[IC] Story of Averice.

[Tarantulass]

It was slight fog at the morning, with slight hint of rain as captain Vallière was done with the preparations. It was rather simple wooden desk and two chairs, in which one was used by her... of course the sight of her gorgeous ship was quite a background, even if she said so herself. What felt almost like trouble last night had proven to be a stroke of luck. The two children she found, Rowans, seemed to be rather desperate in their situation... to the point she didn't need to pay AS much as she would of to a regular cabin boys. She didn't find it as a trouble to her morale, as long as she wouldn't bring it up.

However, where the luck had started, it almost seemed like it had ended too. Vallière had woken the two up and told them to bring her a morning tea as a light breakfast to her recruitment desk. She had shown a little of her ship for them last night, but it was a little test to see if they were able to do anything. However, no-one seemed to be on sight yet. Of course Tarnoa wasn't exactly the best place to recruit in a hurry, but she wasn't thinking it was this bad. Apart from few pass buyers, the docks were empty so far.

Not wanting to feel like she was wasting her time though, Vallière opened a large book on her desk, along with the small pile of recruiting contracts as well as feather and ink bottle. She started to examine the book, captains log, faking to write something down on it like she wasn't this desperate. It was larger than most captains did have, but it was kind of her own personal diary, making all her notes into this private library to herself. Almost like a diary, instead of emotional rushes just bursts of knowledge.

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque stalked along the docks silently, head bowed low, shoulders hunched, and tail swaying from side to side slowly as he went along in search of the location printed on the paper clenched in his claws. The mercenary had found rather slim pickings in Tarnoa, a few deliveries here and there, nothing really suited for a person of his caliber, but money was money in the end. He'd just been about to depart to a more plentiful land, perhaps somewhere like Repora, when he'd stumbled across a recruitment letter posted outside of the inn he'd stayed in for the night, one requesting a crew to Glide under someone by the moniker of Cpt.Vallière. Jacque wasn't particularly pleased with the idea of working under someone for a long period of time, but if the pay was good, he'd put up with it for as long as the money flowed, then drop the job when his services could no longer be afforded.

There was a just desk just ahead of him, a woman sat behind it and appeared to be calmly scribbling on a book before her, Jacque checked the paper again to ensure this was indeed the location he was searching for, then briskly walked towards her, making note of the small but well armed ship at her back. Jacque stopped six inches away from the desk and held up the paper, "Are you the Captain recruiting? I'm here to apply as first mate.", he stated curtly. There was to be no beating around the bush, ask for or about the job, come to an agreement about payment, do as directed, and get paid, that was how Jacque did business every time. He stared down at the woman silently as he waited for her answer, his golden eyes piercing through the mist like twin daggers.

[XxLyraxX]

Adrian was standing on a stool, stirring a pan of eggs and hash browns. His sister was by his side preparing the tea. They worked as one, moving around each other effortlessly as they soon finished the task set for them. Adrian placed the food carefully on a plate then set the dish on the tray his sister was preparing. They soon grabbed it and made their way to where the Captain was waiting, using their little knowledge of the ship to make their way to the docks. The children padded up next to the women and gently set the tray next to her. "Here you are ma'am." They chorused in unison, stepping back a little.

They soon caught sight of the being before them and Adelyn slightly hid behind her brother, both children peeking up at him.

[Tarantulass]

Vallière took a quick look up from her book every now and then, often enough to notice the stranger coming to the desk. She 'finished' her writing, closing the book as she got her back straight, looking up at the man. "Yes, that would be me." she said, placing the feather back next to the ink bottle as she heard steps coming behind her. Perfect timing from the cabin boys... purely for the images sake, if it wasn't for that tedious mistake.

"Captain... not ma'am." Vallière said, turning her head at the two. "Rowans, remember that from this point on... dismissed until further notice-" she said before seeing a single drop of water landing on the deck. "Correction, young man Rowan will be bringing me an umbrella." she continued, before turning back to the man in front of her. "I would ask you to sit down, but I feel that kind of a status that you prefer to stand..." she said, before clearing her throat.

"The trip would be from here to Relcav. We would be stopping at Cotrelini, Kasa islands and Verjnu. The payment is 175 denars from a single docking..." she let that sink into the mans head for a moment. The payments for gliding were usually paid by dockings, in which a single flight from a dock to dock was the paid service. The time it took was entirely up to the crew, as better crew were faster to get their pay. The usual pay for such was 125 from newcomers to the ship. "...which is almost 1.5 ratio to the usual pay might I add." she then made the simple math just to get the tone to the positives.

"The contract will be constricting you to be in your duties on board of Averice to the time we reach Relcav. From that point on the contract may be continued if your services are still required. Before we get to anything else though, I would like to ask questions. Such as, what previous experience would you have about your duty as quartermaster?" she asked, trying to get things done formally... this man didn't look like he was up to a chitchatter.

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque listened to everything that Vallière had to say carefully, however for a brief moment his gaze shifted over to the two children eying him wearily, one hiding behind the other. For a second they seemed familiar, however Jacque perished the thought as the matter of payment was brought up, 'Good. So this one's at least able to afford my assistance for the time being.' he thought with a small nod. The contract holding until Relcav was no issue either, Jacque was used to contracts spanning days,weeks, or even months. Finally, Vallière inquired about Jacque's expertise in the way of preforming as a quarter master, Jacque tilted his head up slightly, "My time on a ship serving as an authoritarian of sorts is limited, however as a high ranking soldier of Cotrelini i've lead many scores of men in various situations from armed combat to espionage. Needless to say, I do not think that helping in overseeing the affairs of the ship and crew will be an issue, Captain Vallière.".

[Alexjits]

Karlaz growled sitting near the docks with his warblade next to him looking out over the direction to the southern Islands where he arrived from "My new life starts here is it...Might as well get a job...So I can fight more" Karlaz looked around the docks behind him seeing a large vessel "Hm...Can't be that bad to be a sailor...", Karlaz walked towards the large ship seeing a woman who in his opinion didn't look much of a captain, He shrugged it off and spoke out "Uh, Duranoid...Would you require another sailor with you...?"

[Tarantulass]

"Well, I do hope that it is true. I would be in need of a proper quartermaster though it'll require bit more than just 'helping'. I have been off coast for quite a while, and given the information I've received, the first few dockings might have me under the deck on paper work... I trust you will be able to handle Duonioids and Trajaks as the same." she said, before being rudely interrupted by one... speak of the devil. Vallière glanced at the Trajak that had just shown up. "I do. I'll get back to you as soon as I'm done with him." she said, almost grunted as she was barely able to hold herself from turning this brute right back where he had came from... she didn't like interruptions, as much as she didn't like handling multiple things at once.

Clearing her throat, she then picked up the feather, dipping it to the ink before starting to write some additional information to the contract on the top of the pile. "As a quartermaster, you will be only answering to me. If I don't see you fit on the task by the time we hit Kasa islands, I am allowed to break the contract by will, in other words, fire you. The only thing I need more from you is to grant secrecy. By signing the contract you will be committed to not speak about me or my choice of words, or what is on board of Averice for the next seven years." Vallière finished as she placed the contract in front of the man, handing him the feather. "Last thing I want is my competitors espionage hitting on board as what is basically second in command".

[Thedreadpirate]

Eddy strolled through the town, taking his time as he passed various venders, holding small, light, friendly conversations with them as he held his large arms by his side, nervously cracking his knuckles, see he knew most of the venders in the market, and was afraid that his friendliness with them might cost him his place on the Averice. Finally, he made it to the tent where the sheet said to meet, hearing voices inside the tent he sat down next to it, figuring someone else was probably in there, dear gods he hoped it wasn't another engineer, but he shrugged it off, either this would work out or it wouldn't. It was then that Eddy noticed a particularly large Trajak with some particularly large spear-like things sitting nearby, Nodding at the being, Eddy casually asked "You too huh?"

[Marcus XVI]

Radek moved nimbly through the mass of people, he didn't pause to nudge them aside or anything like that - he simply managed to move past people with noticeable grace. Part of the ease of movement was perhaps the man's looks - either he was wearing an odd mask... after all mask wearing people are never to be trusted - or he was one of the trajak, which gave people even more reason to keep their distance from such a lowlife. Even the most foolhardy pickpockets decided to keep his distance from the oddly dressed and cloaked figure who was making his way forwards.

The cloaked figure lifted his head slightly as he heard the words 'high ranking soldier of Cotrelini' and decided to investigate further. The unnerving emerald eyes scanned through the crowd and found Jacque and the captain. Jarek smiled faintly and made his way closer - soon he was standing behind Jacque - though far enough not to seem too impolite.

[FinDragon]

Verk was at the docks as usually, he helped the larger ships load their cargo for payment, which probably would go to alcohol later that night, he carries in heavy boxes into a small ship and chitchatted with some of the people around it. He heaves the last box in and accepts his payment, then taking his course towards the neares pub, once again catching more than few glances from the people who see him every day, yet can't get over his presence. he shrugs it off, he's used to strange looks already, after all his form is not the most pleasant to the eyes, nor is he hard to miss.

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque nodded at Vallière's explanation of the contract and picked up the feather, "Understood then." he said as he scribbled his name down on the bottom of the paper. Jacque set the pen down and walked around the captain, turning and standing stone still when he was just an inch or two behind her. He would not board the ship after literally just signing the contract without her orders, he'd been taught during his training that the commanding officer was to always be first aboard a vessel unless they granted permission to do so freely to those under them in rank, besides, he didn't particularly trust the three Trajak that had arrived shortly after him just yet. He'd worked with and against their kind before, they truly were incredible fighters worthy of their reputation, however they also had a reputation for having a nasty temper, needless to say Jacque held no ill will towards them, however he also had no intention on turning his back on them. For now the mercenary-turned-quartermaster stood behind his captain, tail swiping back and forth, and whiskers twitching as he watched them carefully.

[Tarantulass]

Captain Vallière turned the contract on her side, checking the autograph before placing the paper on the side of the desk. "Quartermaster Maka." Vallière started, hoping she got the announcement of it right. "You'll be along with me until the Rowans return here. Young lady Rowan will be your guide to the ships interior." she said, narrowing her eyes at the newcomers, as she readjusted herself in her chair. "So, which one of you gentlemen were next?" she then asked. She had noticed who had come around at first, but she did want to see who were the most eager ones... or most desperate ones.

[Marcus XVI]

Radek stepped forwards and made a very proper military salute - though with his left hand which made it seem slightly weird. He grinned and took a raspy breath before speaking. Surprisingly the trajak's voice was quite soft - though there was a hint in it that signaled that he's used to giving and receiving orders. "I am Radek, a honorably discharged soldier from Cotrelini." The grin became a polite - if a bit unnerving - smile as the man shifted his weight slightly to the left. "I have experience in combat operations on land and air. Also some limited knowledge on aerial tactics." The black haired man scratched the back of his head and checked the fastenings of his cloak while obviously pondering what to say next. "I'm not much of a sailor, but I can cook a meal in a pinch and..." He shrugged his shoulders and smiled "Heck I'll accept any kind of work at a reasonable pay..." With a little frown Radek added more to himself than the captain "Though I've gotten my fair share of 'reasonable pay' for a while..."

[Tarantulass]

"Alright then." Vallière said, taking a moment to take the information given to her, tapping the end of the feather to the desk. "What kind of weapon experience do you have then? We're equipped with medium weight cannons, rifles and axes. There's a harpoon as well... would you be confident to work among the tools given?" Vallière said, before thinking for a moment. "...How much is your daily need of sleep?" she then added another question, starting to figure out something in her head.

[FinDragon]

Vrek soon enough arrives to pub, it's not that far away since the busiest business happens around the docks, at least in the alcohol frontiers. He manages to squeeze in from the doors that have been enlarged once before for his shape, but it was years ago when he was younger, and well, smaller.. The owner never agreed to do it second time, and besides, the oil his skin oozes helps him slip through the doors and fixes up any possible cracks he leaves behind too. He sits on his personal seat, it's a wooden barrel filled with sand and reinforced four times with iron bars and more wood around it. He doesn't even have to speak, the attractive barmaid, which he totally does not have slight crush on, carries six pints of finest ale before him, and he pays some extra more than happily for it, and a glance down her cleavage.

[Marcus XVI]

"I can reload and fire both a cannon and a musket - both with noticeably difficulty, I'm more oriented for close combat you see." Radek glanced at the cloaks fastenings and sighed as he shook his head as if to get rid of an annoying thought "The harpoon I'm sure I could man." He smiled a bit and scratched the back of his head "As for the sleep... I don't require that much sleep really - maybe 3 - 5 hours a day, but I can survive with less." The man sighed and pulled one of the odd fastenings on his upper body, then he calmly tossed the cloak to his back so that everyone present could see the five bladed tentacles which were at the moment curled around one other.

The serrated blades looked rather nasty even when the tentacles were unmoving. "Melee combat I can do easily." As Radek spoke he unfurled the tentacles and leaned on two of the three blades while the three remaining ones took a bit more tensed stance. "These have the effective striking range of more than 10 feet and I can move them with remarkable accuracy." He smiled faintly and straightened his back. "To put in to perspective... How did the commander say it... Uh..." Radek glanced at the tips of his boots before straightening up again "The range of a team of pikemen, accuracy of a master swordsman and enough strenght to cleave through an armored opponent." The trajak rolled his eyes and pulled the tentacles as close to himself as possible - they were roughly the length of an arm now, but since there were five of them he still seemed rather odd. "Would you like a demonstration, ma'am?"

[MonsieurShade]

Jacque's eyes glinted brightly as Radek mentioned he was a soldier from Cotrelini much like himself. For a moment he was tempted to ask the Trajak which regiment he'd been in before his honorable discharge, however as he and the Captain were still discussing whether or not Radek met the criteria of a crew member, Jacque opted to stay silent, deciding it best to withhold his question until everyone was settled in. The duonoid stood straight with his held held high and his hands locked behind his back -a habit he'd picked up during his few years as a commander- as he listened and watched the others who had come to offer their services to the Averice and its captain.

[Tarantulass]

"As much as I would like to get the security checking me for creating illegal brawls, I think I'll pass from that offer." Vallière said, grabbing one of the contracts and starting to write something. "Guarding duty. Responsibilities are on deck, noticing any kind of landmarks, or more importantly, threats. The destination is Relcav. The dockings are at Cotrelini, Kasa islands and Verjnu. Payment is 175 from a docking. If I'm not pleased by the quality of work you're giving, the contract may be stripped by me by the time we hit Kasa islands... now." she said, finally finishing her furious writing, as she placed the contract on his side of the table along with the feather.

"Signing here will constrict you along the board of Averice by the time we'll hit Relcav." she then said, not being that slow on her words anymore, so that she wasn't going to lose some potential crew just because they would need to wait for too damn long.

[Marcus XVI]

Radek seemed quite relieved - it wasn't quite clear if he was relieved for the fact that he was about to sign a contract or for the fact that he wouldn't have to give a demonstration. With smile the Trajak wrote his name on the contract and pulled the cloak over the tentacles again. He made a little bow to the captain. "I look forward to working with you, ma'am." The black haired man handed the contract back to Valliére and made his way to stand next to Jacque while carefully attaching the fastenings of his cloak. The Trajak glanced at the other man and lowered his voice so that it wouldn't bother the talks of the captain and the other crew members. "I overheard that you served at Cotrelini. I served under General Stillwind in the Red Wings for 15 years." The black haired man's silent voice was filled with pride.

[Tarantulass]

"Captain, not a ma'am to you. Understood? Good." she said fast, not giving Radek much time to response. Sighing annoyed, she then placed the signed contract on top of the other. "Next one, if you will." Vallière said, ignoring completely what had just happened. From the looks of it, it seemed like her ship was going to be quite a Trajak powered one... not ideal, but at least they would get their peace at Verjnu. Vallière was already grabbing a new contract, starting to slowly edit it to the fit of the next assignment, while eyeing the rest of the people waiting their turn.