World Traveler

Weather the Storm 1x1

Gun was running an errand to gather lose rope for a bit of knot tying with some of the older sailor. As they continued to grow their ability to remain powder monkeys was ticking down with Cannon already starting to show signs of struggle with getting into the ammo cabinets and collecting cannons. To prepare for this inevitability the young men were constantly being trained and tutored by the crew on different aspects of the ship. Unlike some other guild ships Captain Church had been able to maintain rights of crew which meant the guild could not interfere with his selection. It was a rite he inherited with the ship and fought to keep throughout the legal inheritance process.

As knots were the true glue that held everything together they were expected to practice daily. While at port it was easy enough as there were less distractions on the ship. Now however, with passengers and a ship to actually sail they weren't always able to make time. In fact it was due to a stern look from the Quartermaster that Gun had rushed off to find some rope. Still even with his focus on the task he was drawn in by the singing he heard. Looking around he saw that it was the young red headed lady that had been dancing earlier.

He remembered her from last night as well. Gun was really good at remembering faces. Holding the rope in his hand he stood and listened to the song until it had finished at which time he was startled by the hand of the Quartermaster falling on his shoulder. "Knots boy." He said with a firm attitude and with that the young boy rushed off. The Quartermaster remained and looked over at the elf. "You will excuse him. Most likely he has never heard the elven tongue before." he took a step towards the railing along the ship and then added "It was lovely."

With a sigh and a hand through his hair the gruff older quartermaster decided he should at least do some due diligence. "Are you running away with treasure or away from tears?" He felt this might be the most proper manner in which to breach the subject. While plenty of practice speaking to esteemed members of noble families he was unsure what amongst elves was considered rude or sacrosanct. Still he couldn't stop the gnawing feeling that he had done something wrong letting this last minute joiner depart with them.

"Are you with treasure?" he asked again and pointed to her stomach "or are you running away from tears?" he then punched his other hand the messaging he felt was pretty clear. Are you running away cause your pregnant or cause you were getting punched by someone.

Weather the Storm 1x1

My lizardperson DOES NOT NEED A FLESHY PINK BOSOM.

@EweDoughNo

Well i am sorry but this is just categorically false. How else are they supposed to sunbath!?!?!?

Weather the Storm 1x1

Me: Okay introduced the cook I still need to find a good photo for reference...

Goes to the internet and clicks search.

Me: What the hell I didn't say prostitute!!!!!

Seriously sometimes it is just uncomfortable how ridiculous some of these ai images cook up due to the massive log of internet horny!

Weather the Storm 1x1

Character: Sabrina (The Cook onboard The Silver Wing)

Weather the Storm 1x1

With the ship fully on its way much of the morning bustle from the crew had subsided to a more relaxed march. Some, including Cannon and Gun were hard at work sanding, washing, and cleaning the ship while others who did the brute force of the launch were sleeping off the morning muscle, or more likely the rum and revelry of last night. Once underway The Silver Wing looked admirable and chaste along the water.

Soon some passengers excused themselves to their cabin in hopes that there was less rocking, they would be soon disappointed to learn there was no respite no matter where on the ship they went, while others took to their own hobbies or watched the crew. Several crew members had started to take to carving small pieces of driftwood they had pulled up from the ocean. Others took the calm as an opportunity to catch up on other work on the ship. some huddled along the edge and started to drop depth rope.

With each reading they called out to the First Mate who then shouted the reading for the Quartermaster to jot down. Tasks such as these were required for all ships that sailed under the Guilds Banner. At the stern currently by himself the Captain had a table brought out for him to sit at. With a collection of paperwork kept together with a leather binding he was reviewing the logs of expectations for the trip. In the book held knowledge of other ships whose path they would likely cross and whose letters could be taken and returned to the ports ahead. Additionally new knowledge of the different coasts and hazards was a part of this collection. It was indispensable knowledge and he poured himself over it.

This day passed by with little of note which meant it was a fine day according to the crew. Throughout the day several people among the passenger class made attempts to steal time from the Captain which he politely lent. A few requested to have dinner with the captain while others simply wished to ask questions born of curiosity and wonder. While seen as a tyrant in most stories a majority of a Captain's job was people and Captain Church played his role well.

The only time his feathers would get ruffled would be when pressed to make a decision from someone outside his crew. A musing that it would be faster to go out further or that the angle of the boat was off. These would only happen when someone lost their place for a moment, but he would at times get quiet and let them finish before saying in a curt voice that 'their opinion was marked.' a cold choice of words that often communicated plenty.

In the afternoon a small lunch was prepared with some dried meat and a handful of bread. The cook on the ship was a woman named Sabrina.

Few women joined as sailors, but The Silver Wing, even before when the older Church was its captain, had women on her crew. Sabrina had been a cook at a small port town used for food and water when it was destroyed by raging monsters. With no more town she was rescued along with others from the town by The Silver Wing who had been anchored off shore and helped evacuate people. Since then she took to working on the ship along with a few others from that fateful day. Her cooking always improved likely do to her always finding cooks wherever they went and requesting lessons and offers of trades in knowledge.

She was also among the farthest flung crewmembers having traveled almost as much as the Captain. In that she was also a member of the raiding parties that were sent into the mountains to find edible plants and hunt for game able to be fell by a musket shot. She served food just below the main deck in the primary hold while she cooked in the galley. The galley being a room that while unable to be locked was barricaded, to stop people from stealing food, meaning she enjoyed a level of privacy none but the captain could claim and in that allowed the other female crew members to sleep with her.

Weather the Storm 1x1

The Captain enjoyed watching the woman dance as she was joined by a few other passengers, mostly boys and young girls. They laughed along with her and a few stopped and watched the Captain and others continue the last portions of the song. One or two attempted to join in the singing only to have their voice betray them by cracking of going silent when they attempted to match the octave of the round.

When the song finished the crew gave a loud cheer mixed with orders given by deck hands to those below deck. It was a favorite of the crew and with this being their first attempt to cross the horn Church felt it would be the best to help keep them on even feet. He knew that with each day they would come closer to the horn and the crews nerves would get tighter. With luck they would take it one day at a time; however, should some men fall victim to their fears a tonic from the Lady Brook may ease their nerves.

The last thought was quickly dashed as he remembered the promise he made himself which was to not put undo hardship on the medicinally trained passenger. Word had spready like wildfire among the crew which was no surprise and it had their spirits raised more than the song. It had been over five voyages since they were contracted to transport a collection of healers during which several of the crew had ills healed, but that was with several practitioners. Instead of a team they had one and with limited resources. In realty the Captain would be the one asking her if medical intervention would be a right course of action.

With the sails full of breath and The Silver Wing now completely on the move their Port town of Tropea slowly started to disappear among the high mountains that split towards the beach. As they made their way out towards the open sea they finally pulled their ship alongside parallel to the coast. A full view of the wild lines drawn by the mountains could now be admired.



Soon enough as those on the deck enjoyed the calm sun as the wind blew a gentle cool over the ship. It had taken the new passengers an hour or so for them to get their things collected in the hold and their selected bedding procured. The Quartermaster then collected people and with the First Mate started to review the rules and expectations of the ship. Some were obvious to some while others caused great confusion.

1. Should you be given instructions by the crew you should follow to the letter.

2. Do not walk along the deck at night even if the deck is well lit. Should someone fall off after sunset finding them would be near impossible as turning the boat around without proper sight was dangerous.

3. If found in a part of the ship you are not expected or allowed to be in you will be held until an inquiry could be made by the Captain and those among the crew who had discovered you.

4. Should rationing be needed and a climbing expedition be required the Captain has the right to request and send a passenger onto land.

5. As written in the Blood Agreement the Captain and this ship will guide everyone to the first habitable slice of land. He does not decide and nor do passengers. The agreement is the only document and voice that can claim this rite.

6. Should we come upon an unknown force be it beast or piracy you are to get yourself into the cabins as quick as you can and wait until the crew tell you it is all safe.

More rules were discussed, but these were mainly about when meals were and how proper sleep was important. Additionally the First Mate made several mentions that should people want to help or learn the crew would be willing to share in its expertise of the ship.

This last rule was more of a lifeline to the passengers. The joy and excitement of travel had filled their bellies, but soon enough the same coast and water could bore a man half to death. Learning a new skill would keep them sharp and at the same time distracted and busy. In a fun sort or play the Quartermaster also said that several nights would be story days where members of the crew and passengers if they wanted could share stories. He even hinted that the Captain even took part in these events.

The Captain had taken the time to make his way up to the helm section of the ship. Here his helmsman shared a conversation over how the ship was steering. Thankfully it seemed normal and the two shared in a small conversation. He watched as his leadership engaged and talked with the passengers giving their rules and fill of social events.

"Perhaps the Lady Brooks would care to share her songs with us!" He shouted as he said a large portion of the passengers look up at him. He knew they had just been promised stories from the Captain.

Weather the Storm 1x1

At this very moment the captain had to look more busy to match the action and movement of the ships crew. With several pointings to different parts of the ship and his First Mate hollering orders to match it would like as if the captain was at the head of an orchestra playing along and timing every member of the crew. The reality was this was one of the few parts where the captain was truly useless. With a ship getting ready everyone had a job and for the most part each did their job perfectly. Still the show was mainly for the passengers. Over the years it was obvious that as much excitement there was to watch the crew muster and draw the sails most would watch the captain as if to better understand the ship.

This bit of ship theater was no more a burden than it was a helpful. At the very least when he pointed the passengers often looked and in doing so might see they would be in the way in a moment as the crew drew lines and tied them off this way and that. While watching several of the crew tie things down the show was drawing to an end and the Captain moved to the front of the ship. It was here that he stopped with the fake showman and simply admired his own ship. With her sails catching wind and boat now starting to move he felt she never looked more beautiful.

In his ear Church could hear a small hummed tone and turned to see the Lady Brook along the railings. She had seemingly migrated to the sun facing side and was enjoying the kiss of early warmth as the sunrise welcomed the start of the morning gusts. Her song was lovely to the touch, but it seemed somewhat melancholy to the unknown ear. "Lovely..." he said as she finished.

"Garrick!" The Captain shouted at once and then turned to see his First Mate across the main deck near the mast. "My Mother Told me!" The command was heard by all on the deck and there was a cheer from the crew. They quickly got quiet as Garrick Took a deep breath.

"My Mother Told Me..." Garrick started to sing with a deep voice that seemed to vibrate even the wind. As the song grew in breath and numbers the Captain joined and soon the whole crew was singing their farewell song to their place of anchor.

The Silver Wing had taken flight.

Weather the Storm 1x1

The Next Morning

Captain Church awoke before dawn, his senses rising with the tide. The dark interior of his cabin was still and quiet, save for the gentle creaking of the ship as it rocked in the calm harbor waters. The faint scent of salt and tar hung in the air, a familiar aroma that was as much a part of him as the ship itself. He lay still for a moment, listening to the distant, rhythmic lap of waves against the hull, a sound that had become his lullaby. But there was work to be done, and as the first pale light of morning began to seep through the small window near his bunk, he rose from his bed, his mind already on the tasks ahead.

Dressing as quickly as one could with the attire of a captain to look his best on their day of launch, Church pulled on his better coat and boots, the leather soft from years of use but with clear care taken to not let the navy blue of the fabric fad. He stepped out onto the quarterdeck, where the cool pre-dawn breeze met him, carrying with it the full scent of the sea. The horizon was just beginning to glow with the promise of sunrise, casting a dim light over the anchored ship. His eyes scanned the harbor, where he could see the shadowy shapes of small boats making their way toward the ship, their occupants barely visible in the half-light.

The crew, returning from their nights armed with shoreleave wounds and scars, rowed silently, the oars dipping into the water with practiced ease. Church could see the dark outlines of their forms, huddled against the chill of the early morning. As the boats drew closer, the sound of voices carried across the water, low and murmured, as the men exchanged their evening's choices. They were tired, but there was a sense of purpose in their movements, a readiness to begin the day’s work.

The first of the boats bumped gently against the side of the ship, and the crew began to clamber aboard, their footsteps echoing on the wooden deck. Church greeted each man with a nod as they passed, his eyes assessing them in the dim light. None were foolish enough to come still drunk, but he still needed to make sure. Once they were on board few orders had to be given as Bart could be seen dropping from the last boat. He carried with him several books which he tapped and then made way to the captains cabin to store the treasured books. The faint clinking of metal and the rustle of ropes filled the air as the rest of the crew readied the sails and checked the rigging, their movements fluid and coordinated.

Among the crew were a few new faces, passengers who had stayed in the town for their last night. Some likely said farewell to other families while a few more simply wished to stay on their beds one last time. They came aboard with their belongings, eyes wide with curiosity as they took in the sight of the ship’s deck in the early light. Church watched them and, noting the nervousness in their expressions, walked over to greet them and called on Cannon to escort them to the cabins with the other passengers. These were not men and women used to the sea, and the days ahead would be an awakening for them. He offered them a brief nod, a gesture of reassurance, as they were shown to their quarters.

As the first rays of the sun broke over the horizon, the ship came alive with activity. The crew worked with quiet determination, the ship slowly transforming from a sleeping giant into a vessel ready to take on the open sea. Church felt the familiar stir of anticipation in his chest as he moved to the helm, the weight of responsibility settling comfortably on his shoulders. The day was beginning, and with it, a new journey awaited.

“To the horn.” Captain Church said to himself. He would be lying if he didn’t say he allowed his nerves to grip him. In a nervous habit he had collected during his early years as a young sailor he played with his cuff as if his sleeves were too short. The coat always fit his dad better anyways.

Weather the Storm 1x1

Character: Cannon and Gun (Powder Monkeys on The Silver Wing)

Weather the Storm 1x1

Character: Bart (Quartermaster of The Silver Wing)