Boozing Ship (Open)

[forestofmelody]

The Wolf's Den had been used to change from the garb of disguise, keeping that ruffled laced blouse, to which she gather her item’s and set foot out into the city. She would return on the morrow; she was in dangerous reality that could draw trouble to the Heart. The bottle of fine spirits was her only friend for the night, but she needed a safe to place to drink. Where could she drink and drown herself in her own sorrow of words never said? They tore her apart from the inside out and tonight she had to chain the back into the little box. They could never resurface again or they would be the end of her.


The nipping brisk breeze coming forth from the water's along the dock was barely felt with the new fire burning in her belly. A hand pulled at the hem of the blouse, lifting it up to itch at her belly as the other was bring that bottle back to her lips. Tears glimmered in the water line of the azures gaze watching the rocking of the boat’s docked.



The Raging Bastard, gods be vicious in their glee to watch Mira in pain. They had been all her life. Watching as they broke her down little, by little, but she still was standing there. Raging fucking Bastard it was. Already there was building of anger that curled her fist against the scared flesh of her bare hip.


Whirl of black hair evoked the powerful stride to her intention. Reaching the wooden plank that crossed from land to water. She was stopped of course, but she flashed that crooked grin and the Heart insignia that she carried with her always; it had gotten her out of a bind or two in her travels.Stepping on to the boat she wonder what else this long night would bring her. The bottle was raised up to the heavens in a greeting to the gods. “Fuck you.” Oh, she was asking for it wasn’t she. Gaze went over her shoulder to a crew walking by. “Where can I girl find more booze and little fun on this rig?”

[Andraste Longo-Drom]

There were times even the warmth could not draw away shadow and premonitions of darkness rolling in her soul. There were often two ways to be rid of it, one of which had been far too asleep to chase away the darkness with her. Thus, she had donned her facial covering, the violet and gold masking away her features above her nose, keeping sightless eyes from being seen, amongst other things.

Her form was relaxed, standing near to the railing of the ship, where she could catch the breeze in her face, safe enough distance away. She didn't have anyone to save her from falling into the water. Bodies of water and Andraste were long-time foes, she did not wish to tangle that night. The thought caused a small smirk to fall along her soft features, causing her otherwise stoic face to break into a lightness it sometimes was rear to see in honesty.

The sound of someone swearing into the heavens pulled Andraste's attention from the introspection it had been before. Her hands slipped into the pockets of her fitted jacket, the tailoring matching the coloration and design of the binding she wore along her face. She stood out on the ship, she stood out almost anywhere, with the brilliant color and her stature. Andraste wasn't an overly large woman by any means, but she carried herself with a poise and purpose that others sometimes found imposing.

Mira's venture onto The Raging Bastard of course drew her attention moreso. The girl she knew only through brief interactions, she seemed smart enough, mayhaps a little inclined towards a particular vice... but more than a few had that inclination. There was a moment she thanked The Six that she was blessed without that, though she had her own vices to overcome. The small ache within her and the swirl of a seed of darkness spread along her. She pushed it down to make her way along the rail, making sure to keep her spacing in a way that wouldn't draw too much attention to her. Perhaps it was time to turn in for the night...

[forestofmelody]

The bottle drooped from the heavenly toast to her parted lips for the rushing mind numbing burn. Her ideal night would to forget that she was here, on this boat….maybe she should just leave and find comfort elsewhere. Turning the figure of the woman was spotted, “Sneaking away. Good. Better run.” Waving finger in the air. “Why anyone would want to look at your ugly mug.”


Mira snorted and head back towards the plank leading back into the city. No, she was whirling back. “IF you ever hurt him, you bitch. I will fine you and take your tongue. So you can blind and mute.” Sniffing, Mira nodded at her own words. “He is good man, reckless and stupid, but a good man. He deserves much more than the likes of you. So you better watch it,” a small laugh at her own words’, “Not that you can see. You are missing out on what you got. Shame.” The plank was eyed once more. “Bloody ship need’s to stop MOVING.” 

[Andraste Longo-Drom]

Kanesh... do not test me in this... she's a silly girl. She prayed silently to her Goddess, wishing that the Goddess wasn't in turn laughing at her own delight. Kanesh was a loving but harsh Mistress. Her lack of sight gave her a great deal of other gifts, one of which was feeling every emotion radiating off of the woman who had now slighted her ire against Andraste. The curve of her soft lips parted, though she didn't huff in response, it was done so that when she drew in that deep breath through her nose.... held it... she was able to silently release it in a calming way. The girl was hurting, though why she could not draw herself to figure out. Logen, charming, dark, and dangerous Logen. It was thoughts of him that stilled her. "Sneaking? I have no reason to sneak here, I am welcomed and accepted. And I run from no one... or nothing."

The woman's first attack went towards her possible vanity. But Andraste wasn't a vain creature, she was one who was humble in that regard, though she had absolutely no reason to be. Her features tilted to the side, almost as if she was inspecting the other woman and taking interest in her. She listened to what the words really said, what they meant under the surface of their guise. "...ugly? Mayhaps. But, it does not seem to matter, all the same, does it? I am here. And you have a great deal you need to get off your chest, the Gods do not care for the strife of the mortal, so better for you to get it out."

The girl seemed to be unable to decide if she was going to come or to go. When she started to talk, her words slicing at Andraste, she had the desire to decide for her. Her tongue wetting her lips was the only response in her face she recieved, otherwise her reactions stayed stoic. There was a darkness there, swirling, taking root, whispering to her of how pretty the girl would look having to climb herself out of the water... what a walk of shame that would be, surly. She pressed it down, an immature and pointless impulse. She was a member of the Heart, it was wrong of her to treat her fellow companions and one of Maria's greenhorns with such ill-contempt. She drew breath again, focused herself.

"You have dangerous words spilling from your tongue, child. Do you know anything beyond that my eyes are sightless? Silly girl." How many times would she endure someone thinking her weak because of her lack of sight? IT seemed endless at the moment, even moreso with this one who seemed to fail to grasp all else. It was the threat that upset her, called that darkness from her once more. There was the call to be territorial... this woman obviously had some sort of feelings for Logen, why else would Andraste caught such disdain? "You threaten me again, Mira... and you will not remember what happened when they bring you back. I will give you once, because you are drunk and because Logen, I am sure, is fond of you. Do not mistake that fondness for more, and do not think because I am blind I cannot see." She was loved by Logen, she knew it within her core. The thought caused her hand to drift to the place he laid his hand upon her abdomen, almost as if he had been there to do it himself, warming at the memory.

"He is a good man, my Northman... I serve and protect him... I look for his interests and mine alone. Do not stand on ceremony and think to preach to me on him. I do not know you, I hope that you prove to be more level-headed in the future." She did not turn to leave, she had claimed her territory, her feet placed, her stance strong, her thumb stroking along her fingertips as the call of darkness whispered to her.

[Connor Sleight]

    The rogue of renown chose that time for some odd reason to return the Bastard from a night's work. As he walked up the ramp from dock to caravel, one hand reached in solitude to withdraw the hood from above his head. The revelation showed auburn hair, tinged red from his father's lineage. Ears mutilated in the distant past, shaped round from their original pointed shape. The scar tissue showed white against his weathered skin tone. And his eyes, the orbs that traced from one woman to the other held that distinct pitch of one being kissed by the Jade Sea and the other the dark blue of the Maelstrom north of the Knockskulls.

    The Farseer seemed to be standing defiantly, he noted while the other had confusion and sadness in her drunken haze. She seemed lost and unable to decide her path. She was a pleasant looking creature, he had thought though her lack of sobriety dampened that light upon her eyes. So it was with an ornery decision that Connor continued up the ramp in smooth elevation. His steps carried silence, practiced through the ages and so his appearance would be abrupt for the two. All that would lapse for Mira was a blink and there he would be, standing before her with soft features of his face offered up to her as he stood in the way of her escape.

    Eyes shifted over her form, noting Obsidian ring and brooch. He at least knew the woman held employ with Maria. That bit of information aided in his decision for his next move. His interruption was probably going to be perfectly timed to avoid a conflict brewing between the two, but perhaps he wasn't as smooth as he thought himself to be. Never-the-less, he made the attempt.

    "You look to be at a loss and in need, young woman... Perhaps we should get you to bed and embraced with a pillow." He spoke soft and soothing in manner, his approach continued until his palm could reach and come to brace against the side of her neck in a comforting support and control of her head. "This stupor does not suit you and you'll make poor decisions if you continue.. So come with me.. I'll see you bedded and soundly asleep."

[forestofmelody]

God’s were surely attentive this night upon the two figure’s standing there. A cat fight between two women would be entertaining for the gods while they waited for blood shed. This was the point Mira was coming to. Mira was a serene creature that held her tongue far too many times in her life. She had been shy and meek in the days before, opening up to find humor and the need for interaction with others could be exceptional. Yet, tonight she wanted blood, pain, and more to be rid of the emotions inside of her. 

The blind woman was the spotlight of Mira’s drunken mental state. One arm lazily crossed her midriff as the woman spoke onward to Mira as if she was simple creature. “Woman, be wary of your own words,” frost and overcast sliced down to the bottle in hand with a cant of her head. They deliberately moved across the deck of the ship in analyzing what could be used as a weapon once she threw the bottle at the woman’s head. No, Mira wasn’t brilliant, but that was never her fault for the way she was raised. Yet, right now in this moment she was about to be utterly stupid when the woman called her a silly girl.  

“I will threaten you as much as I like, sightless. My friendship with Logen has been longer then he has been in your nicker’s.” The near empty bottle was brought to her lips and finished off with a sigh. “He won’t forgive me for this, but it will be satisfying,” such good booze shouldn’t be wasted on smacking Andraste across the temple, which was her plan of action. Those word’s pierced the heart to shatter furthermore.  

The sudden emergence of the male caused Mira to take a step back: to which the world did a slight inclination that the engaging little giggle slipped out. Taking down the woman with the world wobbling was a funny thought that popped in her head. Muffling quickly by her hand as Mira was rightfully drunk. It was the touch of her neck that pulled her from drunken stupor, also aiding in the lapse of judgment about harming the woman, that the male’s word’s reached her. She could throw away a long standing friendship or she could just go sleep away the rest of the night, and wake on the morrow with a bruised ego and pounding head. The latter would be the better of choices.  

“You’re right.” Mutter back at him with a slow retreat from the heat of his hand. “Hurry before blood is on my hands.” Hand tightening against the glass of the bottle. His form kept her from seeing Andraste and rushing her. The gods booed that they fight ended before it could truly start. 

[Andraste Longo-Drom]

Andraste hadn't moved as the woman started to prowl around, likely in search of something to attack her with... Andraste didn't need a weapon, she was one. "Are you just hurt that he has no thought of yours?" Mira would be wrong, Logen wouldn't have cared either way -- Andraste was not something that was easily broken. She was not a girl who needed looked after. It caused a laugh, dark and dangerous to lift from her throat, an equally dangerous pull at the corner of her lips in turn. "You are the one who is blind if you think Logen will worry at all for my welfare, it is your own you should be concerned with. To stand by his side, you have to be worthy of it, I am more than worthy."

When the man stepped between them, Andraste took a moment to measure him. A crew member, it seemed, she couldn't seem to recall his name. His scent was at least familiar, it gave her a moment to take a breath. His words would have upset Andraste more, she was glad they were laid upon the other woman. She couldn't see the touch, but that too was a good thing as well. Cooler minds prevailed, it didn't stop the seething Andraste, the darkness risen full force within her, and she didn't have one to talk her off the honed edge. Why did they think they could insult her and then there would be no repercussions?

Once, she had been told that power could be hers if she reached for it... that all she had to do was set out that hand. She never wanted power, but she damn well wanted to be respected. Her thumb long her fingers further before she forced herself to find a better solution.

"Tell you what, child. I will let him take you away, tuck you in proper, but this is what I will do." She stepped to the side, raising her hand to gesture between them. "I will retire to the Captain's Quarters, curl up beside my beloved, and I will tell him that when we return to The Heart, I will invite you to Knifedge Arena with me, we shall see who's blood is left in tribute there. If you meet me there, win or lose, I will forgive your transgressions. If you don't, you had best make a wide space around myself."

It was so without any further thought, Andraste's form turned and headed towards exactly where she said she would go. She had every intent to wake Logen, he could chase the darkness with her... he was more than fit for the job.

[Connor Sleight]

    Well, he knew where this was going to go and quickly. Connor moved to close the distance once more to wrap his arms around Mira's waist. The woman was hoisted up off of her feet to get her to move along without assault and injury. Wiry muscles were tested, but remained true without struggle. He didn't speak, he did not yell only kept the silence of the night hoping to keep the Bastard's sleep and his own ass out of the frying pan.

    If Mira didn't struggle too much, she would find herself escorted below where a bunk with Connor's scent upon awaited her to escort her off to sleep.

[forestofmelody]

Mira hadn’t moved from her post, merely she looking at what she could use to take her down. “God’s you’re truly the fool here woman.” The anger was building to heights of pure utter rage. Biting into her very being that called for the warmth of blood between her fingers. It was taking all she had not to rush past Connor, but there was this small part of her that kept her still. A little voice that whispered to her to keep her head for now was not the time. Mira had more respect for Logen to keep from attacking anyone he cared about, even if it cut her deep. The woman would never understand nor would anyone else either. 

Those words were the last straw from the woman, but before she could even more Connors was gathering her into his arms and over his shoulder. The bottle dropped to shatter across the desk with the anger lashing out from her tongue. “SEE YOU THERE!” Mira struggled to get free but the swiftness of his movement’s turned her stomach and she choked back the need to bring back all the rum.


Covering her mouth, she closed her eyes and slummed against Connors back. This was over this night, leaving Mira to plan when the time came to watch the bitch bleed.

[Andraste Longo-Drom]

Andraste's step hesitated when she heard the girl call her a fool, but she also could hear Connor simply picking her up to tote her off. She couldn't help but feel a slightly satisfying feeling -- no one would tote her off that way without paying a price. But then again, no one touched her either without her permission. She continued regardless, ignoring anything further from the woman. She made a note that she would need to get to know this man... he was smart, at least that much could be said for him. She had felt his unease, not knowing form where it formed, she still though it was a better course than others.

She still bristled, opening the door carefully to where she shared the space with the Captain. She didn't wish to rouse him with the confrontation. No point in it, however... there were other things she would rouse him for... and she went seeking those instead. The darkness within Andraste curled with something to focus on besides earning respect... and so she dismissed it from her thoughts until they'd meet once more in the arena.