[Pirate Adventure, Part I] The Old Man's Tale [OPEN to ALL]

[Sakura D'aron]

OOC: EVERYONE is welcome to join during Part I of this adventure. So if you haven't signed up for it already, ^_^ now's your last chance!

It is assumed that all PC's that already signed up for this adventure are present at the time these events take place. You've but to post here to confirm your participation! ^_^ Let's have fun everyone!

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me or ask via the OOC check in thread for this adventure! Thanks!


IC:

Time Stamp: 4th Cycle of Melora, Spring. Late Darkening.
Location: The Tattered Sails Tavern

The tattered Sails Tavern was alive with activity... drunken activity as usual. At that time of the night it was almost impossible to find an empty table. Already two different fights were taking place. One, over who could handle the most amount of ale and the other one... well, no one knew exactly. And no one paid much attention, least of all Sak. It was after all, a daily occurrence.

Poor Toby could barely keep up with everyone's demands. And Sak, well Sak had decided to take a break and join the group gathered at her usual table. Which it seemed, now consisted of three tables pushed close together to accommodate everyone present. Sak didn't know everyone sitting there, she knew her crew, but there were more sitting there tonight.

Tonight, the center of attention at Sak's table was a big old brute of a man called Tom Smart. Not that the man looked smart at all as far as Sak was concerned. He had obviously had a bit too much rum. But no one seemed to care, he was entertaining the whole lot with her crew's favorite topic: A tale of some lost treasure. Sakura simply smiled and rolled her eyes. Pirates! They were hopeless in that matter!

"Now as I was sayin'. This mysterious treasure is hidden at a place called The Isla de Nubes. Rightly named for it's constant cloud-like fog." Said old Tom. "No one knows exactly what the treasure is. Some say, it's a big ol' chest full o' gold. Other say it's a magical mirror that shows you the way to other golden treasures around the Empire. And there's some that say the treasure is a djinn trapped in a beautiful lamp who grants the whishes of whom ever posses said lamp!" The old man went on excitedly.

"Many have tried to search for the fabled treasure of Isla de Nubes. But alas, to this day, no one has successfully found said treasure. Many go in search of it, and only a lucky few make it back empty-handed but alive at the very least. You see, in order to make your way to the Isla de Nubes, you must go trough horrid storms, the heaviest fog banks you've ever seen, and some even speak of terrible sea monsters. Though I personally the sea monsters is no more than made up tales of greedy old pirates trying to scare off anyone who might find interest in searching for such a grand treasure." Old Tom said matter-of-factly.

"And..." Tom started saying then was cut off by Toby. "Alright ladies and gents. Here's your next round of ale!" Toby said cheerfully as he placed the tray down at the table for everyone to grab their mugs. "I suppose you know how and where to find this mysterious treasure old man?" Toby said mockingly. Sakura simply chuckled and lightly kicked his foot.

"As a matter of fact lad, I most certainly do." Announced old Tom proudly. Sakura sighed, she could already tell where this whole thing was going. She could already see her entire crew more than a little excited at the prospect of treasure to be found. She had to admit, even she was curious, though not out of greed. She just wanted to find out what the treasure was exactly. It was the mystery of it all that called to her, though for her crew, it was gold!

"So, to that account, our lovely Captain here will be taking me and those volunteering to go along to find this grand treasure." Tom said surprising Sak.

"I'm sorry... what?" She said after she'd forced herself to swallow down her ale instead of spitting it out. But alas, it was too late! Sak's crew had erupted in a gleeful cheer as their heard the old man. Oh man! There's no getting out of this one now! She thought to herself half annoyed and half amused.

"Oh for pity's sake! Look at the lot of you!" She said laughing at her crew and the rest of the party involved. "Didn't we do this before? Go after some treasure... might I remind you that we nearly lost all our lives? Now who's going to be daft enough to sign up for this insane fairy tale?" She said half hopeful then sighed. Immediately her entire crew lifted their hands most cheerfully and stared at the rest of their party, as if daring them to join in as well. I had to ask! She thought to herself.

"Ok, so it's clear I've the craziest crew around. Who else will be going along?" She said looking around the joined tables. She wasn't going to waste her time trying to talk her crew out of such a task. She knew it'd only be a waste of time. Besides, they were all itching to be out at sea, herself included.

[Dzrg]

Billy Bob Bierce, male human, served onboard Black Dolphin when Sakura was Captain was interested. Many of the customers in the Tattered Sail were armed. Billy Bob was not an exception. Hanging from his belt were a cutlass, dagger and a hickory bludgeon, the end of which was loaded with lead. Tucked in his belt were metal belaying pins that were lethal weapons when they hit the mark smartly.

He nodded briefly to those he knew. There was a smile toward those with whom he was not acquainted, the smile was accompanied by a wink in the case of the ladies. Finally he executed a snappy salute to Sakura and said, "Best o' the brightening to ya, skipper".

He listened attentively to Tom Smart's yarn. Not that he believed everything being said. It was a matter that most seafarers simply hoped that there was at least a tad of truth to such tales. After all, lost treasure was the dream of almost everyone who sailed the bounding main.

Then came Toby saying, "Alright ladies and gents. Here's your next round of ale"! When Toby placed the tray down on the table, Billy Bob snagged a fresh mug and took a generous swallow as he continued listening to the story of treasure. Then it became clear that the Skipper was ready to go after the gold or whatever the treasure was. Billy Bob joined the others in raising his hand to sign up..

[Daviny Rose]

It had been a tumultuous journey from one coast of the Northern Sea to the other as brisk rain pelted our dear traveler along the voyage, though thankfully brief. Daviny had arrived in Imperia at the tail-end of Spring, whose notorious showers were just now coming to their end as green life overcame a gray and dreary Winter. On this particular night, Daviny kept her dark brown cloak wrapped tight around her tunic-clad shoulders in the damp, cool weather. She had naught been within the walls of the Capital of Arakmat but a few hours before she had discovered the tavern and its boisterous inhabitants--a sight her growling stomach was thankful to see. As the suns were setting on the Dark-City-by-the-Bay, our young adventurer--her arrival in Imperia, of course, being thusly her very first adventure--pulled the doors open on the Tattered Sails Tavern and entered its rowdy company.

It had not been long following the end of a modest, albeit warm (which was, in itself, already better than most she had had in the previous month), meal that she too turned to her own mug, filled generously with the best cheap ale the tavern offered. And as one generous ale proceeded the next, Daviny found herself (as was often the case with the availability of alcohol in mass quantities) a new courage to speak with the natives of this town she found herself within. And certainly, in such an establishment, it was not difficult to make new friends. By the late darkening, she had even befriended a couple of brutish "sailors" gathered 'round a row of three tables--discussing with great seriousness the meaning of the newest constellations to appear in the sky. Daviny was convinced that this rag-tag group of gentleman (and ladies! she added in thought, as her eyes caught the visage of Sakura at the head of the table) were pirates and the possibility more than piqued her curiosity. To be sitting in a foreign land, talking with pirates! Daviny might well have been living in a fairy tale.

Her suspicions were right nearly confirmed as a man she had come to know as Tom began to tell a story of lost treasure at sea. Daviny listened enthralled to the tale of La Isla de Nubes and was even quite surprised when ol' Tom announced that his crew would be going there! Such fables were meant for entertainment, nothing but idle stories to tell in the late hours of the darkening. You did not actually GO searching for treasure! Though Daviny appeared to be the only one incredulous at the idea.. for at the question of attendance, nearly all the patrons around her rose their hand. Their captain, a woman! (an idea that further helped to flabbergast young Daviny) then proceeded to ask the rest of the tavern if they be interested in such an adventure. Daviny was not entirely certain how she could possibly say no and, almost without hesitation, her hand joined those already risen and was quickly followed by, "Aye! Consider me daft, as well!"

[Sakura D'aron]

Sakura was half surprised to see her crew wasn't the only one interested in joining the old man's treasure hunt.

Curiously she noted Billy Bob, he seemed familiar though she couldn't quite remember just who he was. With all the comotion however, she pushed aside the thought for the time being. She was surprised, and very much relieved to see that at least one female was interested in joining them. Surprised because usually women had better sense than men, and relieved for she would not be the only female aboard the Evening Star this time around. Still, it bothered her that sunch a young girl would willingly join such a crew. Though she herself had done just that.

Sakura smiled shaking her head. "Alright, alright. So I'm yet again outnumbered." She said with a chuckle. "First off..." She said turning her attention to old Tom. "I don't appreciate you volunteering my crew and my ship without first consulting with me old man. This treasure tale of yours is flakier than the last one I heard. In accepting your daft mission it is my crew and my ship that are being put at risk. And I happen to love my ship thank you very much." She said sternly.

Smiling wickedly she said, "And if it comes to me choosing between your life or my ship, don't be surprised to learn that it would be my ship I'd save before your sorry old self." Though inwardly, she knew that as much as she loved the Evening Star, she would put the lives of others before her ship. Though the fact made it no less painful at the idea of losing the Evening Star.

"This should be interesting, going after a treasure we know nothing of. For all we know, there is no bloody treasure but a simple pile of old rotting bones." She said smiling then turned as Al, the tavern's cook, arrived with a tray that carried their dinner.

"Alright children, here's your food and you had better finish it all up. From the looks of things, this will be the last GOOD meal you have for a while." Al said beaming at Nigel Cutty, the ship's cook, who simply huffed annoyed.

Sakura looked down at her bowl and wrinkled her nose. "Pork stew? You know I'm not a big fan of pork." She said frowning as the rest of her crew laughed at Al's indignant look.

"Why you ungreatful child! Pork stew is very healthy and you could use some meat in you, you're too thin as it is!" He said tartly at Sakura. "I've always been thin Al, you just can't seem to get that through your old head." She said with a smile and sighed. "I guess I might as well eat it." She said shaking her head.

"Well, we might as well enjoy the rest of the night. Tomorrow will be a busy day I suspect. Though I don't recomend getting dead drunk." She said glaring at her crew, who all too often drunk themselves half to death.

"Well said lass!" Said old Tom. "And dun go holdin' a grudge on me for involving your crew and ship before askin' you. But I'm much greatful to ya lass, for granting this old man's wish for one last adventure at Sea." He said absently.

Sakura simply looked at him oddly. Either he was too drunk, or too old... probably both.

[Uta O'Fuarain]

Uta entered the tavern and went up to the bar to secure a pint and ask where she might find Sakura. The man slammed the ale down and scooped up the coins and nodded in the direction of a boisterous group. It looked like they were swapping tales and joking amongst them selves. Uta frowned. She wasn't particularly outgoing, but that was irrelevant. What needed doing needed doing. She took a drink of her ale, feeling it slide down her throat. It tasted good. Good enough, anyway.

She walked up to the woman and said, "Serale. I'm from the Black Dolphin. I was told to come over and sign on with you." She looked at the woman. She was an elf. Small. Dark. Blue eyes. She appeared to be having a good time with those around her. Uta wondered if it was common for the man at Imperia Salvage and Rescue to send new crew over to her.

[Sakura D'aron]

Sakura blinked as she turned to look at Uta, as she introduced herself. "Oh." Was all she could muster for a short moment. She'd said she was with the Black Dolphin, yet she did not recognize her. Obviously, she was not a member of the Dolphin's old crew. It was then that she remembered Billy Bob. He'd served aboard the Black Dolphin back when she had been part of the crew as well. Though she did not remember much of the charismatic man.

Sakura smiled. "Ah, that must've been our Harbor Master or one of his men then. You're certainly welcome to join us though I don't know how interested you might be in our current expedition of sorts." She said with a chuckle and motioned to the chair Victor, the Evening Star's first mate, pulled up for the girl. "Please sit down and have dinner with us." She offered as she signaled Toby for one more serving of pork stew.


OOC: Dzrg & Diviny, Foxy has given me the ok for us to proceed with the adventure thus far. Hopefully Jacqueline will be able to join up before the end of this thread ^_^. Thank you both for your patience.

[Uta O'Fuarain]

The woman seemed confused. Uta wondered if the old salt had been mistaken and why he'd told her to join the crew of another ship, when the Captain clearly had no idea she was coming. Whatever their glich in communications had been, the woman was still allowing her to join their crew.

She nodded her thanks as the stew was brought over. She was hungry. After several mouthfuls and around a third, she nodded to Sakura. "Thanks. For the food, for the job."

[Sakura D'aron]

Sakura smiled as she watched Uta. The girl was remakable at ease with herself regardless of the crowd around her. Sakura thought that a good thing. Not many females were at ease in such a crowd. She herself hadn't been at first. Though by now she was comfortable with her crew and the many odd people that kept them company.

"Don't thank me yet." She said with a chuckle. "Wait 'till we come back alive. And well, I can't take credit for the food either, Al cooks it." She said with a smile.

"Aye! If Sak had cooked this meal we'd all be dead on the first bite!" Said Victor, the ship's first mate, and winced as he heard the crew roar in laughter. "Well... 'tis true." He said looking at Sakura.

Sakura simply glared at Victor then smiled darkly. "Yeah well, I can still throw a knife better than you." She said matter-of-factly.

"Anyhow, I suppose we aught to take this chance to introduce ourselves. Like I mentioned, tomorrow will be a busy day, won't be no time for introductions. And I mean those of you who are NOT already part of the Evening Star's crew of course." She said calmly.

[Dzrg]

The sailor from Black Dolphin stood and his eyes scanned those assembled.

"Billy Bob Bierce is the name, lately from Black Dolphin but I'll be comin' aboard and doin' whatever the Skipper has in mind for me".

He then nodded to Sakura, sat down and took a sip of his drink.

[Uta O'Fuarain]

Uta listened as the crew joked amiably, for the most part, amongst one another. She would be sailing with these people, she'd need to get to know them and their quirks to fit in, or at least not to stick out too much. She'd only ever sailed the once and she had learned that your ship mates could hold your life, or your death, in their hands. The Sea had no use for people, of any race. The Sea cared only about the Sea, and what its desires might be was unknowable to any land dweller.

She looked over to Billy Bob Bierce. He was from the ship she had been signed onto at Imperia Salvage and Rescue. He'd be able to tell her about that ship, so when, and if, she finished this trip she'd be more prepared for her next ship. She supposed that she would have to introduce herself now. What to say? She decided the simpler and more direct the better.

Uta stood. She was just slightly above average height. "I'm Uta O'Fuarain. I've only recently signed on to the Black Dolphin, but haven't sailed with her yet. I was directed to come over and ship on with Captain Sakura for the time being." She sat back down again.