World Traveler

Weather the Storm 1x1

Character: Garrick (First Mate of The Silver Wing)

Weather the Storm 1x1

The conversation with the woman named Hazel Brooks was pleasant and bore the fruit of having someone with medical knowledge on board. With that he needed to make sure the ship was equipped to take advantage of this knowledge. Her listing of ingredients showed a glaring error in their supplies. Of the listed ingredients he believed the only things they carried were lavender and peppermint leaf and those would be found in the gally with the cook rather than the medical supplies.

With a quick turn he called forth two powder monkeys who were working about the main deck with a mop and sander. “Gun! Cannon!” he called out their nicknames as the smaller one was named Gun and the taller one named Cannon. They earned this based on the munition they could carry when they first joined the ship's crew. “You are to see the passengers who are brought to their cabins.” The two jumped as their were given the command and ran past the Captain as he moved to his Quartermaster.

“Bart.” The Captain said. “It would seem Lady Brooks has medical knowledge. I believe it would be prudent for us to get ahold of a book detailing and listing important medical plants. Do you think you could procure one before we leave tomorrow?” As he asked his question he watched the man smile with glee over the knowledge that the woman knew medicine.

“Seems that one is full of surprises.” Bart said. He quickly seemed to think for a moment and then gave an answer. “Yes, I believe I can. May take the request to the guild and see if they can lend it with the expectation of payment on return and a release of insurance. I shall get to it immediately.” he then rushed to the boats still on their hangers and instructed a crew member to prepare it for cast off. The step in his walk showcased a high moral. Before the nights end most of the crew would likely learn of their fortune.

Captain Quinton was sure the bar and brothel both would do very well in business.

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Gun and Cannon helped everyone navigate through the boat to the stern of the ship where the cabins could be found. For Passengers they were given a few ‘options’ by which they were assigned based on their standing. Children and mothers were largely put in one large room with several large beds. Husbands were brought to an adjoined cabin and if there was room single men were added to it as well. After that a slightly smaller cabin was for women and small infants. There were few individual beds, but for many the beds were comfortable enough and few seemed to grumble about the situation.

Gun was very quiet while Cannon spoke to the passengers. “You should try and carve out a spot tonight since there aren’t as many of you. Tomorrow everyone will have arrived. As much as you can you won't always sleep in the same spot depending on when you end up asleep. Of the people listening, one of the small girls standing next to her mother or sister seemed confused by the two boys.

The two were orphans. Something not uncommon and even less so when it came to their jobs as powder monkeys. Fast and nimble they were able to get to where adults couldn’t while also being quick learners of maritime skills. Gun could tie down a sail almost as fast as anyone and Cannon, who was deaf in one ear, made for a great running of both gunpowder and cannon shells. They were the youngest of the ship's crew, but by no means looked down no as far as sailors skills go.

When Gun showed the mothers and children to their room he walked in and seemed intent on showing that the beds were well furnished with new straw and kept tight with their sheets. Cannon gave a quick bark for him to get off and a few of the mothers laughed. The two were not a comedy troupe, but they clearly had a showmanship in their relationship. Likely partnered with their formal skills as pickpockets.

“And here is the women's room. It is the only one that locks from the inside and outside. Cannon was saying this in a real matter of fact way. He was barely old enough to understand this meaning, but was understanding it. Guns on the other hand had little understanding other than ‘women like the door closed.’ Both Cannon and the Captain had little interest in correcting this assessment and so they let it go.

“We will let you find your space and make it. Should you need anything there will be someone at the end of the hall. Gun jumped up and sort of waved a hand making it known that he was either volunteering or was likely told that would be him for the first night. “Lights are out due to fire concern an hour after set and meals start tomorrow afternoon after we make sail.

It became clear to a few onlookers that Cannon was clearly trying to mimic the captain as he stood addressing the crowd. He didn’t have the forward lean of curious interest and focus, but he was trying to match the man's presence and other mannerisms. The girl from earlier could be seen laughing a little causing the young boys to excuse themselves. And with the two leaving the ship had done its final chore. Tomorrow she set sail. Tonight she stayed quiet.

Weather the Storm 1x1

Following along with her answers he wrote her answers down with his shorthand as she mentioned name and the unsurprising answer of going one way. So far only two people had paid for a round trip and they were representatives for the Guild to confirm delivery. They were armed with several special birds that can find their way home over long distances. A horrid practice of captains taking on passengers and then once out of sight throwing them overboard in a sort of reverse mutiny. This practice is what brought about the original Blood Agreements.

Quinton didn’t hide his excitement when the woman said she had experience with healing. While not unheard of, those with medical knowledge on a ship were rare and usually simple and brutal measures were done to save a life and less often a limb. It also made her light travel make much more sense. Instead of trading goods she was likely expecting to travel and trade her knowledge. Anyone with half a brain would gladly do a favor for promised medical help. Including the captain himself.

“Nerves are normal. Anyone would be more concerned if you tried to fake calm in the face of the unknown.” he said when Hazel mentioned being nervous. “Should you not find your legs on the boat we have a few tricks to help forgo the nausea; however, you might have more expertise in ways of dealing with that”

When he listened to her talk about the excitement of the trip he couldn’t help but smile with a knowing look on his face. Her thrilling detail of what she was looking forward to was something he felt intimately. The first time you stood on the ship deck and watched, not felt, the wind carried the ship forward was unlike anything you could experience on land. She was on this boat with little clouds in her eyes and still saw some light shine through.

“I will have to show you what it is like on the crows nest at some point.” He noted when he saw her get nervous after starting to ramble. He paid it no annoyance and allowed the conversation to continue. Her answer with hopes of resettling was as normal as it came and showed no red flags. Without much thought he started to rummage around for his ring when Hazel mentioned how little light they had and politely walked towards the center light along the mast. He silently thanked her as he continued to listen and look for his ring.

Her next comment was not surprising, but in a way struck Quniton at his core. For many the opportunity to see the coast beyond their colony's stock was a romantic thought. In reality many get scared and bored with the sights and sounds of the untamed walls along the coast. The added dangers meant that being on one could spell doom after every rock. Still as a Captain he had overseen the safe passage of not just his crew and ship but his cargo and passengers as well. His sense of duty came largely from his father and mother who did just as he did, but it never seemed to surprise him that he held a station that others viewed higher.

He finally found his ring and pulled it out and placed it on his finger. “Miss Brooks you will come to understand that while captain means I must be listened to and obeyed in times of earnest I am not above or below listening and helping.” His tone was warm as he said this. He knew she was being polite if not perhaps a little meek, but the most dangerous thing a Captain can be with Land Hopers was unapproachable. When passengers didn’t think they could voice concern or make requests they simply started to fester and that lead to far more trouble than a simple helpful gesture.

“As for my Quartermaster, as much as he would love to continue in conversation, only I can mark this Blood Agreement with my ring.” He then pushed it down on the paper and for a moment there was a light thump of light against where the ring was pressed. The page then felt light for a moment and returned to its normal state. “Mmm normally the name lights up as well…” the captain murmured. He let it go for now. It wouldn’t be the first time magic confounded him. Though this was the first time something like this had happened.

"Welcome aboard The Silver Wing Miss Brooks. You will find the wind carries you and your hope." This last bit of romantic words was something his mother and father would often say. "Should anything come up you may pass word to myself or through any of the crew..." At this point he paused and then made a request he knew was best to strike at early.

"Should any members of the crew need your medical attention I am sure we can strike an agreement on payment. As it is I am sure many of the passengers are already biding and requesting future favors. Let it be known if I make an urgent request it will be for the sake of the journey and not for personal gain."

Weather the Storm 1x1

The quartermaster made notes of the cargo needing to be packed as the passengers brought it aboard. Most were items filled with optimism like furniture for a future home or tools for expected land. Others brought small mementos of those they were leaving behind. He noted a lovely little doll that one girl was holding and took special care to let her see him write down not only the doll but an added description that it was well cared for.

As gruff as the sea can make a man they often softened when at port. Captain Church was always a man who said the port is what warms the heart when the coast brings its chill. This has embedded itself in many of his crew including his high ranking members. That said he still advised never to be caught swindling any of them. Business was an entirely different matter.

With the work mostly done, but on a ship the work never done those that were left on the ship seemed busy, but this was in part due to just a quick step to get the passengers all set up. A few in the corner were playing cards. They were too young to attend the games held in the brothel where many others on the crew were winning and losing their last chance at intimacy before first light.

—---------------------------------------------
Back at the Guild Quinton had been finally cornered by members of the guild who, under the disguise of wishing him a safe journey they started to poor drinks and discuss what would be the ships play after it returned from beyond the horn. Several were also asking if he was bringing any cartography tools on the trip which he told them he was. They nodded in excitement any sort of information, let alone a map, of the coast beyond the horn would be of great value.

The conversation quickly went to matters of contracts and other business which the Captain had no time or interest in. Every time he tried to get them to look and review the miscount of passengers they seemed to brush it off and return to another topic. It was starting to get on his nerves at which point he decided to escape by making a final toast and pretending he was needed on the ship for final review. As soon as he was out of the building he felt like he could breathe again.

For a moment he thought a final walk along the town's boardwalk would be in order, but realized if he did that he would have to double back past the guild and thereby out him as having told a fib. So he turned right and headed towards the port where a boat was waiting. With a cabin boy waiting to row him to the ship he set off and watched as the lights of the town grew a little further away. When he made it to the boat he heard the quartermaster shout “Captain ON DECK” And a few of the crew stopped and gave a respectful nod before going about their task with passengers.

“Final checks?” He said to the Quartermaster who gave a nod and handed him some of the papers. He explained that no cargo was out of order and so far as he could tell nobody had been trying to bring a stowaway. He did note that there was a late joiner. He then mentioned “the fair maiden by the bow of the ship had asked if there was room. He shook his head in agreement as Quinton looked back with a slight brow of concern.

“Nothing smelling about it. Thinking she might just be wanting to get away from something. Best way to do that is leave the trouble behind I say.” The quartermaster had taken some time the last while to think of reasons for anyone let alone an elf to leave in a hurry. “Since she isn’t with child I don’t think there is any issue with a runaway name or title. Most likely just looking for something new like the rest…” He muttered this last part as the Quartermasters personal opinion of Land Hopers was a little troubled.

“Well I will get her name on the ledger.” The Captain said. For a blood agreement to work the person doing the agreement had to sign the name of the person they promised coin or service onto the paper. Walking towards the bow of the ship he looked on at the already familiar silhouette the young woman made. As he made his way up to her he could see she seemed somewhat internal in thought.

He gave his footsteps a little extra thump as he got close and then a polite cough to let his presence be known. “Good evening. I was told you are looking to join. We have room and my Quartermaster has informed me that your name hasn’t been added to the agreement. If you would, I will need to ask you a few questions..” He then took the pen attached to the papers and started to ask the normal onboarding questions.

“Name?”

“Expectation of voyage?” (One way or round trip)

“Effects brought on board?”

“Skills beneficial for the captain and crew to know?”

That was the end at which point he then added a question not on the paperwork but important all the same.

”Concerns for the voyage?”

“Reason for the voyage?”

On this last question he did make a point to look at the woman. It wasn’t something he had to force himself to do, but it was in a manner of speaking difficult. The evening was darker and the bow wasn’t as well lit as the other parts. To the woman it may have looked like he was squinting slightly as if he was in need of glasses, but this changed as he let the night take over and the lack of light subsided.

Weather the Storm 1x1

I really want to stress that I am in no way upset or annoyed or anything other than elated with how this is going so far. You have no reason to 'head off' any concern you think I have cause I don't have any. It absolutely makes sense that until the ship ACTUALLY sets sale that she is going to do as little as possible to rock any part of the boat.

Weather the Storm 1x1

The quartermaster, a burly man with a weathered face and calloused hands, stood at the center of the port with his back to the anchored ship, his gaze fixed on the slender figure before him. The elf, with her hidden red hair like dimmed flames in the moonlight and eyes that shimmered with an otherworldly light, was an unusual sight. Such beings were rare for him while for others even more so, and the quartermaster’s instincts, honed over years of managing cargo and crew, bristled with unease. It was the third time in as many minutes she mentioned heading to the ship.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his mind a tumult of questions. Elves were known for their mysterious ways and ancient knowledge, but their motives were often at the behest of someone else. The ship was bound for a perilous voyage, and every decision weighed heavily. Allowing the elf aboard could and likely would be harmless. Yet, there was a risk that her presence might invite trouble or disrupt. He didn’t like the cost and benefit of it.

The elf’s calm demeanor and patient stance only deepened the quartermaster’s uncertainty. He could see the glint of the moon on the elf’s delicate features, she had fair hands to match her eyes which meant she wasn’t an elf forced on one of the large farms at the mountainside. He thought of the cargo below deck and the lives depending on the success of this journey. With a sigh, he pulled out a leather-bound ledger, its pages filled with the records of those who had come and gone. This was a decision that could not be taken lightly, for in the unpredictable waters of their voyage, even the smallest choice might steer the course of their fate.

After a long moment of contemplation, the quartermaster sighed deeply and gave a reluctant nod. The elf woman’s presence, though disquieting, could not be ignored. She had an air of quiet determination that suggested she was no mere wanderer but someone with purpose. “Very well,” he said, his voice gruff but resigned. “You may board.”

With the elf there was enough people to start ferrying them to the ship. Some members of the crew who forgoed the festivities of the night were there to help them into the smaller boat and row them to The Silver Wing. While doing so one of the crew was chatty and talking with some of the passengers.

“This is my third voyage, but my first going north towards the Horn.” The young man was clearly a chatty character. “Last time we had to anchor twice and look within the mountains for food and water. With our climbers they were able to find stuff within two days. Some marvelous edible flowers. We tried to dry them to keep as snacks, but they didn’t take. Still we enjoyed what was gathered for almost a week. The sweetness in them was like nothing I had tasted before.”

At this point the young man was talking to a woman roughly his age. She seemed mesmerized already which clearly did the crew members ego a hearty bounce. Once they arrived at the ship, with the chatty crew member giving another two stories about his first voyage to a large trading city a few months south, the ropes were brought down and attached to the boat which was then lifted with some machines and human help.

To exit the boat the passengers were asked to swing their legs over and then turn as they could then hop down about two feet to the deck below. From there they were on a mostly quiet ship. Told they could walk around or take to their rooms which would quickly get crowded they let everyone know that some crew and the captain would likely return within the hour. Everyone else would be back by first light and, at first gust they, would set sail.

Weather the Storm 1x1

I had way too much fun coming up with answers to questions to help build the world up a little. Sorry about that!!!

Weather the Storm 1x1

The crowd seemed to listen to Quinton with respect which bode well for the trip in his eyes. While not a tyrant, by sea standards it was often a shock for many to come up against a sea captain when they had wind on their back and sales pulling them forward. An order was given was an order seen through and followed. Be you a passenger or crew made no difference in the waters touch.

Shaking the hand of one passenger Quinton was about to take a brisk step towards the Guild when he stopped after making eye contact with another in the crowd. A striking silhouette was made by her figure which was punctuated by the clear softness of her skin and eyes. He was not one to fall so quickly for a siren on the sea or by land, but there was no mistaking this person had captivated his attention. He certainly couldn’t recall ever seeing eyes like hers before.

At the offer to answer questions a handful from the crowd stepped forward and began to badger, politely, most questions a ship hears from their passengers ahead of a voyage. It was clear the guild had made some error as many of the questions they were asking were already answered by the ship and its captain and delivered via a poster at the guild board. Still a patient quartermaster answered these questions as they came.

“What are the arrangements for rationing if we encounter delays?" Asked one.The answer to this was simple “The captain has made plans on the need for rationing. We will be stocked and prepared for at least 3 weeks of travel without resupplying through land excursions. We have several crew members who have been to the horn and if need be, will resupply before we pass through.”

"How do you plan to handle storms, pirates, or other threats during the voyage?"This is where things got more complicated, and the Quartermaster was delicate in their word choice. “The Swift Wing is not untested sir.” He made this point first. Under the current captain and plenty times before his ownership the ship had repelled any manner of hostilities. “You will see a tested crew knowledgeable of what the sea will test us with. We are armed…” At this point he paused and then looked over to the captain who nodded. “And mutiny will be delt with if approached.” Through tone along no follow-up was needed on this answer.

"What will the living conditions be like on the ship?"A ship with a long history of passenger transport meant they would find their bunks more comfortable than most. “Each will have their head rested on makeshift hay beds with a fabric lining.” The Quartermaster then continued. “Groups that wish to rest will be given a room if they fill it. Crew sleep mostly on deck or with the cargo on weathered nights. We will have no virtues tarnished and unmarried will not find privacy.”

"What precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers?" At this question the Quartermaster didn’t answer but let the captain answer. “As our ship is under the protection of the Guild we are also under its agreement. You can confirm with them that I have accepted a Blood Agreement for this contract.” At this he seemed to see everyone accept this answer. Not many still accepted Blood Agreements let alone a sea captain.

Most Guilds had started to remove them as a requirement, but Quinton didn’t have much of a choice as he inherited his ship through his father. The Blood Agreement saw that he would with all power he could see everyone safely to their contracted destination. The crowd, upon hearing this, seemed to be both impressed and almost giddy. Several thanked the quartermaster and captain for their time and started to put things in boats for transport to the ship.

Finally feeling he had left the group with enough to feel comfortable boarding the captain gave one final look at the women who was far beyond her outfit. She was next in line, so he politely excused himself as he made his way towards the Guild.

He left the Quartermaster to answer all remaining questions. The next being the woman asking if there was still room in the ship. At this question the man gave a halfway look. Land Hopers weren’t the spur of the moment kind of decisions and a night before preparation seemed odd. Still it wasn’t any more odd than an orphan looking to get a job on the ship for many. Perhaps she didn’t realize what was ahead.

Thinking about giving the woman a stern look the Quartermaster gave her a second look over. At this second look his eyes got wide for a moment. It was clear to him that she was an elf suddenly. He had delt with some on occasions when wealthy clients did business with the Guild and wished to see the ships contracted for their needs.

“We have room for one more if that is your party?” He asked looking down at the note the captain made saying they have provisions for more than had been contracted. “You will not be allowed your own cabin though…” Would you like to go to the guild and confirm with them or deal with that aboard the ship?”

As Quinton walked into the Guild the overcorrection of opulence blinded him. His face and status was well known in the building so a staffer walked over to him and asked if everything was ready for tomorrows departure. He confirmed that they had no reason for delay, but asked to see if he could review the contracts the guild drafted for the voyage. As he was given the paperwork he was offered a private room, but he dismissed this offer. The room was stuffy and above all it would give the guild an opportunity to corner him for some new business pitch.

As he went through the paperwork, he saw a few errors here and there with some counting children as adults and the other way around. It only took a few minutes to correct these, but at the same time he was annoyed he was having to do this low-level paperwork so close to setting sale. One other thing that bothered him was he could see where people were mislabeled, but could still not see where the final count was wrong.

Captured Princess x Pirate Captain

As the rain continued to beat down on the deck of the ship waves from the deepest parts of the ocean began to swell. Easy enough to brace yourself, but the captain noted this was much harder to do while holding a man with a dagger at their throat. Either on purpose or through accident and lack of sea legs he saw the blade on his crewmember’s throat had cut into the skin just enough to allow some blood to flow through. He frowned and then held up his hands as if to surrender.

As Captain of the ship Church lead like most men of his era. Swift and quick before most realized they were following. It had served him well as he grew up in the seedier ports of the region. Still, his rather ‘impressive’ resume of life skills included small things like pickpocketing he learned as a youth and cards as a young man. The last made him better than most at reading people, but when on his ship he didn’t need the skill of cards to ready people.

He listened to the princesses demands “Wet cargo rarely fetches a high price.” He said and agreed to the princesses demands. “I will let you have your blade. Though if you could please tell me what sort of symbol you see on the handle?” Would hate to see one of my men no longer has their favorite conversation starter.”

He made a motion for the two women in attendance with the princess to follow him as he made his way towards the inside of the ship. He made no mention or course change as he opened the door to the interior of the top deck section of the ship. Inside all could see a well let room with a few chairs chart desk and what looked to be a small setting of food including drink. “To your gilded cage now.” He said with a stern look that cleared stated other means of hospitality were an option if trouble continued.

He then walked out of the rain and into the formal quarters which, as far as ships quarters go, were more than adequate. In fact, among the ships at sea currently not housing an admiral the likely were left wanting when compared to this one. Plenty of navigation tools could be seen throughout as well as several tapestries that clearly looked either religious or victorious of battle. No less than seven major languages could be seen used throughout with most being recognizable to anyone of royal blood.

“As much privacy as you can have on the ship can be found in here.” He said as he leaned against his table. “So what are your terms that allow us to the least amount of trouble?”

Weather the Storm 1x1

Quinton enjoyed this calm before the voyage. Most of his crew was not ashore and those that remained were tending to more personal matters such as their own treasures and travel needs for the passage ahead. His quartermaster was finalizing the list of passengers and came over to him in his chamber. “Captain a moment.” He said while walking up and handing over a parchment.

“It seems we have payment for 45, but our passenger list is only 42. Have Land Hopers started to tip ahead of the voyage?” He laughed at his own joke. While unlikely the guild might have charged more than the original price for transport. Quinton had an on and off good relationship with the head of the Ships Guild. Though that may be due to his more liberal views on what was adequate to transport.

“We can check the listings tomorrow once everyone is aboard. Perhaps a name or special cargo was lost on a second page…” Quinton noted that the list of passengers did go to the very bottom of the sheet. “So, what is the rumors on these Land Hopers? He had read through the request for transport given to him by the Guild, but his Quartermaster had friends who always knew better.

“So far mostly the normal tone and take. Tired of not getting to work their own land and hopeful somewhere further up the coast holds future fortunes and acreage. He spoke. Before the captain could ask, he added “And yes they know about The Tower’s venture from a few years ago. Seems they believe the blasted ship did in fact make its way past the horn and found wonders. Not sure if they are dreaming or just hopeful.”

The Tower was the last ship to venture past the Horn which was the most recent major obstacle along the coast that ships had trouble navigating. Uncertain winds, surprise rock outcrops, and plenty of other nasty things from nature and planet seemed to congregate there. The Tower was the last ship to attempt to push past; however, two separate expeditions had been sent to find any hint of wreckage or beacon of safe navigation. All came up empty.

With a heavy sigh and a brace Quinton stood up and asked his Quartermaster to walk with him and then join him on the boat to shore. He decided he would make one final stop to the Guild and personally check to make sure they hadn’t decided to overcharge his dreaming and hopeful clients. The boat took them to shore and as they stood up a few people seemed to be milling about the port. Quick as he could the Quartermaster walked over and introduced himself. It was obvious from some of their things and dress they were members of the Land Hopers group.

Thinking it to be a nice gift Quinton walked up to the group now in quick conversation with his Quartermaster. “Good evening. My name is Captain Quinton Church. I am fortunate to have a crew and ship ready to carry you beyond the Horn. I wish us all good fortune and a steady wind. Should you have any final requests my Quartermaster here will be happy to answer them. Anything beyond his abilities will require the Guild which is where I am headed now. Should you want to accompany me I am happy for the escort.”