Play Hard, Deal Harder [closed]

[Zhavi]

Zhavi waited, back to the wall and eyes on the door. Stone Keep wasn't her usual fare. It was a step above the places she typically frequented, catering to those who tended to offer jobs rather than take them. It was crummy, sure, but it was the nice sort of crummy that spoke of faded grandeur and small wealth. Her kind wasn't welcome within its white-stone walls edged with marble and draped in carefully kept wall hangings. It was why she'd spent good coin at the ragpickers to dress herself in something that would allow her entrance and wouldn't see her booted out in the first five minutes. She'd have worn Joz's clothing but, yeah, that was a short fall to disaster. Mixing jobs was never good.

 

She was three drinks in, the edges of the buzz just starting to make itself present. The fourth drink she was taking her time with, nursing it so she could keep herself alert and on guard for her quarry. She knew that the 'tender was eyeing her up and thinking real hard about whether or not she should be left or spoken to. It was exactly for that reason that Zhavi had taken a long dip in the water, for all it was ruttin' freezing. She smelled of the sea, perfumed by the stink of fish and marine life, all salty powerful. But not offensive to sailors or dockmen. Naw, it was herself that was offensive: she'd look bedraggled even with a fresh coat of polish and spitshine to boot. She couldn't help that.

 

Normally, she wouldn't even try. But caught between her jobs as she was, short on sleep and a long list of things that needed doing, she didn't have much of a choice. Brindle had done his part tailing Maioh, and now it was her turn to ply the connection and work their target from another angle.

 

Enduring hostile stares and the occasional mutter wasn't new to Zhavi. She gritted her teeth, kept her expression bland, and waited. It was only a matter of time.

[Gray]

The trio made their way through the low roads, intent on their destination, and not much else.  An Elezen male, a Roegadyn female of the Sea Wolf heritage, and a Highlander male.  They weren't the cleanest, most well kempt group, especially after just making port.  However, they were a world above the lice-ridden guttertrash that called the area home.  Still, they were pirates.  Though they were conscious of their appearance and hygiene, they didn't exactly have access to the most high quality of amenities

 

The captain hated it.  This part of low town was absolutely disgusting.  The sea air mixed with the filth of the lowlives and their abhorrent living conditions ensured the air was laden with a constant stench.  It smelled like bilge that hadn't been drained or cleaned in a long time.  Could't be helped.  There was no "good" way to reach the place they were going.

 

"Eyyy, Beautiful.  Come on, why you always gotta be such a tease.  It ain't right, I tell ya.  It ain't right at all."  The Highlander man said, directing is attention to the Roegadyn woman walking next to him.  Clearly, he had something of a thing for her.  Or maybe he was just a womanizer.  He wasn't a bad looking fellow.  For a highlander, he was quite...classy looking, aside from the scar and the tattoo.  His facial hair was neatly trimmed, and his hair pulled up and back, with a braid hanging in either side just in front of the ear.  Over his right eye was a straight scar.

Ringo Wolf...  

 

 

Ships cook... 

 

 

Man...  Fighter...  Lover...  

 

 

Or so he wishes...

 

 

 

 

"What are you talking about, Ringo?  Are you accusing me of such childishness -again-?  I told you already.  My appearance is my own.  I didn't grow boobs just so horny guys could fantasize about them.  I'm a woman.  They sort of pop out on their own.  Although..."  She hooked a finger into her top. Typical Roegadyn casual wear, so her chest was visible, and upon it, a pair of fairly average sized breasts.  The object of Ringos increasing intoxication, as she pulled the top down, juuuust enough to almost catch a glimpse of nipple.  But not quite.  She gave Ringo a playful smirk, and a little wink.  Yeah, she was messing with him.  "They -are- quite a sight to behold, even so."  She was a pretty attractive woman.  Off white skin.  Shoulder length hair pulled back, white with just a slight tint of blue.  She had a scar over her eye, just like Ringo, only hers was on the left eye.

Snoewyb Merlspyrwyn...

 

 

First Mate...

 

 

Ship security and crew training...

 

 

Right hand of the Captain...

 

 

 

"Waaaaaa~!"  Ringo shouted, falling right into her trap.  He leaned closer, his eyes aflame with perverse desire.  His hands raised, fingers wiggling, ready to dive in.  Was this it?  Was he going to get that which he so coveted?  His lips puckered, and he made kissie noises as he drew closer....and finally, his face met with her flesh.  The flesh of her fist,right where her chest was moments ago.

 

"No chance."  The Roegadyn lady said, grinning.  "Honestly, Ringo, you're so damn easy.  What are you gonna do if you ever have to fight a woman?"

 

"Foiled...again..."  Ringo said in disappointment and pain, as his nose had been flattened.

 

Suddenly, the man just behind them pushed between them and walked past them, to the front.  An Elezen male with long hair, very dark reddish black hair, smooth, shoulder length, with the bangs hanging freely on either side of his face.  "Knock it off,you two.  We're here."  He said.  The large axe on his back was a dead giveaway.

Caereyn Doendragasyn ...

 

 

Aka "Nice Guy"...

 

 

Captain of the Nice Guy pirate crew, and the vessel "Sunset Chaser"...

 

 

A surgeon with the greataxe...

 

 

 

 

He stood in front of the doors, and looked back at the two of them.  "Let's go in before we catch some kind of disease out here, hmm?"  He said, and pushed the door open before walking in.

 

Ringo looked at Snoe and shrugged.  "What's with the captain?"  He asked.

 

"How should I know?  I'm not his lover.  Anyway, let's go inside.  I'm thirsty."  Snoe answered.

 

The two of them followed him in, and shut the door.

[Zhavi]

He wasn't alone. That wasn't a problem; it was an irritation. Another level of something she had to work through. Gods, but she was tired. If only she could just go to sleep until it was all over, with a bag full of gil and a boost to her reputation. Hah. She smirked at her inner humor, knowing it to be a product of exhaustion and too much trouble. It wasn't funny. She wasn't funny.

 

The drink was left on the table, still mostly full, as Zhi rose from her spot along the wall and ambled to intersect her target and his cronies. She shuffled what she knew of them to the front of her mind. Stand upright. Shoulders back. Chin up. Business face on; he likely wouldn't respond well to her usual cocky grin and bad attitude. Rein it in, girl, and don't feck it up.

 

The captain and his crewmen wouldn't have made it more than four steps inside before Zhi's path crossed theirs. She planted herself before them, not quite facing them full on. A scrawny little thing -- all skin and bones, if one was being caustic about it -- with rough hair and skin, and the sort of body language that found itself right at home in the worst parts of town. Bold. Confident. Ready to take the world head on, if need be. Judging by the small scars and marks that marred her skin, perhaps she had, in bits and pieces.

 

"Buy ye a drink?" She only looked at the Captain, didn't acknowledge his crew. Her business was with him -- the rest was incidental. Unimportant. She lifted her left hand and rubbed the tip of her ring finger against her thumb: sign lingo for dealmaking.

[Gray]

The group quickly came to a halt as they entered, being "blocked" by this miqo'te.  Snoe stopped at Caers side, but Ringo, likely favoring his nose, or still stuck in whatever fantasy she had afflicted him with, bumped into Caer, causing him to jar forward, just a bit, then finally notice the encounter.  Ringo looked to Snoe, who gave a single nod, and the two of them departed from their captains side to go find a drink away from him.  They knew the drill.

 

Caereyn looked down at her with an near expressionless face.  It could almost be seen as a look of contempt, even anger.  But then his expression softened, and he offered something of a smile.  Though it wasn't one of warmth, or happiness.  More like one of some sort of interest.  The truth was, she did't need to offer a special sign.  The fact that she stopped him less than three seconds after he entered was enough of a tell that she had business with him.

 

"A drink, yes.  I'd be much obliged to you."  He answered.

 

Meanwhile, Snoe and Ringo had settled at the bar, the farthest end across the room.

 

"Wonder what sort of snore-inducing thing this'll be."  Ringo said.

 

"We'll see soon enough.  You know the drill."  Snoe answered.

[Zhavi]

Zhi watched Doendragasyn with some care, her own expression unchanging. She inclined her head, and then jerked it towards her own seat at the bar. The Keep was not a very large establishment; it was an intimate setting for those who had quiet, sensitive words to say to each other. Given those who patronized it, this is what had helped to stand it above the others in the area. From it humble beginnings, it had risen to something of prominence in the area. That was what kept it clear of roaming jacks. Palms were greased, and activity in and around the Keep was kept subtle enough to make all and sundry happy with the arrangements that had been made.

 

Which was why Zhavi, even cleaned up from her natural state, was warily watched by the Keep's various staff. She looked like trouble, and trouble was simply not entertained there.

 

Still, Doendragasyn's appearance and easy agreement to drink with her went some way towards pacifying the staff, and as Zhi wandered by the bar to signal for a wench, she did not earn the sneer that had accompanied her earlier requests. And though her ears flicked towards Doendragasyn's crewmen, she made no indication whether or not she had heard their exact words. Instead, she went back to her table and sat, kicking out the chair opposite her own in wordless invitation.

 

"Ye run a tight ship," she said to him, tone conversationally bland.

[Gray]

Caer watched as she motioned to her seat, and without so much as a nod, he followed her.  He was pretty familiar with this establishment, as he'd conducted business here numerous times.  He wasn't famous or anything, but people knew who he was here, for the most part, and what he did.  This was his kind of place in lowtown.  The common riff raff stayed away, which was just how he liked it.  They weren't good for business.  Untrustworthy.  Unreliable.  He knew that a large portion were people who slipped through the cracks, and had no other means to survivie.  They were mostly just trying to live to see the next day.  This is what made them unreliable.  They had no vision.  No goal.  Just to survive.  At any cost.

 

Caer wasn't like that.  He had vision.  Purpose.  Will.  His crew had it as well.  Those were the people he could rely on.  Those were the people who he knew weren't just looking to get something from him.  They shared a vision with him, and believed in him.

 

The chair slid out as Zhi kicked it, inviting him to join her.  He rested his hand on it for a long moment, fingers arched over the top.  He studied her for a nearly as long moment, before answering as he sat.

 

"Something like that, yes.  My people have earned the trust I place in them.  But surely you didn't invite me to drink with you to discuss my crews behavior."  Caer replied, leaning forwarda bit, clasping his hands, rested on the table.  He fell silent, just fixing his gaze on her.  Not in such a way as to try to intimate her.  More of a silent "I'm waiting" look.  The expression onhis face was blank, though not unpleasant.  He was feeling her out.  Seeing if she was goin to try to wait for him to come to her, so to speak, and ask what she wanted, thus, giving her some initial leverage.  It was a common practice among those around his level of the social structure.

 

Elsewhere, across the room, at the end of the bar, Ringo and Snoe had readied their linkpearls.  They'd be able to hear everything being said at that table.  Just in case things didn't go well.

 

"Captain D sure has got a way about him.  You'd think this was some big deal about to go down."  Ringo said to Snoe.

 

"Don't shortenhis name that way.  Butchering a Roegadyn name is disrespectful and offensive.  Doen will do, if you can't remember the whole thing."  She answered, waiting to hear something from the pearl.

 

"Yeah, but that sounds off.  'sides, I ain't Roegadyn, so it don't bother me."  He retorted, with a cheeky grin.

 

Snoe shook her head and rolled her eyes.  "You're a real pain in the ass, you know that?"

 

"I haven't touched your ass yet, Darling."  Ringo teased.

 

"If you ever do, it'll be the last thing you touch.  Adding "yet" makes it sound like you're suicidal."  Snoe snapped back, aggrivated.

 

Ringo gave a one-shouldered shrug.  "Might be worth it.  Sheesh, Snoe.  You're pretty uptight for a pirate, y'know?"

 

As the two of them continued their banter, Caer still sat at the table, silently, feeling Zhi out.

[Zhavi]

It was natural for both sides in a parley to want to feel as if they held the advantage. Typically, it wasn't something Zhi needed much to worry about; her usual transactions were clear cut. Her employers paid for a service. She was paid for her service. The end. But information -- there was a reason why Zhi had started pushing to broaden her own influence and reputation in lowtown and even higher.

 

"The way yer crew acts is part of yer own rep, innit?" The question was left offhand, Zhi's posture making it known she wasn't particularly interested in the answer. "Could be I made it me business t'talk 'bout yer crew. Always int'restin' talk t'be had once a ship makes port. Those o'us left standin' dockside when th'ships go out get all manner o'curious whenever one makes dock.

 

"Ain't none o'ye made on yer own, Cap'n."

 

She waited, leaning back in her chair. She kept her hands above the table, resting them there as if they belonged: as if that was how she always sat. Certainly, she seemed relaxed enough within the establishment, though she was by no means a frequent visitor.

[Gray]

A slight smile crept across Caers face.  She was better than he expected.  Now he grew a bit more curious.  Just what was it she wanted from him, exactly?  Often, the manner in which a person attempted to get what they wanted would speak more clearly than the words they used.

 

"Indeed, your words ring true.  And I know my crew is worthy of my trust, in that respect."  He leaned back some, un-clasping his hands, his left dropping below the dable, just resting on his lap.  The right lay nearly flat ont he table.  "So, you're wondering about my last voyage, are you?  Curious about the way we do things out on the sea?"

 

He chuckled a bit.

 

"In any case, you're right about that as well.  None of us are made on our own."

[Zhavi]

Zhi shrugged, a small smile answering his. "Ye ply th'space between, hey? Th'blind spot betwixt th'barons an' th'lowly gutterspites. Ye been noticed, lately. There's some what say ye were spit out o'th'sea. An' yer crew, well, they're real careful, ain't they? On th'whole."

[Gray]

Caer leaned back forward, resting his arms on the table again.  "Is that so?  You seem to be quite informed.  Ah, but then information is part of your work, isn't it, miss Kink.  Whatever spat me out, caution is just part of the job.  My crew understands this as well.  I'd be interested to know in what way and by who that I've been noticed."

 

Across the room, Snoe raised a brow at the comment.

 

"Well, that's something, at least."  She said.

 

"Yeah, I hope Captain D didn't piss off somebody he shouldn't have.  He's tough and all, but we both know there's a lot tougher guys out there."  Ringo replied.

 

"A real show of faith in your captain, Ringo.  Commendable."  Snow answered sardonically.

 

"Just bein realistic is all, Sweet Thing.  We all gotta go at our own pace.  You overstep your bounds, and you're in for a world of hurt.  Just don't want nothin bad to happen to the crew."  Ringo explained.

[Zhavi]

Zhavi's ears twitched occasionally, rotating this way and that to cover the whole of the room. She did not look away from Droendragasyn. Her smile broadened slightly at his naming of her, and she inclined her head towards him in recognition. "Ahh," she said, eyes half-lidded. "On th'whole, yer crew takes right care. One of 'em wandered 'cross me attention, see. I thought t'meself, now, I ain't had dealin' wi'the cap'n o'the Sunset Chaser, but I've heard o'him, like anyone wi'ears has. An' I bet meself ye'd like t'know."

 

Was her smile this side of smug? Maybe just a little. But none of that smile colored her tone -- her voice was low, smooth and pleasant without straying into friendly. Businesslike.

[Gray]

Caer gave a slight nod at that. 

 

"Truly?  Surely that isn't your sole motivation for dealing with me.  I'm not so great a man that someones association would afford them any real meaure of increased status.  Perhaps you believe there's profit to be had in dealing with me?"

 

His expression remained pleasant enough, though neutral.

 

"In reality, I am just a mere pirate, like so many others.  I would be interested to hear about how one of my crew "wandered across your attention", as you put it."

[Zhavi]

"I've got me own interests 'cross th'city, though ye know that." Zhi watched a wench approach -- finally! -- to see what Droendragasyn wanted to order. She leaned into her hands, her ribs pressing into the table's edge. "Might be there's summat of interest fer both o'us, wi'yer man's wand'rin'. But ye know me type, hey? I don't sing fer th'pleasure o'me own voice."

 

She leaned back, lifting one hand to wave off the wench's attention. "Whatever he wants."

[Zhavi]

((the following is rp that was done in game))

 

[18:28]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Doman Ale, if you would be so kind.

 

[18:30]Caereyn Doendragasyn looks back to Zhavi. "Fair enough. I've already gotten a free drink. Anything else is just a bonus."

 

[18:31]Caereyn Doendragasyn: My crewmen are all capeable of showing a measure of restraint. It's why they are with me, and not on witha bunch of flea-bitten bilge rats.

 

[18:31]Zhavi Streetrunner: || The wench half-curtsied to Caer. After shooting one last uncertain glance at Zhi, she retreated back behind the bar. Zhi watched her go. She raised an eyebrow at Caer. "Ye do lots o'business wi' merchants in town, aye? Could be we've. . .mutual stakes."

 

[18:32]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Perhaps. However, there's the matter of whether o rnot what you have to tell me is worth any time, or gil.

 

[18:33]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Did I ask ye fer gil? Nahh, we're jes chattin', see?"

 

[18:33]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Then what manner of payment do you take?

 

[18:35]Zhavi Streetrunner grinned and drummed her fingers on the edge of the table. "Fair trade's all I'm askin'. "

 

[18:35]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Then you presume to have something I want, and that I have something of equal value that you want.

 

[18:37]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Who's t'say, eh?" Zhi's gaze wandered away from Caer and back to the bar. "Ye hear talk, I'm sure, same as meself. There's been some trouble brewin' wi'the whores' rings. Aye?"

 

[18:38]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Yes, I may have heard something or other about that. Surely you're not suggesting my man is tied to it?

 

[18:39]Zhavi Streetrunner tilted her head first one way, then the other. "Somethin' like that."

 

[19:05]Caereyn Doendragasyn: The affairs of Limsas whorehouses are not my concern. Unless it becomes a threat to the integrity of my crew, and my business.

 

[19:06]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Yer business, an' that o'yer crewman -- why else would I stick me nose in yer affairs if I didn't think it o'concern to ye?"

 

[19:07]Zhavi Streetrunner tutted, looking Caer up and down, "disappointin' ye have so little faith in me name."

 

[19:21]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Faith is for those who lack purpose and will. I have faith in nothing. Trust is another story, but that needs to be earned. I know who you are, but that is nothing to me, personally. I don't usually. deal on such a low level. I am making an exception because you were courteous.

 

[19:24]Zhavi Streetrunner gauged Caer in silence for a few moments. She folded her hands atop the table, and lifted her chin. Her smile became less buoyant, and more polite. "Ye provide luxury goods t'some merchants, who rely on ye fer their custom. They sell much o'that bulk t'the rings. If th'rings're at odds wi'each other, an' they think ye playin' favorites, ye'll be boycotted. I can steer ye true if ye return information fer me. Fair?"

 

[19:29]Caereyn Doendragasyn: I cannot force my goods on anyone. And I do not sell directly to them. I sell higher up the chain. To people who will simply sell the goods elsewhere. One or two whorehouses will do very little to hurt me. You must understand something. I am not doing business with them. -They- are doing business with -me-. Still...if one of my own has put himself in such a position as to have even a small effect on the status quo, I mak ei tmy business to know. Very well then, let's see if we can make a deal.

 

[19:34]Zhavi Streetrunner inclined her head. "As ye say, but even if they're sellin' elsewhere, ain't like there's another market like the whores' waitin' t'gobble up th'fancy stuff. Yer merchants'd have t'sell further afield, meanin' yer profits would drop. Don't downplay what 'tis I'm offerin' t'ye. Aye, we can deal, but ain't jes me standin' t'make profit here."

 

[19:36]Caereyn Doendragasyn: I'm listening. You still haven't told me what it is you want, specifically.

 

[19:38]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Ye have dealin's wi'a merchant by th'name o'Maioh. I want yer take on her, yer dealin's, t'start."

 

[19:42]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Ah, I know the one, yes. I do not deal with her personally, but the person I do deal with deals with her.

 

[19:43]Caereyn Doendragasyn: My goods funnel through him, down to her, and then to the Heavens Gate.

 

[19:43]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Though she's selling something more interesting lately, but that's enough for now. Your turn.

 

[19:44]Zhavi Streetrunner: "One o'yer men has a taste fer one o'Thatcher's whores. It's been noticed. By more'n jes me, as it happens."

 

[19:46]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Hmm...

 

[19:46]Caereyn Doendragasyn leans back a bit and closes his eyes in thought, remaining silent for a long moment.

 

[19:47]Zhavi Streetrunner waits, eyes on Doendragasyn.

 

[19:49]Caereyn Doendragasyn: If true, that could indeed be a problem. Personal attatchment has no place in this line of business. Tell me which of my men you are talking about, and I will tell you more about Maioh.

 

[19:51]Zhavi Streetrunner: "An' after? Might be I got need fer a . . .reliable source hereabouts, wi'the merchants. An' in return. . ." she shrugged, eyebrows rising, "could be there's things yer wantin' a better knowin' 'bout."

 

[19:54]Caereyn Doendragasyn: After. If there's more business in the future, so be it. If not, so be it. However...

 

[19:57]Zhavi Streetrunner took a sip of her drink as she waited.

 

[19:58]Caereyn Doendragasyn continues to watch her,as he did early on. "I'm sorry. I believe I set my terms. You give me the name of my man, and I tell you about Maioh."

 

[20:00]Zhavi Streetrunner placed the drink carefully down, and then rested her hands on the table. She described the man she'd seen, and gave his name as well as the name of the companion he'd visited.

 

[20:01]Caereyn Doendragasyn nods. "I see. Well, now I know that you're not simply trying to put one over on me.

 

[20:01]Zhavi Streetrunner smirked, tipping her head forward in acknowledgement.

 

[20:02]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Very well. Maioh is selling sensitive information about Thatcher to her enemies.

 

[20:04]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Oh, now that I can't tell you, but rest assured, it's reliable information.

 

[20:06]Zhavi Streetrunner considered saying something, but refrained. "Do ye come across such things wi'yer other merchants so easily?"

 

[20:08]Caereyn Doendragasyn: You'd be surprised. A little leverage can go a long way, if applied to the right place, at the right time. Let's just say that some of my dealings are of things larger than profit, and status.

 

[20:09]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Yer a clever man, is what yer sayin'."

 

[20:11]Caereyn Doendragasyn: If i weren't, my business would stop at unloading goods for a fraction of the price to small time dealers.

 

[20:13]Zhavi Streetrunner snorted a laugh. "As ye say. Clever enough t'know what information Maioh is dealin'?"

 

[20:15]Caereyn Doendragasyn: That, I can't tell you. As I've said, I don't deal with her directly, and I've had no cause to care, though now it appears my crew and dealings are at least in a small way, involved.

 

[20:15]Caereyn Doendragasyn: That being the case, I believe I'll make the effort to find out.

 

[20:19]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Not too difficult a task, and in return, you will keep me informed of all the dealings on the bottom rung of lowtown.

 

[20:21]Zhavi Streetrunner: "All?" Zhi raised an eyebrow. "That'd be spillin' a lot o'secrets, Cap'n.

 

[20:23]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Of course, I don't need to know every time some scummer hawks a stolen wristwatch...

 

[20:23]Caereyn Doendragasyn: The sensitive things. When there is something that canbe used as leverage.

 

[20:24]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Of course, this is goigto be left up to your personal judgement.

 

[20:24]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Ye think there ain't much t'know? Tell ye what, ye give me an area o'concern t'match yon merchants, an' I'll keep ye informed."

 

[20:26]Caereyn Doendragasyn: That's fair. Alright. Any major changes in the status quo. Anything that has the potential to shift the balance. That is my price.

 

[20:27]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Ye've a deal, Cap'n. How long will it take ye t'scope Maioh?"

 

[20:27]Caereyn Doendragasyn: I can have the information you want by tomorrow evening.

 

[20:28]Zhavi Streetrunner tilted her chin down and looked at Caer askance. "Ye work fast," she murmured. Louder, she said, "I'll have words fer ye, then. Where d'ye want t'meet t'morrow?"

 

[20:30]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Lower Limsa, the south dock.

 

[20:30]Zhavi Streetrunner: "A'right. Ye any last words fer me?"

 

[20:30]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Indeed I do.

 

[20:31]Caereyn Doendragasyn pauses for a moment.

 

[20:31]Caereyn Doendragasyn: Thank you for the drink.

 

[20:31]Zhavi Streetrunner lifted her chin, presenting him with a cool smile.

 

[20:32]Zhavi Streetrunner: "Aye."

 

[20:33]Caereyn Doendragasyn stands, and heads through the door near the bar, to the back area.

[Gray]

((And the lovely in game chat ate some of it again, haha.))

 

And so they both went their own ways for the time being.  Caer, as he stated, usually didn't deal on such a low level, but he didn't have eyes inthe lowest parts of lowtown.  Zhavi could fix that, and in return, for now, just a piece of information.  Easily done.  She seemed surprised that Caer would have it so quickly, but what she did't realize, is that he'd have it much much quicker than that.

 

The day came and went, and soon enough, it was time for them to meet again.  Caer had come early, and brought another of his crew, though only one this time.

 

"Honestly, Thunder-boy.  We got a good thing goin, and you're throwin a wrench in the works.  It's a risk you don't need."  The Lalafel said, slowly pacing back and forth, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area.  "I'm tellin you, those bottomfeeders'll stab you in the back soon as they get what they want.  Buuuuut why am I even talkin?  Not like you're gonna listen.  Hey, you listenin?  Respect your elders, Captain!"

 

Zozomuza Shashamuza...

 

 

 

 

Second Mate...

 

 

 

 

Ships Navigator...

 

 

 

 

And armchair captain...

 

 

 

 

"I'm well aware, Zozo.  And I am listening.  You just haven't said anything new, so there's no need for me to respond.  And don't call me Thunder-boy."  Caer answered.

 

"Well if that's not rude, I dunno what is.  You should always at the least acknowledge someone."  Zozo replied.

 

"You sound like my father."  Caer commented, as they continued waiting. 

 

The banter continued in that fashion as the minutes passed, and the appointed time approached.

[Zhavi]

Zhi didn't sleep that night.

 

Dawn was greeted by a string of foul words, the least of which was sacrilegious on several levels. There wasn't enough time any more to even take a shit, much less do anything so banal as sleeping or eating. There were people to meet, people to watch, palms to grease and gossip to listen to. She was constantly moving, fighting her way through the underbelly's complexities in her bit to fulfill her contracts and stay alive.

 

She loved it, of course, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't care about the lost sleep.

 

So it was she showed up looking sullen, with a lit pipe clamped between her lips; its bowl was filled with something energizing and probably illegal. She looked like hell, and smelled it too: the city's dank perfume hung about her, along with the stink of old booze and older sweat, still. She was just another of the city's phantoms, drifting about unnoticed.

 

The bell was ringing out evening when she strolled up on the docks, watching the forest of masts as they dipped and swayed with the movement of wind and water. The harbor was always a hypnotic sight.

 

She didn't offer a greeting to either Doendragasyn or the lalafell. They were both scrutinized in turn, and then summarily ignored as she went to the edge of the planking and sat with her legs dangling over the water. She could have easily been just another dockrat taking an unsupervised break from any number of duties. Always an easy role to play, in any case; few paid attention to the lowest hires on the crew -- unless, of course, you were supposed to be managing them.

 

Zhi waited in silence.

[Gray]

Zozo smiled and started to approach Zhavi, as she walked down the dock toward them.  Caer just sat there, watching her as she approached.  He had hopped off the dock and onto a mooring post, where he now sat.

 

Zozo spoke as she got close.  "Well, this must be the captains new contact.  I'm Zozo, ships...second..."  He stopped as she walked right past without stopping.  He held his arms out at his sides ands shrugged as if to say "what the fuck?"  But he only shook his head and sighed as he walked to the edge of the dock, and took his frustration out on some seagulls that were pecking at something nasty.  They quad of birds awked and beat their wings, fluttering around him menacingly, prompting him to cover his head with one hand as best he could, and swat wildly with the other.

 

"Aaaack!  Get offa me, you filthy pests!  Shoo!  Be damned..."  Zozo said.

 

Caer chuckled at that, then turned back toZhavi as she reached the end of the dock.  He stood up,a ndhopped fromthe mooring post back onto the dock, and walked straight across, to the edge, staring across the bay at nothing in particular.  He crossed his arms, and spoke, right to the point.

 

"The name of the person Maioh is selling Thatchers secrets to is Tabart, of Jaded.  The information being sold consists of client lists, whores names, their preferences and likes, and what is sold and when."  Caer said.

[Zhavi]

Zhavi Streetrunner continued to watch the ships on the water. She remained silent for a little while, considering the information she'd gained. Finally, she said, "Have ye any proof ye can offer t'me?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: You don't trust the information to be accurate?

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Funny ye should say that after our last meetin'. " She tapped a finger on her thigh. "Ain't about trust. 'Sabout what ye can hold in yer hands. Ye got any, or no?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn lets out a slight chuckle. "Catch." He says, tossing a rolled up set of pages in her direction.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner turned, and snatched the papers out of the air just before they smacked her in the head. She snorted, gave Doendragasyn an amused look, and tucked the papers away. "That include a list o'clients an'doxies?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: All of it. It's a full list of all of the dealings between Maioh and Tabart. You'll find the handwriting to be an exact match to Maioh's.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner blinked. Her smile was bemused. "Scrag kept -records-? Herself?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: No, it's nothing so simple.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner's eyes narrowed. She went back to looking at the ships, shifting so her weight was on her hands behind her. "Ye ain't tipped her off t'others wantin' information, have ye?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Not at all. I simply acquired the information.

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: That is all.

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Tabart may have...misplaced the list she acquired shortly after he got them. Of course, he had to return to get the information again, which Maioh was keen on, as it meant she could charge him all over again for what was in essence, nothing.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner chuckled. "Fair. Scales seem t'tip themselves in yer favor, Cap'n. A'right, I'll admit yer cleverness. Did ye happen across anythin' else, or was this it?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: That is all the deal was for. That is all I brought.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner showed exaggerated thoughtfulness. "But not all ye learned, 'sthat it?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: I have...readily available access to get more information, if I choose to.

 

"Interestin'." Zhi tipped her face up towards the sky, though not without a wince for the brightness of the sun. She closed her eyes, her ears swiveling back towards Doendragasyn and his man. "Could be I could use a steady flow o'information. Could be I could find a flow o'steady information fer yerself an' yer crew. Might be said I have . . .knowin' 'bout more'n lowtown, here in ol' Limsa."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Indeed? So you fancy yourself an asset, do you?

 

Zhavi Streetrunner's grin was overflowing with confidence. "I can be. Much as ye're clever."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Well then, It'd be a shame to pass up an asset. You propose a new deal then? Steady trade in perpetuity.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Aye, I do." An' if that ain't enough t'tickle yer fancy I'll give ye this fer free: this Tabart, aye? He an' his ring ain't workin' alone. Ain't sure yet what's afoot, but there's strange dealin' goin' on, an' it ain't jes turnin' over stones wi' th' doxies an' their keepers. So ye might want t'start . . . ahh, what's it? Diversifyin'" the last word was carefully sounded out, "yer dealin's. More'n they are. Storm's brewin', far as I can see."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Perhaps you're right. I do hope you'll prove valuable in that aspect.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner laughed, drawing one leg back up onto the dock so she could turn her upper body to face him. "If I'm not, I 'spect ye'll come t'take it out o' me hide. Can't say I'd like that, so I'll be sure t' keep ye fresh. Ye have a pearl?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: My crew has a linkshell.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner raised an eyebrow. There was a smug little smirk curling her lips. She pulled herself to her feet, dusting off her butt and legs. Given her general state of being, it was likely a gesture done for the benefit of her company, and not something out of any need to be clean. "Ye gonna offer me a pearl, Cap'n?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Hmm...

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Promise I won't lose it."

 

Zhavi Streetrunner grinned, the expression -- shall we say -- shit eating.

 

Zozo walks between them. "I'm against it, Thunder-boy. If you wanna start handin pearls out, there's plenty of better folks than this guttersnipe."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn speaks back to Zozo. "Perhaps, but none of them are presently in the same position to benefit us in the same way as she is.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner tutted. "C'mon now. I'm a runner, not a snipe. Or can't ye tell th'difference? Losin' yer city sense, bein' out on th'water often as ye are."

 

Zozo grumbles and walks back to the other side of the dock, stooping down and watching the water. A fat fish comes to the surface and watches him back. Then it spits water at him, and he falls back on his ass. "Oi! Ye bleedin pot o chum! Cmere!"

 

"Ye keep . . . interestin' company, Cap'n," Zhi murmurs.

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn | Zozo hops up andkicks at the side of the dock, as if to curse the fish. Then he turns to her. "Split hairs all you want, but the point is I don't like it." He walks toward her and starts talking again.* "And I'll tell you another-" He is cut off as a pearl whizzes past his head, toward Zhavi.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner plucks the pearl from the air, looks at it, and then tosses it up and catches it. Within a moment, it's out of sight. Smug didn't even begin to describe the look she shot at Zozo, though she'd reined some of it in when she looked back to Droendragasyn. "Ye heard o' Heaven's Gate, Cap'n?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Of course.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "I'd be right pleased o' anythin' ye happen t'hear 'bout them. Now tell me," she became serious, her tone lowering, "what interests ye in th'city?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn nods. "Easily done. As for my interests. Anything that has an effect on the balance of power. Who gets offed. Who takes their place. Who's going on vacation. Who's got an ambitious deal going down. Anything that someone in the right position can use as leverage. As for specifics...

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Well, since I'm..."diversyfyin", you keep me posted in the same manner, for now. I'll need more information on these whorehouses and their relation to each other.

 

[14:12]Caereyn Doendragasyn finally turns and faces her, taking just a few measured steps.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner lifts her chin. "Might be ye've heard, but seems t'be th'rings are gettin'. . .right jittery. Been hits put out on the doxies o' Heaven's Gate. Still diggin' up who ordered 'em. Ain't had blood 'twixt th'rings like this fer years."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Hits... That seems a bit much.

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Now that's interesting.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Aye. Not sure if it's t'do wi' the writs or not, but I'm fair sure ain't th'rings themselves thinkin' all this up. If there's one business in Limsa y'can count to be straightforward, it's th'rings." She looked away for a moment, eyes narrowing. "Say. . .y'ever heard o'Galleon?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Galleon? I'll need some context.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Hmm. . .he's someone what has an eye fer books. Don't think it's his real name, but there's somethin' off about him. No matter. Jes me own curiosity."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: I'm not familiar with him.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Never ye mind. Say, I think we're. . ." she broke off, glancing at the lalafell. Something passed over her face then, something cunning and not particularly friendly. It had disappeared by the time she looked back at Doendragasyn. "Say, ye ever go dicin' at Her Highness?"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: No. I am not one who so carelessly uses his coin. Not very fond of the place, either.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner's look of disappointment was swift and full of sorrow. "Ahh. Well. Too bad then. If ye've ever a wish t'play a game or three, ye jes let me know."

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: I'll keep it in mind...

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Unless ye've further need fer me, I'll jes see m'self off." Zhi bestowed another cocky grin towards Zozo.

 

Zozo makes a fist and leans toward her like "Youuuu...!"

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: I believe our business is concluded. For now.

 

Zhavi Streetrunner: "Fair winds t'ye, Cap'n. An' yer crew. I'll be speakin' t'ye again." Zhi winked at him and walked back towards the city.

 

Caereyn Doendragasyn: Indeed, I'm sure.

 

Zozo walks up to Caer and puts his hands on his hips, just scowling.

[Gray]

((This is not a main story post.  Just some little stuff to add life to someof the npcs involved inthe plot.  Feel free to skip it if not interested))

 

 

Sometime after...

 

The Sunset Chaser had left port, headed out on another journey to acquire valuables.  Most pirate ships fired on their target first.  The Nice Guy crew had a different approach.  They did not become violent unless necessary.  In fact, Caer was known to be courteous and gentlemenly to those he targetted.  This is how his crew got their name.  There they sat, calm winds for the moment, and not a spec on the horizon.

 

Various lower ranking crew members were on deck, going about their business, with Ringo on watch, and Zozo up in the crows nest.  Caer was in his cabin, quill to parchment, plotting who knows what.

 

"Hey,fellas, anyone seen miss tight-panties?"  Ringo said, asking the group of sailors nearest him, that were doing some minor repairwork to the deck.

 

"Ahh, I don't think she likes being called that, Ringo..."  One of them answered, looking back at him over his shoulder briefly.  He was holding a board steady so another crewman could nail it down,and when he turnedto answer Ringo,he accidentally moved the board just a bit, causing the other mans hand, which had been steadying a nail, to move right as he went to hammer it down.

 

"Argh!  Why'd you go and do that for, idiot!"  The man shouted, sucking on the thumb he just smashed and wincing in pain.

 

The man holding the board looked back.  "Oh!  S-sorry, Flint.  You alright?"

 

"Do I bloody look alright?!  I went and smashed my finger cause of you!  Probably broke it."  The injured man complained.

 

"It was an accident!  Ringo distracted me!"  The accused man answered.  "Anyway, gohave doc Greywind take a quick look at it."

 

Ringo spoke up.  "Shuuda ain't on the ship right now.  He's still on that assignment for the captain.  Won't see him for another week or so at least."

 

"Oh."  The man said, and then turned to his injured friend.  "Looks like you'll justhave to suck it up I guess."

 

"Yeah, yeah...  By the way, chef Wolf.  First Mate Snoe went out fishin again."  The injured man said.

 

"Fishin, huh?  Perfect...  That means she'll have to shower and change when she gets back..."  Ringo resumed his wandering around the deck, he sighed, waving his arms back and forth in boredom, and started to sing.  "Oh wheeeeere is sheeeee, my sweet sweet Roegad-yyyy.  Skin so soft, and hair like the seaaaa...  Oh wheeeere oh wheeere is sheeeee..."

 

He was too caught up in his lovelorn lyrics to notice the object of his singing had shown up.  Snoe going fishing always meant a skimpy swimsuit, a net, and a spear.  She preferred to do it up close andpersonal, and didn't deal with small fish.  She went for the big ones.  And so she had one.  She had gottenback on deck, barely clothed, and dripping wet, carrying her latest catch over her shoulder.  A shark that was bigger than she was.  She walked closer toRingo, who was facing away.  The crewman saw her approaching,and had to stifle their laughter.  Snow passed by a pair that were down scrubbingthe deck, and raised her index fingerto her lips as if to say "keep it down."  She gave them a wink, and a smug smirk.

 

"Ohhh whoa whoa whoaaaaa.  She has gone to the sea!  I can only sit and wait..and wonder when she will comeback to meeeeee~!"  Ringo continued, as Snow got right up behind him.  He felt the presence behind him.

 

"Huh?"  He said, turning to look, but right as he did, he found himself face to face with the the slightly opened jaws of the shark.  "Whaaaa-haaaa!"  Ringo shouted, falling back, and scurring onhis bit until he backed against the mast, chest heaving as he fought to compose himself.  "What...  What what what..."  He tried to question.

 

The shark flopped to the ground, beside its captor, revealing her in her entirety.  Shehad a trickle of bloo don her from the wound shje gave the shark, but it didn't bother her much.  She wiped her fingers across it, and walked to Ringo, smearing it across his face.  "Ringo.  You really suck at singing.  You know that?"  She said, and walked off toward the entrance to the ships galley, which connected to the lower deck.  As she got to the door, she turned to Ringo.  "And stop starin at me like that, would you?  I don't want to have to tear off an appendage."  She said, and entered the galley.

 

"Gods shes amaaaaazing!"  Ringo exclaimed, causing some of the nearby crewman to shake their heads at their hopeless cook.

[Gray]

Night...

 

Aboard the Sunset Chaser...

 

Captains quarters...

 

Some time later...

 

 

 

 

Caer sat at his desk, looking through the papers he had carefully laid out before him.  Papers with information on them no mere pirate should have.  The look on his face was that of worry, even bordering on fear.

 

"This is bad."  He said to himself, as he began nervously tapping his finger on the desk, probably thinking of what might happen if his suspicions turned out to be true.  Things were working out so well, and now it might be in danger of falling apart.  Just what was in danger of falling apart?  Well, Caer-

 

*knock knock knock*  "Caer, Captain.  You in there?"  A knock and a voice came from his door, snapping him back to reality.  For a second or two, he began to frantically pile the papers, but then he realized it wasn't necessary.

 

"Is that you, Snoe?  Come in."  Caer answered, prompting the door to open, and then shut.

 

The sound of heavy footsteps approached.  Caer didn't look back.  Snoe was his most trusted crewman.  His first mate.  And one of only two people who knew the truth.

 

"It's me."  The voice said, as it's approach slowed, moving around to one side of him, glancing at the papers, then to him.  "You look concerned.  And from what you've got layed across the desk, I can probably guess why."  She said.

 

"If it's true, it's a bad situation.  The flow of cash stops pretty high up in the chain.  That means someone near the top is the culprit.  That also means they know what this stuff really is, and who it's going to."

 

Snoe was silent for a long moment.  She watched Caer.  She had respected him for some time.  One of the few men she did.  His way of handling things always proved beneficial.  Neat.  And it didn't hurt that he was the only one on board that could beat her in a match.  Finally, she spoke.

 

"Aye.  It's bad, if true, but we'll have to deal with it somehow.  We'll play it cautiously, like always.  Make sure we don't make a bad step and get cornered.  But for now, I just came to give you tonights report."

 

Caer nodded, still not looking up at her.  Seems the worry was really getting to him.  "Let's have it."  He said.

 

"All's quiet.  Kiki just took watch, and the boys on deck are in for an easy night, if it keeps going how it is.  There's a bit of unrest, though.  We haven't hit a ship in two weeks, and some of them are wondering what's going on."  Snoe explained.

 

Caer was silent for a moment, then nodded.  "I'll take care of it.  We'll make a pass north of the island tomorrow and get a nice, heavy freighter.  That should placate them."

 

"Aye, it will, but do you think you can keep it going this way forever?  Piracy's getting harder these days.  The last year's been rough, with the admiral cracking down.  All the rookies are just about done.  It's mostly the experienced and devoted crews remaining, and even those are staying low.  It's going to make it that much harder to manag ethis side business you've got going.  You can't afford a mistake there, you know..."  Snoe said.

 

"Do you think I don't know that, Snoe?  It's getting to be too much for one man to handle.  I'll tell you...I've already started thinking of was to pull out of one or the other."  Caer confessed.

 

"You mean...?"  Snoe asked.

 

Caer finally looked at her, and gave a stoic nod.  "It may come to mebacking out of the underworld, and going full time pirate... Either that, or handing over control of the crew, and focusing on my other business there.  I know you're more than capeable of running this ship, and leading this crew, and the men would follow you, for certain."  He explained.

 

"Aye.  Something's going to have to give at some point.  But I know you're going to take both of them as far as possible.  If you left the crew, though, I do'tknow if I'd stay.  I'm not really interested in the captains seat these days.  Done it already, as you know.  I prefer to play second fiddle to a good leader."  Snoe said, as she moved closer, resting her right hand on his left shoulder as he sat there.

 

"Gee, Snoe.  If I leave, you leave?  No pressure..."  Caer said, almost giving a chuckled.

 

Snoe smirked, and lifted her left leg, swinging it up and over Caer, and settling down, straddling him,resting both arms on the back of the chair behind him.  She moved her face closer.  "Don't act conceited.  I just don't want the job, and there's no one else on board capeable of taking it.  It's not as if I'm in love with you."

 

"Mm hm.  It's still a lot of added pressure though..."  Caer answered, as his hands crept up past her hips, and slipped around her waist.

 

"Well, you know what Ringo always tells you, right?  You should loosen up.  You've got to deal with the situation no matter what.  Stressing yourself sick isn't going to help."  Snoe said, as her face got even closer, the tip of her nose brushing past his own, their breath upon one-another.

 

"Maybe...But you know me, Snoe.  I can't rest when something like this is looming over me.  It'll always be there, casting a shadow over everything, until it's finished."  He said, his voice lowering, as their faces came closer still.

 

Their lips met, and Snoe slipped her arms around Caers neck as she felt her bottom lip being taken between his own lips, and his tongue gently brush over it.  His hands, moved more tightly around behind her, and slowly up back as her chest pressed against him.  The parted only long enough to switch lips, Caer now taking her top.  Snoe gently took his bottom between her teeth, drawing back slowly, letting it slip from them, and finally sealing their mouths together.  The embrace tightened and their tongues flicked past one-another, in a coy game of tag.  It continued as such for some time, before they finally parted, Snoe grinning at him, and pulling back.  Caer managed a grin of his own, and spoke.

 

"That could be considereda conflict of interests.  Favoritism among the crew."  He said, as his hands began to retreat from around her back.

 

"What the boys don't know, and all that."  Snoe answered, rising from his lap.  "I trust you to make the right decision, Captain.  Always have."  She continued, turning to leave, her steps heavy, and measured as she approached the door.

 

"Again with the pressure.  You can bea real bitch, Snoe."  Caer said, in mild jest.

 

Snoe just gave a slow, methodical chuckle, finding the sense of kinsmanship in his words.  She gave a silent wave over her right shoulder, ad opened the door, exiting Caers quarters.

 

Caer stood, and reached for the Chasers pearl, opening a private frequency.

 

"Zhavi.  Met me at the dock again tomorrow evening.  We need to discuss something."

[Zhavi]

The smoke Zhi blew out tangled around the limbs of the dancer before dispersing to join the rest of it up at the ceiling. "I gonna see ye up there, then, laddo?"

 

Brindle had the very best glares. "Ain't a doxy."

 

Nald'thal smile on her, but when had Brindle started to sound so much like her? She didn't look away from the woman on her table, though her smile widened. "Oh? Found yerself a nice little hole t'curl up in, did ye?"

 

"Sendin' out enforcers after yer dame's clients." Brindle neatly snubbed her own taunt, lowering his voice as much as he was able. He shifted his tray as someone called for more drink, and spoke faster. "One o' them was warned out o' the city, an' came right back. Had a talk wi' yer boss, he did."

 

"Name?"

 

Brindle had turned away, but he turned back, snagging up her half-full cup in excuse. "Ruru-something, look, give me a clapper --"

 

He was gone. Zhi didn't appear to notice, instead choosing to make eyes up at the dancer, who had mostly avoided any contact of the same for the evening. Zhi didn't blame her; she wasn't trying to make the dancer's evening difficult, but. . .she leered. What fun, what fun.

 

When Brindle's voice came next at her back, it was breathless and a little angry. Zhi didn't blame him for that, either, but he had to learn sooner or later just how cold the city could be -- and why she'd kept to her preferences even when she was in coin enough to change them. Some feelings you just couldn't shake, not even at the space of years.

 

"Lissen, 'bout Galleon. . ."

 

Zhi flicked her tail at him in acknowledgement.

 

Brindle whispered as he passed her, "think he might be in it --"

 

Gone again. Zhi shuffled the pieces in her head as she continued slamming back the drinks he brought her. Interlaced was the thought that starting something with the dancer would be worth it, though she knew better by then. Space of years and all.

 

"--same group as th'one what backs --"

 

The buzz of a pearl caught her off-guard, and she jumped in spite of herself, missing the rest of Brindle's hastily passed words. Nald'thal tip her scales. She sorted out which one was active, and put it to her ear in time to catch the Captain's voice. No, no, that captain. Oh, right. She blinked down at it, muzziness taking her a few seconds to parse the call. He shouldn't be calling her. The pearl was for her to call him.

 

A job was a job was a job.

 

"Cap'n, ye say th'bes' things," she slurred. "Aye-aye, Cap'n!"

 

She tossed back her drink and held it aloft. "Another!" She pretended not to see the skeptical way Brindle eyed her when he came back around, just like she held to badly faked protests of innocence when they tossed her out for manhandling the dancer.

 

Ahh, just another night.

 

 

Just another morning. A bad one. The Captain (capitals, there) did not appreciate guttersnipes or anything that could feasibly be affixed with the prefix of 'gutter,' whether or not it actually was gutter. Sure, he held the illusion that he was better, wasn't for her to judge, but she spent good gil to go to an inn for a bath rather than her usual quick drowned-rat soak in the ocean.

 

The soap smelled like lavender. It borked her nose up good. Cap'n'd better appreciate the extra effort, because she was sneezing all through her shuffle down to the docks, ears pressed flat against her head and their insistence that everything was much too loud. It ran counterpoint to her eyes' insistence of brightness, and everything was just held in the position of just right to put Zhi into a mode of smiles that tended to provoke children into poking at her with sticks.

 

Not that she wasn't normally grotesque in her own special way. . .

 

She ditched some of the smell as she attended various errands throughout the day, and by the time she met the Cap'n it'd faded enough that it shouldn't be too obvious to the deadness of an elezen nose, yet keep her from smelling in a way he might find offensive. Gods forfend. She'd keep herself up on a level high enough for his fussiness, but she'd take a long walk off a short plank before she let him think she was doing it for him.

[Zhavi]

They had met. They had talked. That was the reason Zhi walked the docks, seeking out Doendragasyn's ship.

 

She didn't trust him. She didn't trust his so-called informer, the broker who went by the name of Jack. She didn't like the way he'd phrased things, had liked less the way he'd spoken to her. Not that she wasn't used to it.

 

The ship was further out, too big to belong in the nearest section with all the fishing boats and smaller pinnaces. Zhi didn't mind the walk, considering she had to work off leftover exhaustion from the day prior and the little sleep she'd managed to steal for herself. She'd been smoking again. She loved it. She hated it. There were a million flies buzzing around the confines of her skull.

 

She tried not to let it show.

 

Preparation for the day included leather and thirteen inches of steel. A rondel dagger, purchased with money she'd gotten from the clodhopper, with a fur-lined sheath and a leather-and-wire wrapped hilt. It was sharp, and obvious.

 

Zhi wasn't a fighter. But oh, she could ooze blade-for-hire out of her pores.

 

Her hair had been slicked back, was held out of her face with a cheap leather strap. A few clumps had been braided and beaded, and they hung behind her ears. She'd banded her tail with copper and bronze jewelry, hiding the kink in it. She smelled of leather and oil with a niggling underpinning of ocean and something unsavory. She held herself upright, moved with the studied grace of a fighter.

 

She looked the part of everything Kink wasn't.

 

Zhi had always been good at playing parts.

 

She stopped when she reached the edge of the ship's gangplank, and looked over it until she saw the watchman. "I'm here t'see Cap'n Doendragasyn. Tell 'im his appointment's here."

 

Her grin showed way more teeth than was necessary.

[Gray]

((Dunno why I did that.  Haven't been feeling the greatest, sorry, haha.  Deleted))

 

 

Snow stepped forward with a small smirk, though it was not one of ill intent.  She motioned with her head for Zhi to come aboard.  "Aye.  Caer's taking it easy up on the bowsprit.  For now, our ship is your ship."  She said, stepping back, and aside to make way.

 

It was a good ship in the design of a three-masted barque.  Not uncommon, but a good ship to be sure, and a fine choice for a smaller crew.

 

The various crewmen could be seen going about their business, watching Zhi for a bit whenthey noticed her, before returning to their duties.  Caer could be seen from here, laying up on the bowsprit, watchingthe sky, hands crossed under his head.

 

Snoe spoke again.  "Go on.  We've all been told to expect you, so no one will cause you any problems."

[Zhavi]

With a nod to Snoe, Zhi walked up the plank to the ship. She glanced about as she made her way to the bowsprit, head high and gait leisurely. When she reached the bowsprit she stopped, feet shoulder-width apart and hands on her hips. "Ye ready, Cap'n sir?"

[Gray]

Caer didn't bother looking over, though it wasn't out of disrespect.  It's a simple matter of he having been expecting her, and recognizing the voice.  He nodded at her words, and kicked against the bowsprit with his right foot, causing him to flip over backwards.  He placed one hand over his shoulder, and used it to puish as he went over, causing him to go a bit into the air, and his feet to land perfectly on the ground as he landed down on the forecastle, just a few steps from Zhi.  He turned to her, and with a confident smile, answered.

 

"Ready.  Let's hear what you've got in mind."