eskimolander

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

Callum chuckled at the mans response. It was nice to see that his gift had been of some use. He looked much different underneath all the fur than Callum expected. He was younger than previously thought. Callum had expected an old man, his fathers age maybe but he looked about the same age as his eldest brother, his senior by only 7 years. He kept some of his beard, but it was short and well groomed. If Callum were a woman he might even venture to say the man was handsome. The only flaw being a scar that stretched from his ear to his eye on the left side of his. Whatever it was from, was likely the cause for his blindness on that side. "I'm sure that's what happened. And the sugar plum fairies come to give children dreams."

The prince nodded at his inquiry. "These books are a good level for beginners but still interesting." He walked over to the shelf picking up on of the thinner books. "These ones here are all religious or educational. Aka, boring." Callum held it up so that the pirate could see it. Going back to the table he picked up a large colourful book. The pages inside had a different texture, clearly made to write in. He brought it over to show the man who was still having issues with the title of the book he picked up. He opened it up and started flipping through the pages, making sure the pirate was looking. It was a book designed to help children learn how to write. Large letters were on the top half of the page and the bottom half had lines for them to try copy the letter onto. They went through the book together several times. Callum teaching him how to saw his alphabet, ignoring his occasional sigh of boredom. He followed up by teaching him how different letters sounded together, writing down a legend for him check into when Callum wasn't around.

Callum reached across the bed, grabbing the book long forgotten 'The Prince of Crying'. He read the title incredulously slow, making the man repeat it after him. "With the notes I made, you should take a whack at reading it. Don't forget the work books. If you have issues with them, ask the guards to send me a message and I'll come." He moved off of the bed and sat back on the bench, cozying up for another vibrant story from the pirate. A smile erupted on his face, as if supressing a laugh "Now I've done my part, it's your turn.." His face twisted in his attempt to not laugh, ".. Prince William, oh and congratulations on the little one!" The laugh could be stifled no more, and it echoed throughout the cell. The man just looked at him deeply confused. To which Callum stopped and twiddled his finger at him, much like a mother does to her child whose behaved badly, "Very clever, using my brothers name as your own."

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

As an FYI, these aren't real books but.=
The Girl in the Shard. - A peasant boy finds a necklace with crystal hanging on it. He takes it home intending to sell it, but upon further inspection finds that a very tiny princess is trapped inside. The two go on a great journey to free her and return her to her kingdom, her original size.
The Prince of Crying. - A prince is has two older brothers, but desires deeply to be king. He finds a well and wishes he could become king. The well gives him tasks he must perform to become more nobel and kingly. As he grows older his desire to rule gets stronger, until one day the well starts giving him tasks that involving killing his father and brother. After completing them, he finds the sadness brought by the loss of his family outweighs the happiness brought by ruling.
Years of Ice. - Frozen, basically.
Seventh Husband - A young, beautiful woman decides to gain wealth and power by marrying and acting as a black widow. During the time of her seventh husband, she finds things around her keep going horribly wrong. Only to find that karma has come for her indeed as she learns the role of black widow isn't just for women.
A Pirates Scorn. - A group of travellers go to a deserted island looking for a pirates lost treasure and find more than they bargained for.

Thought it might be interesting things to know.

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

"That sounds like a deal," Callum said. He sat there and made some small talk for a few minutes before leaving the room. Walking towards the door, he dropped the small wooden case on the table. It would of been too weird if he had outright given to him. He might of got the wrong message. What message was Callum giving him anyways? He wasn't really sure at this point. The man felt almost like a sort of project, but at the same time he felt like he was slowly becoming a friend. At least that's what Callum thought, he wasn't really sure how friendships worked. He had a few friends growing up. Mostly servants children that had no choice but to play with him. But he mostly just clung around his brothers. He doubted any of the kids he knew befriended him of their own will, he was anything but nice growing up. An adult friendship was entirely foreign to him.

That night he opted out of dinner with his parents, instead going to his study. He finished up some reports he had neglected to go chat with the pirate. He came across his report, which now had some things written into. Mostly feed times and the like. Callum glanced at the top of the page, where a name should be. Prince William of the Golden Threads, was written in quotations. In the quiet of his study, Callum burst out laughing. Stopping when his side began to ache. That was definitely not his real name. It then occurred to the young prince that he didn't know his name. He made a mental note to ask next time he saw him.

It was another week yet before the prince had a chance to go to the dungeons. His parents insisted on visiting his brothers, they would of visited his sister too but she lived quite far. All in all it was fun, when they weren't picking on him at least. His mother decided to share her suspicions of him having a secret lover. A conclusion she came to when he bought the shave-knifes. "Shave what exactly? He's as bald as the day of his birth!" His eldest brother had laughed, the other two joining in quickly much to Callums embarrassment. That's what older brothers were for though, Callum thought. When they returned back home, he spent the remainder of the week shopping with his mother. His second brothers wife was expecting. It would be his parents first grandchild, and ofcourse it would make him an uncle. Honestly, he looked forward to it. It meant he'd get to go visit them more as he knew his mother would want to spoil the tyke. They had bought mountains of clothes, of either gender, to be sent up to them. Not to mention the rattles and playthings. One night he walked in to his mother writing furiously, looking tired beyond reason. "Stocking up, mama?" He asked, pointing at her pile of papers. She turned in her seat and chuckled, patting next to her indicating he should join. Callum sat down and began reading a few of the letters. They were all tutorials; How to swaddle, feed, change and burp the infant. Some mentioned losing the baby fat and how to fit a corset to hold a growing belly. "Don't trust her or something?" He joked, nudging her. The Queen smiled as her quill hit another page, "They're just things that might help her, having a child is a scary journey." She stopped and wrapped one arm around him, "Whether it's your first or your fifth." Callum just leaned against her and sighed, it wasn't often he got to share such tender moments with her anymore. He was often regarded as too old for such things, but in the privacy of night age meant nothing.

The next morning, Callum woke up feeling oddly somber. Rolling out of bed he put some of his older, shambled clothes. He looked more like a peasant than a prince. If it wasn't for the crown he sported one might mistake him for it. Meandering down the halls he went into his study, skipping out on breakfast. He immediately began scouring through his bookshelves, until he came to one section in particular. Several dozen books sat on it, majority of them were dusty from disuse. Grabbing a small handful he looked at the covers, faded and tattered. They were childrens books, all well used and well loved. Putting them in a sack, he walked briskly to the dungeons, almost giddily. Going in he passed all of the cells, heading directly to one in particular. With a nod to the guards, he went inside.

His gaze immediately went to the strange man on the bed. "What happened? Last week there was a furry beast in this cell, but today theres a man? Explain this witchcraft," Callum spoke jokingly as he assumed his spot on the bench. "I have returned, and I have brought books. Better books." Opening his pack he started laying them out on the table, most were basic learning books they rest were story-telling. He said each's title as he put it down, "'The Girl in the Shard.', 'The Prince of Crying.', 'Years of Ice.', 'Seventh Husband.' and 'A Pirates Scorn.' These were some of my favourites as a child, still are really. Some of them are a little advanced, but I'm sure you can get there. You seem smart enough at least." He added, almost eager to teach the older man. It was break between his otherwise mundane schedule.

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

The Prince made a mocked look of a offense at the pirates remark, "I'll have you know, sir, I am 19." By all standards he was an adult. Most men started their adult lives at 16, several would be married perhaps even with children by Callums age. He would have those things too, but he had focused on the career his father laid out for him. It wasn't much in the way of a prince, but he would work hard and become the best at it. "Forgive me if I am not an old crone like you," Callum replied with a sting. Perhaps his offense wasn't so mocked, afterall.

Then the man came daringly close to him. So close infact, Callum could feel the breath on his face. The hoarse hair of his beard touched his face very lightly, making the boy more than just a little uncomfortable. "Something in return? If it's in my power, sure." Suddenly the pirate looked solemn, a clear wanderlust in his eyes. Callum knew that look well enough, giving way immediately to what he would say. Callums heart cracked a bit at the request. He really didn't much like keeping the man here, he knew all to well what it felt like to be caged away. "I-I can't do that.. I'm sorry," His voice was just as sad as the pirates face turned at the answer. The next request was clearly just to ease tensions, and it was much welcomed. Callum almost reached out to safe him when catapulted himself backwards, cringing as he expected the man to hit his head. He chuckled at the antics when he realized the man hadn't, "I only have four to my name, unfortunately. And I'm not giving them away."

Surprisingly, he still went and told his story. Callum shielded his eyes when he struck open the drapes. He made sure to focus his eyes on the exuberant man, to avoid looking out the barred window. It would only prove to depress him and distract from the story. He watched his movements, doe-eyed and awestruck. It wasn't a talk of daring swordfights and risky escapes like he had hoped. Instead it was a story of familial bonds and a childs misguided adventures, but everybit as interesting. Ever word was an adventure Callum would never be allowed to experience. When the roles were handed out to his fathers sons, he got what was easily the most home-bound job one could ask for. His three brothers before him all received land, their own armys and wars. They marched alongside their men joining in the travel and battles that awaited them. There wasn't enough to go around when Callum came about, so he was stuck at home for likely the rest of his days.

The pirate had stopped and now stared at him for an opinion. "Wow." His mouth stayed agape for a moment, "That's amazing. You've really gone such places?" Callum tucked at the buttons on his jacket awkwardly. "I could only ever dream. You're luckier than you think," His voice was small, not wanting to give away too many of his emotions. Or risk offending the man. Callum stood up and waking over to the shelf, glancing over each book. All boring educational things, "You wanted something in return, huh?" He put a finger to his chin, thinking. "How about.. I teach you how to read? I'll bring some better books next time I'm here." He turned and faced the man, looking for an answer.

Survivors RP

@Emma - Awe cute. It'll be good to have a kidlet, loosen some tensions. I feel like were all co-writing a TV skit, haha

@TheRPGGamer - Don't take this in a rude way, I mean it only to help you. But having a coconut fall on your head would probably kill you... or at least give you a serious head injury those things are really heavy especially with several feet of momentum. They're also pretty damn hard to crack open without a tool. It's not really a big deal, just an RP after-all. Just an FYI that if you're ever on a deserted island IRL, shaking down coconuts is not the best idea. :)

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

Callum just shrugged when he asked about his visits, "None of the others interest me." Interest. That's what one could call it. Or perhaps curiousity. This man was one of, if not, the only person outside of his world of wealth and status that he had access too. This man had seen the world, and perhaps would continue to some day. To Callum, who was forever stuck in confines of the realm, with no opportunity to move forward, that was fascinating. Some part of the boy was jealous of the pirate, even if he was never released at least he had experienced true freedom. Most of the prisoners that came through were thieves, murderers or prisoners of war. But regardless of how they came to the dungeons, many of them had never left land, most were born into their positions. The same couldn't really be said for a pirate.

Callum suppressed a smile at his snide remark. "No, I usually feed and water myself actually," He replied with a smirk of his own. The prince sat on the bench, and looked at the shelf, "Wouldn't reading pass the time?" Callum really expect an answer. Adjusting himself on the hard seat, he turned and faced the pirate. He smiled weakly, "Honestly. I think I'm just curious about you. Y'know the live of a pirate and all. It's a very romanticized profession, I wonder if the rumours are true." Getting back him he wandered to the window and stared out at the sky. Sighing almost sadly he closed the pane and pulled the drape infront. It was thin enough to still allow some light through. He sat down on the edge of the mans bed, not really caring about their proximity. "Tell me some stories of the sea." He stopped, "I-If you don't mind, that is."

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

Callum simply sat and watched the man lay there. Wary for if he made any sudden movements. He was no idiot, a little naive but not stupid. It would not be unheard of for prisoner to attack, even under such gracious events. Honestly, Callum wouldn't blame if he did. Had it been him in that position he had no doubt he would've. Many things were often said about the young prince, he knew this. He was wroth, and greedy. At only 15 years he had asked his father for his own land. To which he was denied, and every year on the anniversary of his birth he'd ask again. The request was always denied him though. But Callum never sought to take it by force. All in the kingdom knew him as Prince Callum the Impulsive, but very few knew of his secondary nature. There was denying his wroth and greed, but he was also nothing if not just and fair. To see the poor man rot was beyond his abilities.

"Typically, we keep papers on all who enter these dungeons." He spoke solemnly as if he had committed a grave crime himself, "However, your records are all-but blank. I should of investigated sooner.." He trailed off, ashamed of his irresponsibility and neglect of his work. "If you must blame someone for what happened to you, blame me." He stood up, hands held infront of him and nodded in the mans direction. He turned and headed towards the door, and left without looking back on the man. A conversation was held outside with the guards. "I have done this man a great tragedy, officers. I cannot release him early, but I can permit him a better stay." The guards nodded before he continued. "He is to be fed and watered immediately. Understood?" The guards straightened and saluted before on ran off to grab the required sustenance. Callum left the dungeons, sure to inform the upper-Keeper of the mans special conditions.

Several weeks went by and Callum paid little mind to the dungeons or the strange man, much like before. He had been taken on a trip to the markets with his father and mother. Being the only child that remained at home, it was fairly common. The streets had been cleared away from them to peruse at will, only the merchants stayed behind. His mother was in a shop looking at new furnishings, discussing the latest trends with a storemans wife. His father was inspecting some horses he had become interested in,while Callum himself browsed the foreign goods brought in by travelers. There were a few trinkets and bobbles but nothing really noteworthy. A shame really, they usually had such bizarre items. He let his hands trail over some objects a luxury the average shopper wasn't given. Some gold doubloons sat infront of him, he tapped at the coins absently. They were the currency of pirates, used on the rare occasions they traded. As currency they were useless anywhere but on the see, but made neat collectibles and were lighter than gold bars. For the first time in ages his mind trailed back to the pirate sitting his cell. Paying for the doubloons he walked into the shop with his mother. The gleam of metal caught his eye from the far end of the store. A set of shaving blades all different lengths. They were made of silver and had precious gems on the handles. He thought for a while before buying those as well. His mother giggled when she saw him carrying the blades. "What on earth do you need those for? You don't shave" She grabbed his face tenderly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Callum blushed profusely "They're for.. a friend."

The next morning, Callum woke up and made his way quickly to the dungeons. Checking on each of the prisoners individually. Ensuring they were cared for. The new Keeper was a million times better, hired at Callums own selection. The conditions had improved enormously. After his check-ins he received the weeks reports from the older man and headed upstairs repeating the same process. When he made it the room at the end of the hall, he stopped before unlocking the door and stepping. There the pirate sat on the bed, clearly bored. He was just as dirty and hairy as before but had put on some pounds and looked healthier, "Morning, how are you this day?" He stopped glancing at the shelf, not a book out of place. "I trust your treatment has improved?"

Survivors RP

Reece must of stayed in that seat for quite a few hours. When he finally came to, the sun was starting to set. They were losing light fast. It was so warm though, maybe it wouldn't be an issue, he thought. He rubbed his feet absently into the sand. What a great vacation he was having. Wait. Vacation? No it was a business trip. His gaze drifted upwards to the leaves of the tree he was under. A palm tree, how nice. He must of fallen asleep on one of Italy's beaches. He had a blaring headache focused in the front of his forehead. His vision was pretty blurry too. What had he drank? He couldn't remember feeling this awful before. Suddenly he sprang up in a sitting position. His stomach churned and he turned to his and emptied his stomach onto the warm sand. The ringing in his ears slowly faded, getting replaced by the sound of crying. Reece looked around him. People were strewn out, many of the injured, dead or dying. He could see the glow of fire off to the distance. What was going on? He recognized some of these people... I think they were one the plane with me, His mind started reeling. I came back to him slowly. The sudden jerk of the plane, the stewardess falling over. People screaming, and the sudden impact followed by silence. Did.. did we crash? He asked himself mentally.

He tried to stand up, it took a couple of tries. It seemed almost impossible to get a foothold in the soft sand. With great effort, he managed to make it up it. His legs felt like a combination of cement and jello. His head continued throbbing. Reaching up to rub his forehead he felt a soft mound of gauze, obviously covering a wound. Reece dropped his hand, finally knowing where they headache came from. Slowly, he wobbled his way behind the thickness of some trees, where no one could see him. Immediately he began inspecting himself for injury. He had a terrible bruise across his waist, likely from the seatbelt. There were scrapes all over him, and the skin on his left elbow was rubbed raw. But all things considered, he got off lucky really. Chances were he'd come out of this with a few scars, but he was coming out of this. Redressing he stumbled back to everyone, stopping briefly. After catching his breath, he saw the wreckage. The aircraft was broken in half, the front half almost vertical. The cockpit was buried in a hole of sand, made from the impact. There was no chance that the pilots inside survived. It was disheartening for sure.

Cautiously, he made his way to the craft. Shuffling there, little by little. His hips were hurting quite terribly and he was dizzy beyond belief. Beyond all that, he was stubborn. If he wanted something, he would damn well get it. Right now, he wanted to get to the plane. Several people shouted at him to sit down, a few even tried to grab him. But he just shrugged them off and kept going. Climbing into the open cabin, he started sifting through the cargo compartment. Throwing several bags to the ground until he got his own. A large dark-purple one with wheels and a smaller black shoulder bag. He pulled the out, putting the small one on his back and open the handle on the large. With great effort he made his way out of the craft. He tried not to look at the bodies that were left inside, it was best to pretend they weren't there at least until he regained his sense and could handle it. The wheels of large bag he pulled behind him didn't cooperate with the sand as well as he hoped. He managed though it must've taken many times longer than it should have to make it back to what one might venture to call a camp. Falling to his knees he unzipped the large bag and started pulling out the several large blankets inside. He had packed for the stay at the hotel, that evidently he wasn't going to have now. Reece had always hated the linen that hotels provided and took up the habit of bringing his own. This time he pulled about 3 king-size blankets. They weren't much thicker than a bed sheet but they were fuzzy and warm. Things that might be useful right now. "Here," He forced out, tossing them in the direction of some of the more able-bodied survivors.

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

Callum was shocked to see the whited out eye. It mesmerized him for a brief moment. He stood up, uneasy under the mans gaze. "Just a few minutes, I'm sure." He strutted towards the doorway where the hunchback stood. "He's yet to break your spirit, I see," Callum smirked at the man before turning his attention to the Keeper. Still smirking, "Now, be truthful, how long has been there? Don't lie, I do so hate liars." A drip of anger could be heard just barely hidden behind his calm facade. The Keeper swallowed hard, he had never had issue with his methods before. The previous Master of the Courts would forge the records he had left blank and word never reached the King. But of course the newer Master, this young man, shared a dinner with the King every night and breakfast every morn. It was inevitable that he would be far more diligent and honest in his work. "A uh.. few days.. m'Lord," His voice was quiet, nearly inaudible.

Callums face twisted in anger at the mans confession. "Days? DAYS?!" His face quickly turned redder and redder. Prince Callum had always been known for his wroth, a less than desirable trait in a prince but perfect for the career chosen for him. It kept men in line. "What of food? Water?!" His voice was loud, billowing down the halls. The men sitll in their cells sat silent. The Keeper just shook his head slowly. "Do you wish my father be known a tyrant?!" He went incredibly close to the mans face, nearly touching noses,to intimidate him. "You dare dishonour your King?!" The old man trembled under him. He stormed over to the pirate, quickly undoing the straps. He pulled the man to his feet, shackling him just tight enough so he wouldn't bolt of. "Pack your things, sir. I'll find a new Keeper who is capable of his duties. Be thankful I don't put you on that rack." He left the room, pulling the pirate behind him.

Callum pulled him through the halls, past his old cell and up the stairs of the tower. He headed towards some of the nicer cells above. Those oft given to nobility. While they were no castle, to a common man they were plenty comfortable. They had their own Keeper and had different rules. They were fed quite well for prisoners, allowed to groom and send letters. A few even had slats between the rooms one could open to chat with their neighbour. He opened the door to a cell and brought the pirate in with him. "Forgive me for that.. unsightly behaviour." He unshackled the man and sat on a small bench in the room. The cell was fairly large, a soft bed sat in the corner and the center had a small sitting area with a bookshelf. Religious books mostly, but better than nothing. It even had a window, strongly barred though one could still see outside. "Sit. This will be your new cell. Consider it a solace for your treatment." Callum crossed his legs, almost ladylike, before quickly uncrossing them. "I'm sorry. You never went to trial, if I'm correct. What crimes did you commit?" He wasn't sure why but he had an odd interest in the pirate. Perhaps it was the mystique of traveling the open seas, or the terrible ordeal that he felt at Callums hands. But he suddenly wished for the older man to feel better welcomed.

Out of the Blue, and Off the Throne(Ebby and Eskie)

Callum sat in his study, papers strewn all across the desk. Most of them were schematics to be used for building new interrogation devices. A few were designs for new cells, nicer ones mostly afforded only to nobility captured in war. If they were returned in decent health, the ransom tended to be larger. And gold meant prosperity for the kingdom. The rest were all reports. Trials to be conducted, trials completed and their outcomes, prisoner releases and entries as well as the results of questioning. There was one that stuck out. A pirate-mogrel who had been imprisoned without trial a year and half ago now. The King--Callums father--had ordered they get information on the rest of the mans crew, and even other crews if possible. He was stubborn though, and strong. This was likely not his first imprisonment, as he had resisted all attempts at answers to date. Oddly, his record came in blank at the end of each day. No feeding, health, or even time-ins for when he left and re-entered his cell. The Kingdom of Junia had always pride itself on its fairness, even to the least deserving of its people. Prisoners were kept fed, in relative health and those not in solitary were allowed to socialize for one hour every other day. The only requirement was to track when each of these things occurred and how. Very strange, Callum thought.

A knock came at his door, "Come in," He hollered to the person on the otherside. A large man, tall and fit, entered kneeling to the floor. "Forgive me for my interruption m'Lord," He spoke graciously. Callum nodded, signalling that he could stand. "What is it?" The man fidgeted under the Princes gaze, despite being obviously strong Callum had no issue making him uneasy. He could do that to near anyone in the kingdom it seemed. He knew it was due to the fact that at a snap of the fingers he could condemn them to a live in the Oubliette. It was impossible for it to be his appearance, Prince Callum was anything but fearsome in appearance. About average height for a young man, and almost womanly in physique despite his constant attempts to bulk up. No definitely not fearsome, his thoughts rang. "Well, m'Lord, it is time for you to do a tour of the dungeons again.." Callum tilted his head confused before remembering. "Right right, 'Getting use to it' I believe father said. Fine, guide me then," It was true, he had been working on reports and trials for a few years now. His father had wanted to wait until he was 'ready' however, before directly working with the prisons.

He followed Sir Vernon through the courtyards and into the entrance of the dungeons. From there he was passed off to follow the Keeper. A short, hunch-backed man that looked something similar to a skeleton. His job was to keep the prisoners, bring them food and conduct the interrogations. It was easily the dirtiest, and abhorred position in the kingdom. Higher rank to only a grave digger. Callum shuddered at the mans appearance, something of a ghost he was. Callum walked rigid between the cells, hands stuck out from the bars reaching and grabbing at him. It made him quite uncomfortable. They walked past one particular cell that was empty, "Where is he?" Callum asked, the old man pointed towards a door labelled "Questioning," in faded paint. "The pirate king goes there," The mans voice was high and raspy. Callum nodded and went into the room.

A foul stench immediately hit his nose as he entered. The source was no question when he saw the man, grotesque and disheveled, on the rack in the center of the room. His hair and beard were long and matted, his body caked in blood, dirt and bodily fluids. "Keeper! How long has this man been here?" The Prince shouted back out the room. "But just a few minutes, sir." Callum scoffed, walking up to the strapped in man. "That's Lord to you," He muttered clearly targeted towards the Keeper. He knelt down beside the man, not daring to get close to touch. "How long have you been strapped here?" He asked tentatively. Regardless of how long he'd been on the rack, it was clear he was not well-cared for. His ribs protruded and his stomach was all but non-existent. It made sense now why his records stayed blank, Callum briefly wondered if this occurred to prisoners often before he took the position. He felt an unusual pity for the man, despite knowing he shouldn't due to his position in life.