and him agreeing that witness testimony should hold the most weight. This falls apart in the face of the Perrench master plan, when the princess debunks much of his story as fabrication and puts forward the alternative, backed by the accounts of 'neutral witnesses' - in reality, the unknown Tekah and some dockworkers she had paid to fabricate a story about the drunken Revidians jumping Guy, hauling him onto their ship, and then trying to cover up their crime. He supports this with some circumstantial evidence and, when it becomes clear that Penny is willing to take this minor incident all the way, Ciro backs down. In the end, Penny and Guy walk away to eventually meet back up with Tekah, their score settled by Penny's slap, Guy's apology, and a newfound mutual respect. [/hider] [hr][hr]