Ship Cake is Not the Best Bon Voyage Idea
----- Reception Hall of Golden Goose Inn -----
The room selected for the farewell party is large enough to accommodate friends and family but small enough to feel comfortably intimate. It has been decorated with streamers that radiate out from the center of the ceiling and drape in graceful swoops down the walls. Sparkling bangles and balloons have been afixed between the streamers to represent mayhem or bubbles rising from the sea. It could almost be a scene from a Rebman's birthday party, but the colors are all in green and flame. Off to one side is a buffet table set up with sandwiches, salads, lemonade, iced tea, smoked fish, raw vegetables and a variety of dip. There is a fondue pot off to one side for dipping and a big vanilla cake in the shape of a twin masted ship for dessert. Off in another corner a quartet sits playing soft music. Maggie is standing near the food table, though has not selected anything yet. A smile graces her expression and she keeps shaking her head, expression bemused and pleased. Finally, she whispers, "Wow..."
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Author: Shao Held By: Shao
Date: Sun Jan 27 17:11:53 2013 Focus: 0
Title: Ship Shaped Cake
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Created via Artist (SKL-AT): token-0
Gift description:
This character is skilled at the fine arts, such as painting, sculpting, photography, or the like. Such creations are technically proficient and artistically memorable, and can be used to inspire particular emotions in others. The character may gain a direct bonus to moving the emotions of others in the presence of one of his creations. He may write 0-Focus tokens representing his creations.
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Token Description
Big enough for twenty guests, the vanilla cake has been shaped into a ship, with masts and sails, using chocolate glaze for riggings and details. The guns are strawberries and the anchor is licorice, same for the black flag floating above. Avast, ye scurvy dogs!
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Mordecai has his bag over his shoulder, as well as a hard case, as he heads in the room.
Mordecai whistles low. "Any excuse for a...."
Merrisol has gotten his red waistcoat back today, like maybe he's doing a one day on, one day off dealie, to offset the pressures of being fabulous. He moves amongst the gathering, answering to Kerfuffle, Merrisol, Merfuffle, and all likely combinations thereof.
Raphaela is dressed in simple silk dress of icy blues, decorated with embroided irises of pale pinks. Jadean kimono meets Amber court. Dressed up but to her it obviously fits into casual event dress. And somewhat Pengali cut hides the skin around her collarbones nicely. She enters and applauds "Oh lovely!"
Shao arrives, flushed and panting from running. "Sorry," he apologizes as he drops his winter coat on an empty chair. Black rings of fatigue underline his eyes and stubble is showing at his upper lip and jawline. "I fall asleep at the Coffe...," he explains to Raphaela, "...you dress. You make your dress look like a princess, Lady Maggie."
Quinlan is something of a wallflower at parties. Not the broody, sulky kind, just - more interested in watching people be at a party, than getting down and partying himself. He finds a drink, and a seat near the musicians, and settles in to people watch.
A graceful young woman in a gossamer faerie-princess gown twirls through the open spaces from one guest to another, puffing a flute that expels rainbow bubbles, not notes. And so Raphaela gets her beloved bubbles after all.
Mordecai blinks at the party. "I may have come into the wrong room...."
Raphaela grins and murders them bubbles systematically, clapping palms of doom on them with lethal method, merrily so. CLAP*OP*CLAP*OP!
Shao offers Quinlan and Merrisol each a polite headbow before he sidesteps to greet Mordecai. "Doctor Mordecai, good evening," he says as he bows. "This is the goobye party for all Maggie's crew, welcome."
Mordecai says, "Seriously? This seems awfully...Mons. Isn't she Minosan?"
In the center of the table sits a lovely marine blue origami cat resting on its flank. Though there is no sunbeam, the cat looks as though it would be happy lying in the light.
Maggie drifts forward into the party proper, her smile still warm. "Welcome. Shao-san and Merrisol worked hard to put this together. Come in. There is food and drink, music. Tables for talking or we can clear a dance floor if anyone is so inclined." She pauses to swat a blue bubble from the bubble butterfly lady, laughter dancing in her eyes.
Pausing near Mordecai, Merrisol catches the question but doesn't see anyone else answering. "Half-Minosian.. her father is a Prince of Amber," he supplies ever so helpfully, although looking not particularly happy to say it.
Shao looks around for 'she'. There 'she' is, Bubblepop Maggie. "Yes, I believe Maggie is," he confirms to Mordecai, all too serious. He suppresses a tired yawn. "Hello, Merrisol."
Raphaela walks in, and studies all the beautiful things layed out on the table, but obviously, she's not eating in that dress, is she?? "Good work Shao-san, Captain Fuffy." dead serious as always!
Mordecai says, "Oh, I found that out a little too late...."
Merrisol claps the Shao on the back as if to help him with his yawn-struggle... hopefully no party favours fly out of the Penglai. "Blame the food on Shao," he informs Raphaela and anyone else who is breaking their diet on the tasty fingerstuffs. "If there's any left, I'll take care of clean-up." Meaning, he'll grab a pirate loot bag and haul it back to his cabin, yum. "Lady Raphaela, you are a vision of soapy delight," he adds.
Quinlan notes mildly, "The prince in question isn't one of the Minosan princes. Just to clarify." To Merrisol, he says, "Julian and Caine are Minosan. Useful tidbit."
Maggie flickers a glance to each, her smile warms, "Welcome. Mordecai? You can leave your kit there for now, if you want to. We'll get it before heading over to the ship. Um... Let's see. Shao-san? Are you okay?" There is clear concern in her eyes and the smile fades a bit. Then Raphaela glides in looking radiant. She is given a smile and a wave. "Captain Fluffy?" That's a new one and Merrisol is given a sidelong grin. Stepping out of the way of the table, she gestures to the food, "Please, help yourselves."
Shao chuckles at the encouragement, not minding the wake up clap at all. "Thank you, Merrisol-san. It was the thing to do, right?" he says, smiling. "I am o-kay, Captain," he reassures Maggie. Sidestep, sidestep, he arrives to Raphaela. "Hello, Lady Raphaela."
Mordecai puts his stuff down. "Yes, Pathian. And I grew up in Begma. Oi."
Raphaela, vision of soapy MURDER! Clap clap *POP* there was a bubble on your shoulder Shao "I told you to get home....Didn't manage, eh?" Raphaela blinks and starts laughing chimingly at something Shao whispers.
Shao chuckles with Raphaela, grabbing a sandwich for his empty plate.
Once people have been properly welcomed, Maggie can relax a bit. Yup. She drifts closer to the wall where Quin stands watching the goings on. Speaking softly to her cousin, she motions to the table with a lift of her chin, "Want anything, Quin?" Seemingly she is willing to get whatever it is for him.
Quinlan shakes his head with a little smile. "I'll get what I want when I'm ready," he says with gentle amusement. "I never did get the hang of this kind of party. But the cake is nice."
"Of course, explains your interest in the Lovelace vessel," Merrisol replies to Mordecai neutrally, after glancing over the man and his kit. He looks conflicted a moment, then excuses himself to cruise the crowd again.
Mordecai nods. "Local color, really."
Raphaela says to Shao "On the other hand, I sent a book on board for you - pictures and stories from Jade. It's a lovely account of a man who travelled the country."
Shao ohs for Raphaela, amazed. "What a generous gift, Lady Raphaela. I must find how to thank you," he says. He was to bow but so close to the food... he bows his head. Giving a glance around, he adds, "We are missing Sir Bashar?"
Maggie nods, "It is. Shao-san went all out. It is beautiful." She looks toward the cake, then to where Raphaela and Mordecai talk to Merrisol and Shao. "They are good people. I hope Liyandra can get here before things wind down too much. And Bashar. I have to tell him that Lady Catriona would rather he not bring his horse. Though she could probably be persuaded."
Merrisol looks over the crowd searchingly but doesn't have to look far. He stops by the wallflower spot where Quinlan and Maggie conspire. "Lady Captain Flame," he nods curtly, gaze resting on her features. Good captive crewmen do not acknowledge the Captain's decolletage. "With your permission, I will clear some floor space for those desiring dance."
Quinlan gives Maggie an odd look. "...Where was he planning on riding the horse to?" he asks. "I thought our destination was at sea somewhere?"
Raphaela looks back to horse talk "Bad idea, horse on board...logistical reasons."
Mordecai says, "Hell, health reasons."
Shao catches Quinlan's question and he shrugs. "Maybe? I go all around town for apples for his horse. No horse? We have apples," he reasons. He munche on some smoked fish bits.
Quinlan smiles. "That was kind of you. I'm sure the horse appreciates it, anyway."
Maggie watches Merrisol wander over. She smiles a bit at his address, nodding, "Please do, Mr. Merrisol. Please do and thank you." She flickers a glance over his bright red waistcoat but does not otherwise call attention to it. Then she shrugs at QUinlain's question, "No idea. And yes, we are going out to the ocean. But, Bashar's had that horse for as long as I have known him. I do not get their relationship."
"Oh dance," Shao notifies Raphaela, nodding at Merrisol.
Raphaela looks at Shao "I'm not stopping you."
The strains of music float from the corner as the quartet shifts gears. The melody is sprightly enough to dance to but relaxed enough to provide a comfortable conversational background.
Quinlan looks wry. "Well. I can't imagine standing between the love a guy has for his horse has ever been all that good an idea. And it's not my boat the horse would be on, so I'll stay out of it."
Mordecai chokes on a pastry. Or maybe it was Quinlan's words.
Confused by Raphaela, Shao has his eyebrows quirk up. "I do not know to dance," he reveals, embarrassed. "I better not."
Maggie sparkles a gleam of wry amusement at Quinlan. "Yeees, well. I will let him know that Catriona would rather he not bring the horse. I'm sure I can pay the Inn to stable her while we are gone. It isn't like we'll be gone for very long." And her daddy has deep pockets. Which is not something she likes to take advantage of or rely on, but...
Merrisol nods deferentially to Maggie, passes Quinlan a respectful "Lord Quinlan", then walks off to create the space in front of the quartet, using some chairs to demarcate the boundaries. He instructs the quartet to break out their best froofroofery, then bows to a be-gowned palace lady on the sidelines to break the ice. Perhaps she's heard enough gossip to be scandalized by the request, but good breeding wins over and draws her out on the floor.
Raphaela says "Nothing to it. I doubt there will be choreography tonight."
Moving from the wall of wallflowers, Maggie drifts through the crowd to the table of food. Claiming a tiny cheery tomato, she dips it into one of the dip selections and pops it into her mouth. Chewing and swallowing, she selects one of the guests and quietly offers a dance. Why not? The froofrooery of the quartet is toe-tapping and almost demands movement.
When no one is looking, Shao taps his foot quietly to the rythm, otherwise he fills on veggies and salad.
Mordecai continues sampling the various foodstuffs. Is he keeping a mental scorecard.
Quinlan gets up to find himself a glass of punch. Or it might be a mulled wine. Returning to his acquired seat, he studies the dancefloor - and the feet thereon - thoughtfully.
A little late to the party, but well, Liya has been busy. She has Mayhem at her side, coming in and pausing as she spies the crowd. "Oh my," she says, taking a quick look around.
The one help blowing up bubbles at people gives Shao a full compliment of soap floaties. Shao blinks. He also puts his plate aside, behind him, on the table, to avoid bad bubble ruining his meal. The clever Bubble Girl was planning on this: she grabs Shao by the forearm and drags him to the dance floor. Passing by Liyandra, Shao says a feeble, "help!"
Not to be outdone by pirates and faerie princesses, other men take their sweeties out for a turn in the limited space. Merrisol has done this before, though would be his courtesies he'd be remembered for, not his dancing in particular. He leads his partner off the floor by the hand, making room for others, and bows to excuse himself.
Quinlan watches the formal dancing, with - very clearly - no desire to join in. But he does smile when he sees Mayhem padding under a table. The mageling taps a finger against his lips...and, unseen by anyone not actively watching their feet, there appears a little red dot on the floor. Right where Mayhem can see it. And ...it starts *moving*. Slow, then quick. Arcing, then darting. Anyone who's ever waved a laser pointer at a cat would recognize the pattern - but this one seems to be dictated by the music of the quartet, and designed to bring Mayhem to the dancefloor without knocking anyone over.
At least, it shouldn't knock them over if they don't panic.
An exuberant young man of the court steps up to present himself to Maggie.. they've probably been introduced at one function or other. "May I have this honor, Lady Margaret?" he bows deep.
Mordecai watches the dancefloor as he nibbles on a canape. His eyes alight on Maggie.
Faerie Princess, a.k.a. Bubble Girl, chuckles and laughs at Shao's attempts to follow her steps. "No, no, like this," she demonstrates: step, cross, step back, curtsy. Shao is torn between crying or running away but he tries. That has him blush even closer to scarlet. Faerie Princess claps and laughs. "Good! Again..."
The dance weaves this way and that, turning and twirling as the quartet's music dictates. Over, under around and through. Maggie was released by the fellow she importuned earlier and was headed off the floor when the exuberant fellow asks for a dance. She turns his way and; smiling, curtsies, "Thank you, yes. Lord Jolity, isn't it?" She extends her hands and off they go. Perhaps it is kindness, or self-preservation, but she does not offer that her father speaks highly of his mother.
Liya sort of blinks as Shao heads off to the dance floor with a whimper. She doesn't even realize what he's asking for her to help with. She sort of wide eyes at him, and then he's gone and she doesn't even know if he was talking to her or not. And in the meantime, while she tires to figure that out, Mayhem catches sight of a red dot on the ground, and tries to catch it. And then again. Liya blinks as she feels him tugging on the leash, and when she sees what's happening, she can't help but set the cat free. So, one nearly 50 pound kitten, on the dance floor, following Quinlan's bouncing ball.
Merrisol ends up next to Liya, stepping over Mayhem if the large feline is still in the vicinity and not pouncing on evil glowing will o'wisps somewhere else. "Good evening, Lady Liyandr.." he starts, trailing off a little as he sees her more clearly. Seeming at a loss, he closes his mouth in the meanwhile.
Quinlan seems - at least, would seem if he were being watched - to be treating navigating the cat as an interesting challenge. Here and there darts the little red dot, leading the obsessed kitty in among the dancers. Scramblepaw pounce! Scramblepaw pounceskid pounce! The annoying red dot thing keeps *getting away*!
"Careful!" Bubble Girl warns, trying to stop Shao before he collides with bounce-pounce Mayhem (bless his righteous name). She is too slow... Shao trips backward. Yet, he manages to push up with his feet at the last moment, going for a backflip. He lands on his hands, standing upside down. He clicks his heels together, why not? to push on his arm and front flip back in place, before Bubble Girl.
Mordecai leans a shoulder against the wall, eyes darting from the quartet back to Maggie, back to the quartet. The the cat gets his attention.
Liya turns to look at Merrisol, pausing to curtsey. "My Lord Kerfuffle," she says, blue eyes agleam with amusement. "I see I am late to the party. I should apologize. But I was delayed unexpectedly." She keeps a close watch on Mayhem, though does give Kerfisol a look at her half finished name. "And I think that someone is having fun playing with my cat."
The red dot chasing cat causing Shao and Bubble Girl mayhem... Er. Mayhem is spotted by Maggie and her partner, Lord Jolity. A grin begins on Maggie's lips and she turns the dance a bit. Shao's backflip to avoid disaster is a wonderful sight and Maggie pauses to applaud.
"Sometime, if it would please you to speak of it, I would like to learn about your pet. He seems a peculiar sort of cat," Merrisol replies more smoothly, seeming to dismiss his earlier stumble. He glances over to spy the Cat vs. Dot antics, eyes then lifting to look for the prankster with the laserrrrr- the something more thematic that creates red dots.
Shao phews, yet he smiles, finding his fun again. Time for revenge! He goes around Bubble Girl while she is paralyzed, mouth open like a fly trap. He gently closes his fingers around her wrists and moves her about in a slow choreography, a very simple one. Each step ends up with one hand fanning, the other in a defensive position. It is not quite dancing. Shao whispers something in the girl's ear and it has her smile and blush.
As Shao and Bubble Girl are safe or at least uninjured, Maggie concludes her dance with the enthusiastic Lordling. She curtsies and backs off the dance floor, demuring a bit. Shao's movements with Bubble Girl in tandem with Kitty and the Red Dot deserve more space. Fading back to the table, she claims a glass of punch and nods to Mordecai. "Evening." The light in her eyes is as carefree as it has been in days.
Liya gives a grin to Merrisol, nodding her head. "Of course, we can certainly do that," she says. "I have a feeling we'll have time in the future." And she watches Shao's superb little show, chuckling softly. "I see that Shao is having fun," she says. She glances around, catching sight of Maggie also on the dance floor. "Oh, and there's Maggie too," she says, perhaps not quite innocently. Especially as Maggie fades off the dance floor.
Quinlan seems to be enjoying himself now, altering the little red dot's appearance or movements whenever Mayhem seems likely to lose interest. The dancefloor is a kitty obstacle course! Made a bit more tricky in that kitties tend to have trouble with traction on smooth flooring.
Merrisol probably will never figure out the awkward-at-parties source of the skittering skittle. He looks around again as Liya points out Shao, and stares for a moment as the Bubble Faerie taken for a very literal turn.. watching rather intently for a moment. Then satisfied that the girl is actually enjoying the Shao-tics, he looks then to catch the parting between Maggie and her partner, Jolity. "So who's that young buck?" he wonders casualty.
Casualty? CASUALLY.
Shao bows, Bubble Girl curtsies and they divorce happily, her going all skippy-hoppy to blow bubbles at Merrisol, he dodging guests to get a cup of iced tea. "Hello Lady Liyandra," he greets, beaming. "Want some ice tea?"
Liya glances around, and then around. As Shao arrives, she smiles at him, before she looks a little askance. "Why would I ice tea?" she asks, sounding intrigued. She does wave to Mordecai whom she recognizes when Maggie gets over near him. And then she says, to both Shao and Merrisol, "I should love a drink, and to find out who is teasing my Mayhem. Though that was quite entertaining, Shao, very well done."
Quinlan notices, after a bit, that Mayhem is getting bored of the game. He gets up to find some strips of fish, and takes them back to his seat....where the red dot soon leads Mayhem. "Want some tasty things?" he offers the cat, holding out the fish. "Good game?"
Mordecai continues holding up the wall, as if this was all a large stage, and he one of the sole audience memebrs.
Merrisol squints into the stream of chromatic bubbles, exchanging a quick smile with the entertainer, who seems to be enjoying herself as immensely as any formal guest. He then nods to Shao, allowing him the pleasure of getting Liya her iced tea. He excuses himself from her as well to circulate again during these last few moments of the festivities.
Shao bows his heads in thanks to Liyandra. "It was the 'Courtesan Waving The Fans'," he says, about the last bit. He fills a second cup with more iced tea. "Excuse me." He travels through the crowd to hand it to Mordecai.
Liya might not have cottoned on to Quinlan, except that when he offers the fish to Mayhem, the cat actually roars. A full chested, loud big cat sort of roar. And he sits down, watching the fish but not taking it, tail lashing intently. Liya accepts her cup of iced tea, and then her attention goes to the cat. And she promptly heads his way at that roar. As she arrives to see that Quinlan is offering Mayhem treats, she laughs. "Quinlan, I should have known," she says. "But - good boy, Mayhem." She signals the kitty and only then does he move to take the treats that Quin is offering.
Quinlan raises both eyebrows at the roar. "Oh, you'd really have rather padded on a leash all night?" he asks. To Liyandra, as he feeds the cat the treats it's due, he asks, "Seriously. What's the roaring about?"
Liya chuckles. "He was calling me," she says. "He's not allowed to accept food from anyone without my permission, but he really wanted to." There's a delicate shrug, and Liya takes her opportunity to reattach Mayhem's leash.
Mordecai raises his glass to Maggie...in response, really. Honestly. "Evening. You have an interesting celebatory aspect to your personality that was previously undiscovered."
Shao toasts for Maggie as well.
The door opened, revealing two new victi-- erm, volunteers in Maggie's grand, guaranteed to work capture the boat plan. It was a daring venture and who better to participate but daring adventurers, Bashar and Fang. The knight errant was saying to his female friend, "And then the duck said, 'hey, you're not a bartender.'" He grinned broadly, both amused and quite satisfied by the humour of the joke and quite curious as to whether or not his companion would guffaw or groan.
Quinlan nods. "Smart kitty. But in this case I'm just being fair. I've had him running around, only fair to give him treats for it." Mayhem gets a headrub with his fish. "Hope you didn't mind," he says to Liyandra. "I really kind of suck at formal parties."
Liya smiles, and says, "No, the exercise is good for him. Remind me to show you the present I got from Mei, one of these days." She grins as Mayhem bats a paw at Quinlan's arm, and then says, teasingly, "But you might have to dance with me to make up for it." She gives him a winsome smile and even bats her eyelashes.
Passing closer to the dance floor, Merrisol sees a lady in want of a partner, and so applies to her with a ready bow. She curtsies, and off they go for the last dance before the search party members announce their imminent departure for the harbour, the Wandering Duchess, and Beyond!
Maggie lowers her gaze a bit, a blush beginning. "Oh. Well, yes, I guess so. I'm happy. We're going to get my ship and I can be whole again." She lifts her mug of punch at the toast, turning to acknowledge Shao's as well. "With a bunch of friends. What could be better?" She flickers a look between Liya and Quin, then over to seek Merrisol. After a second or two, she turns to the opening door. Her smile warms when she sees who is coming in. "Bashar! Fang! Come in and be introduced."
Fang saunters along with Bashar, giving him a half-hearted grin and an elbow to the ribs, "That one is like a hundred years old, Bash. Oh, but speaking of bartenders..." she bites her lip, "I really hope there's beer." A quick scan of the room and a wave for Maggie, "Maggie! Hi. On our way." A glance back at the knight and she slips an arm through his, "Right Bashar?"
Mordecai starts to say something, then looks over to the new arrivals. Blinks a few times, looks at his canape. Looks back.
Shao empties his cup, gives Mordecai a look, gives Mordecai's canape a look. "Not duck," Shao reassures, meaning the canape.
Maggie catches Mordecai's look then Shao's, "What?" Fading back a little, she claims one of the very interesting canapes and takes a bite. "mmmm." Chewing and swallowing, she raises her mug of punch to take a sip, "It's good. Is something wrong?"
Bashar raised his hand to offer Maggie a welcoming wave from across the room. It was a party and Bashar knew how to party! Woohoo, time to break out the sparkling cider and get an intense round of cribbage going. It asn't time to rock until Bashar got rollin! Finding his arm taken, he looked to the lady who had laid claim to it. He nodded his head. Beautiful woman on one arm, other arm currently not holding anything but in reserve in case fine vintage of Schwepps '98 should be found, life was good. "Oh, I'm suuuure there's beer somewhere around here. This place could be dry and I wager Miss Maggie'd smuggle it in. Occupational hazard of being a, well, a smuggler."
Quinlan winces. "I'm not really into couples dancing, Liyandra. People get the wrong idea, and it's a pain in the butt to dislodge an idea once it's settled in."
Shao catches one of the help, to whisper something in his ear. The help nods. The man gathers another steward and they leave for outside.
Mordecai says, "Hmm? Just wondering if there's any interesting mushrooms in here."
Liya has to chuckle at that. "Hey, we are friends, right?" she says. "You needn't worry I'll get the wrong idea." She pauses and then she lets Quin off the hook. "But it's fine. I think the window of opportunity has passed this time." She does look a little mournfully at the dance floor, but it might be faked. And Mayhem is quite happy with his fish.
Maggie looks at the half canape between her fingers, "Um. I doubt it? I don't think Shao-san would include interesting mushrooms just before we sail. Maybe regular mushrooms, though." She glances over to Shao as he marshals the staff to do a thing. He wins a smile for whatever it is he is organizing.
Merrisol missteps on the dancefloor when his talkative partner goes up on the points of her shoes to whisper briefly. He looks at her sharply but manages to keep his attentive smile. When the music winds down, he bows and parts from her, stepping over to the quartet to instruct them to continue to play for the next half-hour after Maggie and Co. have departed, to wind the party down properly. Then he goes to find his Captain.
Mordecai says, "So her hair really is that color. Speaking of ships...when do we sail?"
Quinlan smiles. "Another time then, Liya. Have you been clubbing yet? It's fun." He looks around. "And that's a good question. What ship and when *do* we sail?"
Shao smiles back to Maggie, he even /waves/ at her. Soon enough, the men he sent on errand are back, each one charged with a generous clay jar. Shao claps his hands to gather some attention. "We are here to say goodbye to Amber, in joy and not in sadness. Sake for /everyone!" he claims.
Liya grins at Quinlan, a sweet sweet smile. "I have been to a nightclub once," she admits. "And then I asked my boss about it. That was educational." She pauses, as Shao speaks up, turning to face the small ceremony a little bit more. One hand finds Mayhem's head, and she ruffles his fur, which gets a small mrowl from the cat.
"Hurrah! Good Tide, Lady Margaret! Good Hunting! Good Sake!" The cheers from the guests are numerous.
Fang glances at the dancing as she half-drags Bashar toward Maggie, "Sorry we're late. I'm afraid it's my fault, went left when we should've gone right, but Bashar got it sorted." There's a flicker of a smile for Mordecai which turns into a huge grin for Shao, "Now that's a send off. Brilliant."
Maggie blinks at Mordecai, "Whose hair?" She is distracted by Shao first. Taking one of the globes from a passing person, she lifts it as he offers a toast, "Good Tide, everyone. We will see you when we return." Leaning back a bit, she turns to Fang and Bashar, "Oh, it's fine. I am just glad that you arrived." Lifting her voice again, she supplies, "We sail on the Wandering Duchess. And we should get there. Everyone take whatever you mean to take. Shall we?"
Himself dragged, Bashar almost reached a hand out toward the dance floor he was being taken from, a confused expression on his fase as he tried to figure out why it was they were going -here- when there was a perfectly good -there- to be had. But he set aside this small disappointment for the very, very enjoyably opportunity to reminisce with old friends. "Ahh, yes, well, it took me a few moments to realise that that right happened to me my left, so to speak." he told Maggie, "But, indeed we made it and we're packed and ready to set out at your convenience."
Mordecai clears his throat, smiles back at Fang, and collects his knapsack and violin case.
Shao cannot delay it further than the time he takes to empty his cup of Sake; time to meet with the Jadean cousin. He excuses himself to Mordecai and walks through the guests, stopping a step removed from Fang for a formal Penglai bow. "I am Shao Satoshi. Honored to meet you," he says.
Quinlan nods to Maggie, finishes feeding fish to Mayhem, and stands up. "Personally, ready to set sail."
"Ahh, erm, yes, of course!" Bashar said, noting Shao's introduction and was quick to redeem himself, bealtedly, of his own failure to take the courtesy initiative. "Miss Fang, may I have the pleasure of introducing you to Master Shao here. Master SHao, Miss Fang." THe knight errant fiddled with the collar of his tunic. He was a bit rusty with this whole 'civilization' thing, having been out on the road too long.
There's some sort of trick to being fashionably late and yet still be just on time. Like every star would when traveling incognito, he's wearing his mirror shades. Unfortunately for Martin, given his current appearance there's no way anyone would ever not know who he is if they knew him. The badge gives it away that he's not Random. "Guess I'm just in time to see you all off." He picks up a glass of something to drink from one of the tables and salutes the group.
Liya gets a passing globe and joins in the cheering salute, drinking the sake with gusto. She catches sight of Martin arriving, and grins, also noting the badge that says it is likely not Random. She doesn't intrude - not her relative after all. Barely met the man. She does however, look to Quinlan as he finishes feeding her cat. "Me too," she says, with a smile and a wave to Maggie. She does pitch her voice to be heard.
Merrisol halts to one side of the official boarders as they loosely assemble near Maggie. He hasn't taken drink or much food this evening, possibly the designated herder, or perhaps just the guy who makes sure nobody's left their scarfs and mittens under a chair. He notes the presence of Bashar.. then the woman who could be none other than the professional guard, Fang. He tips them a quick nod. Martin's distinctive voice draws his attention to the entrance of the Inn's fancy parlour, and he smiles curtly to him from across the room.
Privately, Bashar wonders why he is being winked at and takes it to be some sort of Jadean custom he is not yet aware of, and makes a point to note it for query later.
There is a new motions about. The band keeps playing but the waiters are taking the food away. Even the cake.
OOC Shao says, "Not the cake :("
Yes, even the cake.
A bunch of the more closely invested guests gather up their coats to head for the harbour, where they'll do some more waving from the pier.
----- Aboard the Wandering Duchess -----
Raphaela waits on ramp, a man carrying large parcel behind her. She attempts a surprisingly good "Ahoy there, captain!" One per member she knows. Say for Merrisol - a collection of stories by Minosian captains. For Shao - Jadean ceremonies for dummies. For Cat - all it takes to do a great party. Maggie might get one on rage control.
The ship is all ready to make way, judging by the looks of her as she bobs complacently in the harbour, just waiting for the ropes to be cast off. Catriona is up in the rigging, making the final touches to a candle that gleams, sheltered, from the highest spindle in the crow's nest. The candle gives off light as bright as day for one hundred feet in any direction and dispells any illusions that it touches upon. The Karm seems content to sit up here for now, watching people board her vessel.
Mordecai whistles. "Nice ship."
Bashar arrived at the docks. Finally he found his way to where the Wandering Duchess was berthed, though it was mostly a matter of following the trail of fellow revellers from the party. Dismounting, he shuffling up the gangway and led the white mare, Maggie, known to some as Equine-Maggie so as to differentiate from Human-Maggie who had already arrived.
Quinlan heads up to the Wandering Duchess, climbing aboard. He takes up a perch in the bow, where he can clearly see the ship's course.
Liya and Mayhem come aboard. Liya takes a look at the ship, and then she moves to find a spot that is out of the way and quiet, settling the two down, along with the gear she's got.
Shao feels relieved enough to let out a full yawn, while others are admiring the Wandering Duchess. Only the gangplank to climb, a bow for Catriona if he has to, and it will be hammock time. He lets Quinlan, Liyandra and Mayhem pass and hop! up the plank he goes.
Having arrived some minutes before, Maggie has settled in a watchful stance, hands clasped behind her back, legs parted. At some point in the mass confusion of leaving the inn she darted up to her room to quickly change out of finery and into far more comfortable clothing. Once everyone is aboard, she looks to count heads, then moves to stand near Martin. "Thanks for coming."
Merrisol is one of the last to board, settling up some purchaser accounts at the harbor master's office. He re-pockets the now well-scribbled ledger, catches up to the stragglers, and forges past the small gathering of court personnel who followed from the Golden Goose Inn and are now waving from the pier. They just like to be seen waving at VIPs, is all.
Bashar looked around furtively, his eyes darting hither and thither. Patting the horse on its neck, he said to it in a hushed, conspiratorial tone, "I think we're alright. Nobody seems to have noticed." The mare's only response was to neigh and stretch his head to sniff some crates that had been stacked nearby.
Martin apparently has everything he needs. Smokes, matches, shades, a sword and himself. Either that, or he wasn't planning on a long sea voyage. He checks out the ship and gives a low whistle of appreciation. "Nice." He approves. His gaze... might have lingered on Catriona while he muttered that comment. He saunters aboard with ease, the sea is his oyster, after all. He's not had chance to greet Fang so he gives her a cheeky grin, "Knew you were about." His eyes then shift to Maggie as he licks cake from his fingers. "I can't stay long, but you know what they say about all work and no play."
Fang had lingered on the docks, looking over the majestic ship. As the last of the people board, she sprints up the gangway behind Merrisol, "Quite a crowd to see us off, eh?" to Merri, then a wink for Martin. "You did? Then I'm losing my touch. You're not coming with?"
Liya did take time to change, but she's now settled in and rebraiding her hair quietly. It's a good thing to take care of, after all. She waves up at the Karm in the rigging, a smile crossing her face. And then both hands go back to her hair, as she gets the braid back in line.
Quinlan nods toward Catriona. "I'll fill the sails with wind, when you're ready to get underway. We'll move quickly."
Catriona begins her descent down the rigging. The diminutive Karm in the snapping black cloak is not graceful, but she is efficient. The silver-blonde cable of her hair thumps along her spine with the final leap, boots planted firmly on the pale deck, looking around. A quick nod is given to acknowledge Quinlan's command and then she's making her way to the fore, calling out, "Line up. All of you, whether I know you or you know me. I want an introduction and the reason why you're here. Be brief. Be convincing. This is a great many people for my ship to carry."
Shao slips that way, over that lamp, stealing a light for his kiseru smoking pipe... ah no. He puts that away to line up and listen.
Mordecai lines up. When it's his turn, it's a simple, almost military, "Oswald Mordecai Lethem, invited as medic. Possibly cook for the return voyage."
"If they could chain a dinghy to the Duchess and ride along, I imagine they likely would," Merrisol remarks to Fang, looking sour about something or other. He glances at her again once she and Martin have spoken. "Captain Merrisol, by the way." Hearing the ship's Captain speaking out, he pauses an extra few seconds before joining the line.
Maggie nods to Martin, "Understood. And at least this way you get to see Bash and Fang again. And meet all these wonderful people. If you haven't met them before." Tilting her head a bit, she touches two fingers to her temple, then moves to line up. Standing straight and tall, just like ths is at home here, she waits her turn, then speaks, "Captain Flame. Seeking my ship, the Wind Dancer." She inclines her head to Catriona, "Thank you for the assistance, Captain."
Martin bows easily to the Karm, giving her the respect she is due. She receives his full undivided attention as he removes his shades, "I am Martin. Baron Icedeep, Lord Marshal of Rebma. You have several people aboard this ship who are dear to me. I am here to see them off. I will only stay briefly and then I will take my leave at some point when you are underway."
Introducing himself was no problem for Bashar. Stepping forward before the former duchess and dame and offered Catriona a courteous, formal bow. "I am Sir Bashar mal ce Taegar. Knight errant. And I come to answer the call of a friend in need, and rend my sword arm in strife and my tongue in peace."
Liya pauses a moment, and her lips quirk in a smile. She finishes braiding her hair, tossing it over a shoulder, and then gets to her feet. Mayhem mrowls, and she signals him simply. She brings Mayhem with her, gets in line, and when her turn comes, she says, straightfaced, "Liya. Extra muscle. And Mayhem, trainee."
Quinlan blinks, expression blank, and then looks up at that candle. "Uh-huh," he says quietly. He seems to think about it for a moment, then shrugs, gets up, and stands at the bow end of the line. "Quinlan du Naji. I'm handling the shadow-shifting until we get to the Dancer." And then, he heads back to his perch in the bow.
Shao bows rigidly. "Shao Satoshi. I am here to follow Captain Flame and her orders," he says.
Merrisol snaps to military attention when Catriona or at least her glance arrives at his place in line. "Pirate Captain Merrisol, prisoner of Captain Flame. I have sworn my sword to her service as part of my surrender terms, Captain Sir." His gaze centers out somewhere beyond Fore.
Mordecai arches an eyebrow at this.
Fang nods to Merrisol, "Li-Fang, but most simply call me Fang." she murmurs, then follows along to join the line. Slipping into place, she repeats the intro and adds, "Bodyguard, here in case things get ugly."
Catriona gives a respectful nod to each in turn, her expression growing a little heavier with each new introduction. "Very well," the Karm says finally, "I do not promise this will be a comfortable voyage, and some may find themselves sleeping on deck. There are three guest cabins one of which will go to your Captain Flame. The other two you may decide amongst yourselves. Below decks there are three extra hammocks not accounted for by my crew. Again, I give you leave to determine their fate. Where you can help out, I bid you do so, please. If you have skill as a cook, see mine and offer your services. Should you need to return to Amber for some reason, or should you do something that merits your expedient return, I have the ability to send you there. Seek me out. Any questions?"
Maggie flickers a glance Mordecai's way as Merrisol makes his introduction. Then her attention touches each of the others in turn before she speaks quietly, "Captain Catriona is in charge aboard this, her vessel. If she, or her mate say to jump, you can be sure it is for a good reason. You jump. Especially if there is a crisis. If you have need of counsel or advice, please see me." She falls silent then to wait for any questions that might be posed.
Shao raises a hand. "What do 'expedient' mean? Sorry, I am learning," he says.
"My lady Karm," Bashar called before clearing his throat. His expression was placid, a gentle smile adorning his face. Taking a further step forward. He raised his hands and gestures to the others standing to his flanks, "my fellow travellers, may I have the privilege of leading us in prayer to bless this voyage as we set out to embark on it, and the vessel to which we entrust our safety and success?"
Liya simply nods her head to Catriona, and then she says, "If you need help with the sailing, I can help, though I am mostly experienced with smaller boats. And I do not mind sleeping on the deck." She then goes quiet at Bashar's suggestion, her gaze lowering.
Quinlan gives Bashar a curious look, what you might give a poodle that's spontaneously started doing backflips. "Blessings in whose name, exactly?" Then to Catriona, "I can fill the sails with wind. We'll move quickly."
Fang listens, shaking her head at the end of the Karm's speech. "No questions here, Captain."
Mordecai says, "I'll speak to your cook, Captain."
Merrisol keeps to attention, waiting through the questions, although there is a flicker of a jaw-flex when Liyandra volunteers for deck-sleeping.
Maggie leans over to speak softly to Shao, "Expedient means appropriate to a purpose."
Bashar seemed more amused than anything by Quinlan's remark. His smile turning to a wry smirk, he answered candidly, "In the name of whoever will listen. But I would not compell any to join me who do not wish to and if Lady Karm prefer I keep my benediction to myself," he offered the woman another, smaller, bow of convenience, "I shall humbly defer to her."
Martin seems to not be too concerned about living conditions. "Maggie, you'll contact me if anything goes wrong?" He asks his cousin. To Catriona he says, "Captain, some Dolphins may follow you a while to give you warning in case anything below interfears. I must warn you that there are troubles in the waters. They will take their leave when you enter shadow. I, myself will take my leave shortly as it seems you are overcrowded anyway. Fang and Bashar, I'll talk to you when you get back."
Shao looks over to Maggie, nods but hesitates to lower his arm. He decides on 'arm still up'.
Catriona's eyes settle squarely upon Bashar, their dark green depths searching. "You may bless the ship as you wish, Sir Bashar. My lord Quinlan," the Karm nods, stepping authoritatively to the helm, "whenever you are ready, we will cast off. Make way, men!" This, to her own crew, when stand ready at the ropes and the sails.
Mordecai sets his pack down by the mizenmast, along with his violin case, steering clear of the sheets, lest anything tangle. He unrolls the sleeping pad and settles down to get comfortable.
Quinlan nods slowly at Bashar's answer, absorbing it. Then he raises one hand toward the sails, speaking strange words. A strong wind begins to fill the sails.
Okay, Shao lowers his arm; people are disbanding. Shao goes over that same lamp and untucks his Penglai pipe, for a drag.
Maggie looks at each of those who came to help her and a small smile tugs at her lips. "Thanks, everyone." Stepping forward, she tucks her hands in her pockets and leans a bit against her cousin, "Yeah, I'll call you. thanks. It certainly seems strange not to be giving the orders. But, she knows what she is doing, so we're good."
Merrisol appears to relax, slowly, and presently steps backwards out of line to glance pensively around at the others. He gets out of the ship's crews way, going over to the rail to look over the pier and listen to the anchor chain hauling.
Things come in threes, as they say and, clasping his hands before him, Bashar offered such as bow to Catriona as she assented to his request. Taking a moment to say his farewell to Lord Martin and assure the Marshal of his prompt return as soon as they touched down again in Amber. Then came another, more heartwenching farewell. Patting her neck, the knight errant said to his horse and sighed, "It looks like they're rather pressed for space." he told the horse. Furtive looking around once more, as if a deckhand would appear at any moment and berate him for bring the mount aboard. "I know, I know. I don't like it either." The mare looked positively bored. Escorting the mare so far as Martin, he asked the Lord Marshal. "Lord Martin, would you do me the kindness of seeing my mount to the stable? I have a space rented at the Rose and Crown."
With that all settled and her help not needed, Liya returns to her gear, finding her own bedroll, and flopping it out. She settles down, and Mayhem curls up beside her. After a few moments, the soft sound of gentle drumming can be heard from where Liya is situated.
Martin comforts Maggie, "Everything'll turn out ok." He assures her, then eyes Bashar. "Seriously? You brought her again on a ship?" He looks at the Mare, shakes his head and takes the reins. "Good Luck and Good tide, all." He gives a wave and makes his way off the ship with the animal.
Shao returns from under, his own personal hammock in hands, with a thick whool sheet and a small bag of rice for pillow. He choses a spot nearbye Liyandra's to hook his net. "Hello," he says to both Mayhem and Mayhem's pet.
The anchor is raised, two of the sails are dropped, and the ropes cast off. Slowly, the Wandering Duchess begins to make way out of Amber's harbour, Catriona at the helm, her black cloak catching the wind, the blonde retaining a somber mien. Quinlan's wind catches the sails just so, and it's not long before they are headed for the open waters.
Quinlan stands up as the ship finally begins moving, standing as if at watch at the most forward point of the deck. Once clear of the harbor, sea and sky begin to subtly change.
Bashar seemed a little surprised by Martin's question. "Why, of course. WHy wouldn't I?" He looked to the creature, seeing if the mare has an answer. If she did, the horse did not care to share it.
Merrisol takes a last look at the harbour, where no doubt Martin and Mare are being fawned over by the leftover court folk, and goes over to where Fang is. "Miss Li-Fang, I'd like to ask that you claim the cabin next over from Captain Flame's. From what I have heard of your reputation as the Lord Marshal's former guard, it seems the best course to station yourself close by."
There is a tugging pang behind Maggie's eyes as Quinlan works whatever wind magic he works. She frowns a bit, almost coming close to a memory. A hand twitches where it rests clasped behind her back, but then she lets it go. Turning, she walks to the railing to watch the land slip away. The arch of dolphins cutting the water behind and to the side brings a smile to her lips. Now that they are away, she can think of 10 things that she should have done. Ah well. Too late now.
The knight errant stepped forward, climbing up the forecastle of the vessel to find himself an appropriate perch. Turning to face the ship as it lay open before him, the man raised his hands outward with the palms up. Taking a moment, he felt the sea wind whipping at his cloak, took in the scent of the ocean and felt the spray of the surf. Amid the tumult of the cruising barque, Bashar calmed his senses and when an adequate peace had settled upon him, he looked upward. "Oh powers that guide us, we gather here to beseech your beneficence. As you who art good, let us share in your wisom as we embark on our journey to seek that which has been lost, and bring peace to the hearts of those who may seek to frustrate our just and honest aims. Bless this vessel and may it hold true as we hold true to it and to our purpose. Divine spirits of the sea and sky, soul and shadow, may you let us return to land in peace and collect your tribute in times afore and guide Master Quinlan as he navigates us true." The knight raised his right hand, forming the fingers in a holy gesture. Uttering a few words that were unintelligible, he then bowed his head and closed, "We ask this humbly of Those Who Listen."
Fang leans on the railing not far from Maggie, joining in those watching the boat pull away. Swiping her bright hair from her face, she turns to quirk a brow at Merrisol. "Reputation? I can only imagine.." there's a hint a smirk at that, but she nods. "Cabin? I'd prefer a hammock without a door that could be locked. Actually, I should probably go below and get that sorted..." she pauses, looking around at the others. "If no one has any objections."
Quinlan glances backward, on hearing this prayer. Looks up at the stars, then down at the ocean, and remarks, "For the record, he's using a dramatic 'we', *I* am not asking you guys for anything."
Shao chooses to sneak beside Fang at this very moment. He bows his head for Maggie. Also, yawns. "I have a hammock stretched over there," he says, looking to where Liyandra is drumming.
Merrisol steps back from Fang and shakes his head to her question, although he's unclear where she means to stay. "Good night, then." He glances at Shao for a moment, nodding over the man's choice of rest spot.
Maggie nods to Fang, then to Shao, "Okay. Sleep well, both of you. See you in the morning." She looks up as Bashar does his benediction, quirking a smile at Quinlan's response. Liyandra's drumming is a soothing counterpoint to the shush of the water on the hull and the wind in the sails. Softly, then, "Don't blame either of you. I'll claim the cabin, though." Courtesy offered Captain to Captain is almost a trust for her. Leaning against the railing, she faces inward now, gaze lifting to the sails, then settling on Quinlan before sliding away again. Oddly, the only thought that registers for the next few minutes while processing the sensations of being aboard a ship is this: I should braid my hair.
"Good evening, Miss Maggie. Sleep well." Bashar called cheerfully to Human-Maggie as he stepped off the forecastle and made his way to where Merrisol was standing and Fang about to make her departure. A nod cast to the man, he focused his attention on Fang. "Ahh, going down deck I presume to keep an eye on our intrepid captain?" he asked her.
Fang blinks at Shao, studying him for a long moment. "Thank you, I ah...yes. Should go and check out the situation below, learn the lay of the land as it were. Goodnight, gentlemen." With the flash of a small, tight smile, she dips her chin respectfully to the group and heads for belowdecks with her stuff.
"Goodnight," Shao wishes, to those leaving for lalaland. Shao blinks at Fang's odd reaction, yet he lets her go, with a polite bow.
Quinlan watches them all go to their rest, murmurs something to the sails, but though the wind changes, it doesn't seem to be what he wanted. He shakes his head, and a gesture releases the winds, letting the ship float calmly on still water. He settles a few coils of rope in the bow, and uses them and the side of the ship to steady himself. The gangly mage folds up like a butterfly knife, it seems, a compact bundle of person tucked into the bow of the ship.
Merrisol turns outwards, himself, just several feet down from Maggie. He grips the rail and leans, catching the tail-end of Bashar's prayer on the breeze, though he doesn't do much more than frown speculatively over it. He glances over again as Bashar gets closer. "Sir Bashar.. I never did catch to what Order of Knighthood you belong.. which is it?" he inquires.
Shao joins with Merrisol, his kiseru pipe out and ready again, only missing a light. He listens to the other talk, interested in Bashar's story. He waves to the knight.
"Hrmmm?" Bashar turned his attention to Merrisol, a smile formng on his face as the query registered in his mind. "Oh. I don't. I mean, that is to say, I don't belong to any order of Amber, if that is what you're asking. Such as the Order of Clarity, to which I believe our current hostess, Dame Catriona, belongs." He pauses to respond to Shao's wave with a nod of his head. His conversation continued with Merrisol, though. "Rather, my knighthood comes from the knight who annointed me when t was that I took up arms."
Liya settles to playing, and she's actually reasonably good at it, the young Sukhoti woman having played a time or two before it seems. She's not singing, just drumming, and Mayhem is purring at her side.
As the ship settles, Maggie watches from where she leans, her gaze touching the cluster of men constituting Bashar, Merrisol and Shao before slipping over to where Liya and Mayhem rest. Mayhem's purring can almost be felt through the decking from where Maggie stands. Or, maybe that is the feeling of the wind leaving the sails. Looking up, she nods to Quinlan as he curls up. Drawing in a breath, she holds it for a moment. The tang of salt in the air, the feeling of a ship at rest. It almost feels like home. Again comes the nagging impulse to braid her hair. She frowns slowly... what is up with that?
Maggie gives up on figureing out why braiding her stupid hair is so important. It is a tug, a pull, a memory that just won't manifest. Whatever. Lowering, she picks up her kit and slings it over one shoulder. Walking toward Liyandra, she places her feet with care so as not to disturb those sleeping. When she reaches the woman, she watches the woman play the drums. Listening a while, she taps her toes for a measure or two, then angles off again.
Merrisol listens attentively to the Knight's tale, and he falls into consideration towards the end. He glances at Shao for a moment before he gives the equivalent of a facial shrug, brows lifting while the mouth mulls. "I did not know one could achieve Knighthood in that indirect fashion. Thank you for the education."
When did Shao steal that candle? Shao smiles for Merriol. He also puffs out some smoke. "Thank you, Sir Bashar. You say the best stories," he calls softly.
Bashar nodded his head politely to Merrisol and then again to Shao. "Oh, you're quite welcome. Like Dame Catriona said, we all have our weight to pull!" To Merrisol he added, "Well it depends on the circumstances. There are a great many sort of knights and a great many sort of knighthoods. I, specifically, am a knight errant, which could just as easily translate to a wanderer knight, or 'hedge' knight in some cultures, or simply as a 'quest' knight. As to which specifically applies in this instance," he paused to chuckle, "I'm not sure I could say."
Shao nods, nods. "In Penglai, we say 'Samurai'. Is the same," he says. "Samurai with no master is 'Ronin'. Not the same as 'errant'."
But not Mercenary Knight or Vigilante Knight. Maggie comes to the slow realization that she has had that conversation with Bashar before at some point in the past. Turning again, she claims a stretch of railing near the fellows. Leaning her forearms on the railing, she shifts her kit to one side. The dolphins still swim nearby, though now they move in a lazy cirsle around the ship.
Bashar thought of Shao's translation in his head. "Ronin." he tasted the word on his lips. It was a curious, tangy flavour. "No, not quite the same thing." he agreed, smiling. "My knowledge of your culture is shallow, Master Shao. I know little of ronin, but are they not charged with come act of vengeance? For the diyamo to whom they once served?" The man shook his head and grinned. "Or am I completely off?"
"Yes, sorry," Shao apologises. "I did not say it right. Someone with no master is always a criminal, in Penglai, everyone. Ronin are bandits. Very sorry."
After a while, Liya gives up on her drum, setting it aside. She stretches briefly, and then she finds a blanket, using it to cover up. Her head is on a rolled up soft bit, and Mayhem is right there, the size now of a medium sized dog, and not exactly fat. He's a deterrent certainly.
Merrisol glances between the two gents, absorbing the cultural trivia. "Why didn't you attach yourself to Baron Martin..?" he wonders a bit idly, his gaze slipping away to observe different points of activity, fleetingly, though he does check on the shadowy huddle that is Liyandra pattering away on her... bongos? And then, Maggie, restlessly prowling about. And back to Liyandra, with a narrow-eyed stare and pursing lips.
"Bandit knight?" Bashar's eyes widened with surprise and interest at this new development. "How curious he said to himself." Looking up, he nodded his head as he pondered. 'Bandit knight.' He could definitely see himself, in another world, at another time as 'the bandit knight of Pengali'. But he was not such; in the present he remained Sir Bashar. To Merrisol he replied with mild confusion. "But I am attached to Lord Martin. I mean, that is to say, we are attached by bond of friendship." He smiled. "If you mean a more feudal oath swearing and such, well, while I have accepted such responsibilities in past occasions, I have to be careful not to find myself in one plate for too long. Being a knight errant is a -calling-, Sir Merrisol. Not something to which one such as I would seek to depart from."
Merrisol sighs a bit resignedly as the huddle turns into a puddle. Poor bastard, it's so terrible being chivalrous -and- OCD.. Can't fit the 3 ladies into the 3 cabins..? It must be freak-out time soon!
Shao lets out a big big yawn. He bows, one bow for each. "Goodnight. I sleep, now," he announces in the middle of a second big big yawn. He shambles to his hammock, near Liyandra, climbs in and falls asleep.
Prowling around. Yup. Seems to be the thing that Maggies do best. Like Tiggers with their bouncing. Turning as Shao heads off, she waves, "Night." Pushing from the railing once more, she moves forward and climbs up to the forecastle. Taking care not to disturb Quinlan at his rest, she moves to the bow of the ship. Unconsciously, she lifts one boot up onto the railing there. She looks out over the water, standing with her back straight. From there, she could see forever were it not night. Still, the glitter of starlight touches the water with silver.
"Goodnight Master Shao." Bashar said, returnng the ther man's bow. "Pleasant dreams."
Finally leaving the bow of the ship, Maggie walks back down to the deck. She surveys everyone once more, just to be sure. It is sort of a taking stock of things moment for her. Liyandra and Mayhem. Shao, Bashar, Mordecai... Fang where ever it was that Fang went. Oh, right. Below. Walking closer to where Merrisol sits or leans, she pauses, "You okay?"
Merrisol is standing, still, leaning back against the rail with enough confidence that it won't give under his weight, or the ship won't suddenly pitch, and tip him over into the drink, as to indicate he is well-used to ship life. His arms are crossed against his chest, brocade pulling taut. The tailor had done good work on those seams, though, maybe even reinforced them some. "Did you notice.. the way I fell in, like that?" Err, like sploosh? "Fell in line," he clarifies, shaking his head as he'd gone back over the words and spotted a potential misunderstanding. "On the order of another Captain..?"
Starlight on water stirred by dolphins makes a beautiful backdrop to any sea voyage, though Maggie is not looking at it right now. She nods, "I did, yes." Shifting a little, she steadies her kit on her shoulder before speaking once more. The reinforced brocade jacket is noted. Was noted back at the Goose. Not commented on, for what is there to say other than 'nice jacket' and she said that a long time ago. She notes the clarification but did not really need it. "That is sort of why I wanted to see how you are."
"Thank you," he murmurs, barely audible even at her conversational range. In a more normal tone: "I'm puzzled by it.. not to say that puzzlement isn't the usual state of things, recently. But by the writing.." His hand draws up from the fold to rest lightly over the left breast of the coat, indicating most likely the contents of the inner pocket. "The articles of agreement. There was no allowance for that manner of.. regimented tyranny. Even if there was.. why did I respond to it, so smartly? Perhaps you had the right theory, when you suggested I was not the Captain, but something of a faithful underling." Maybe that should have been a positive point to make, all things considered, but his tone turns out perversely discouraged.
Maggie says, "Welcome." The reply spoken in just the same sort of tone. Listening, Maggie lifts her gaze not to his eyes, but so she can look toward the distant horzon. "That manner of regimented tyranny is unlikely to be put down in articles, it seems to me." She tucks her free hand into a pocket and shakes her head briefly, "There are a lot of possible reasons and explainations. I think... it might be best to not push. Just let memories come to you as they decide to." Her gaze lowers again, though she moves to turn, "Catriona's folk are on watch. Try to sleep. Good night."