Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Promises of gold, bad luck and more gold (1x1)

The Ettercap quickly turned her head towards Stevie, her fangs twitching like crazy."Fidget no be here. Fidget leave now. Don't want to kill Fidget." Bender turned to Stevie, trying to release his body by tugging at the web that got him stuck, but it wouldn't do. Spiders had crawled into his mechanical arm and the thing malfunctioned, making it pretty much dead weight.

"She's gone mental, lass!" Bender yelled at Stevie, trying not to get spiders in his mouth."Eli'Syn did somethin' to 'er! Somethin' she didn' tell us! It ain't me fault, dammit! Let me go!" He squirmed. His face showed actual fear. Bender pictured many ways of how he might die one day, but death my spiders was definitively not one of them!

Bugface refused to listen to either of the two. Instead she made a hand motion that caused the spiders in the area to all move to Bender. Of course, this freaked the old man out."Gah!! Kill her! Kill her! I ain't dyin'! Not now!"

OH NO. OH NO NO OH NO NOPE NO NO NOPE NEGATIVE NUH-UH.

"Bugface, we can find somebody to help you! If Eli'Syn cursed you, there are people who can take it off! You don't have to kill anybody, we're your friends, remember?" Yeah, she knew the other creature knew that. But right now she seemed to be driven by pain or something of that nature.

There were far too many spiders. She was scared. She was especially frightened because of how frightened Bender appeared to be. She inhaled deeply, a gasp that was just as audible as it was quick and sharp. The Halfling really didn't have too much time to think before she found herself preparing the gun for fire. She didn't want to aim for her head, but maybe hurting her would show her how serious she was? Or maybe it'd just make her stop?

Or piss her off even worse....

She took a shot, aiming for the Ettercap's lower abdomen, hoping for it to be towards the side.

Oh, dear, that shot did not go through the side. It went straight down her knee, which made Bugface only screech louder as she dropped to the floor. But she didn't stay there for long."Curse hurt. Fidget hurt Bugface!" She was a goner now. An animal fueled by rage. So much in fact she lost control over her spiders and crawled for Stevie.

Despite not being able to support on one leg, she managed to creep rather quickly for Stevie. Bender saw an opportunity. He tried to squirm free, but still he was worried for Stevie. He knew the bond those two had, and it pained him she had to face what used to be a friend like that."She's not the same person from before, lass! Put 'er dow-" At that point he squirmed too hard and managed to get free. The old men fell down, face down into the mud."ugh, bloody hells above..." He muttered as he slowly got up, still covered in spiders.

Speaking of spiders, Stevie would probably feel a bunch crawling up her legs as Bugface charged for her.

Stevie was far too torn for this. She didn't seem to have much hesitance when defending herself against a stranger, but against Bugface...? Tears welled up after she saw she hurt her. Wasn't she prepared to do that, though? Honestly, I don't think anyone is prepared to hurt a friend for another.

"I'm sorry!" she simpered, but was unable to do much else but flee to try to get a bit of a distance between the fast-approaching Ettercap. She saw Bender fall and was happy for that - that meant he could potentially free himself and they could just run and get off the island. The spiders on her leg were distracting and terrifying and she did what anyone would do in reply: shriek and smack at them. This hindered her speed greatly, and also distracted her mentally, at least until the last one was off or dead. She was still trying to run, but it was hard. Nearly ran into a tree once!

Bugface wouldn't be able to keep up with Stevie. Something hindered her. Something old and with a mechanical arm was keeping it from chasing her. Yet it would take at least five minutes before anything would happen.

During her running, the spiders would suddenly scatter away into the jungle, leaving Stevie alone. And not long after that, she could hear the voice of Bender, who was chasing after her."Stevie! Lass! Come back 'ere, ya squirmy Halfling!" Now wasn't that a lovely way of calling someone?"I ain't gettin' on me ship without ya." That was a more kind thing to say.

The old man leaned against a nearby tree. If Stevie had run away far, there was no way the old man was going to be able to find her. He hoped she heard him.

Five minutes of solid running? It's probably take her a ways away from there. However, when she noticed she wasn't being chased (probably just a minute or two in), she'd slow down and keep still, observing the area around her.

Where was she?

She was a bit afraid to walk, afraid to get herself further away from Bender. In fact, she now became scared Bugface attacked him instead! She turned back around and ran toward where she originally ran from, on her way hearing Bender's voice. She grinned, absolutely relieved.

"Yer okay!" she called, eventually bursting through and spotting him. She looked for Bugface.

Bender was visibly relieved to see Stevie. On his mechanical arm that worked again now clung the wooden chest filled with gems. A great prize, all things considered.

"Oh, good, yer here. I thought I was actually goin' ta have ta stay behind fer ya." He mused with a grin that quickly disappeared when she saw Stevie looking. He figured she was expecting her friend to have calmed down and come along."I ... knocked 'er out. We ain't takin' 'er along. She can survive 'ere better than on the mainland anyway." He spoke. It was unsure of whether the pirate was lying or not. Could be he was telling the truth or lying and actually having killed Bugface, but not telling his Halfling companion to spare her feelings. Those spiders did scatter away from Stevie rather abruptly. Looks like this will remain an unanswered question for now.

"Let's get movin', lass. We're goin' back to the mainland. I've had enough o' islands fer now." He sighed as he beckoned his companion to come along. On the way to the ship Bender would be answering any questions she might have.

Back at the boat, Hooke was roaring orders."Come on, ya pansies! Let's get the boat movin'! The captain's dead 'n we can't stick 'round forever!" Norin tapped the Orc's shoulder with a grin and pointed at the duo coming out of the vegetation."Yer not a captain yet, Hooke." "Pickles!" Mr. Pickles cried out in agreement.

"Go 'n get th' treasure secured. ya can drink up yer share when we get ta Giantsport." Some of the men and women cheered, eager to get their share. Hooke looked disappointed. Clearly he liked being captain for three seconds rather than being a second hand.

Soon, everyone was on the boat and making their way home. All the treasure (after a serious pat down in case someone was holding, I.E. Solst) was thrown into the middle of the ship, and Bender gave everyone their share. It was quite the big one as well. Everyone managed to get at least five gold coins and a gemstone or ornament of some sorts. Stevie herself received two rubies and a diamond as well as two gold coins. 'For services proven of being great insurance', he called it.

After a few hours after everyone celebrated or mourned the outcome of this treasure quest, Norin would have been looking for Stevie. When he did, all he said was "The captain wants ya speak with ya, lass. In his quarters right away." Followed by another "Pickles!" by Mr. Pickle.

Stevie's answer came quick, but there was a feeling welling up in her chest that she couldn't quite place. Maybe it was that she thought he could be lying? Either way, whatever happened, it was necessary. She hoped that Bugface wouldn't hurt anymore when she woke up. Before she was going to speak, he told her to get moving. And she did! It gave her a reason to sort of sigh, and all will to speak about it exited her like her breath did.

Stevie was happy with her share. She would've liked the jewelry, but that's just the girl in her. When Norin was looking for her, she was likely sitting on a barrel peering over the ship toward the direction of the island. She wasn't taking the loss of Bugface's presence very well.

She looked over to the man and gave him a nod, slipping from her barrel. "Alright, thanks!" she chirped, attempting to wipe the whole depressed look off her face. She knocked on Bender's door once, but welcomed herself inside. "Ya needed to talk to me?"

Bender leaned against the left side wall of his cabin. He flipped a gold coin around with his mechanical arm. Behind his desk sat Hooke, writing a letter with a red anf fluffy looking quill. Once Stevie entered, both of them looked at their visitor."Care ta leave 's 'lone fer a few seconds, Hooke?" The Orc remained quiet and stood up and left, giving one last snarly look at Stevie as usual.

Bender took place behind the desk now."Right, I did, lass." He shoved aside the writing untencils and the letter."Listen, I'm sorry 'bout this whole ordeal with Bugface. I know she meant somethin' to ya. I ain't exactly giddy 'bout losin' 'er either. But sometimes life just don' go the way ya wan' it ta." He said before he took a deep breath.

"I need ta speak with ya 'bout future plans. Once we get ta Giantsport, I'll be droppin' ya off." He suddenly said, looking at her and gauging her reaction.

She seemed a little sad when he mentioned Bugface. She wanted to ask him if he really let her live, but she wasn't given much time before a more pressing matter was presented.

Her eyes became wide and she took a step forward. "What? You're gonna leave me there?! But I thought- but I was- why?!" She was so unhappy. She fought valiantly against tears of frustration and confusion, but today was not the day she'd win that battle.

She supposed she wouldn't be alone for some time, since Sar was still there, but she'd grown used to this lifestyle and even enjoyed it. There was something exciting about setting sail and exploring new places she couldn't otherwise reach.

Bender noted her sadness. He quickly elaborated on why he couldn't keep her here."Listen, lass. I ain't droppin' ya off because I like it. I've come ta like ya, y'know? Yer a good member o' me crew. But ... yer not a pirate." He explained as he looked at her.

Before she could be able to say anything else, the captain continued."Do ya know why me lads 'n I chose this lifestyle? Cuz we ain't nice people. Our lives got messed up at some point 'n our miserable, so we took to a life o' crime. We're killers, lil' lass. Each 'n every one o' us. I saw th' 'ard time ya had cuttin' down those vermin. Yer not killer material. 'N sure, we 'aven't been targettin' any 'onest vessels so far, but if that time comes, ye'll be witnessin' how we cut down 'onest men. Yer much better than that." He explained as he stood up and walked over to her.

"I enjoyed 'r time together, lass. But there more fer ya out there than me ship. Ya can make a decent livin'. 'r at least take up a profession that don' require ya ta take lives."

Stevie felt like a kid who'd done a bad thing, being gently scolded by a teacher or loved one. Or even a kid who was being told of their parents' divorce and how it would affect them. She can't say she wanted any of this.

"If yer killers, how come you didn't cut me down when I got all nosy?" she asked, grinning a little. It looked like she understood what he meant and why he was doing this, but she wasn't pleased. She really cared about these people, and it made her feel sort of strange that she liked murderers.

That realization, knowing she felt strange for being attached to murderers, was what made her realize she wasn't cut out for this. Even just the knowledge of associating with those type of people seemed to make her feel kinda off or weird.

"I really liked sailin'. A lot," she commented.

Bender knew this news wouldn't be taken well. He could see this news was making Stevie sad."Oh, don' be so sure. When we first met in Alifern, I was real tempted ta just get that lil' head o' yours 'n squish it in me hand. I'm glad I didn'. Ya were useful, 'n dare I say a nice companion ta be on th' road with." He looked at her, and yet again couldn't help grinning, though he was not exactly happy either.

"I know ya did. But don' think this is goodbye. I'm like weeds 'n a garden. Yer never truly rid o' me. I'll keep track o' ya, lass. If just ta visit ya once ya own a mansion 'n yer forgettin' who's given ya yer treasure huntin' spirit." He chuckled again. But that cheery mood soon left again."It's fer the best. I'm an ol' man, 'n me story's comin' to an end. Your's 's just beginnin'. Age gives a man a certain sense o' concience. I thought I killed mine with ale, bu' clearly not. I wouldn' sleep well knowin' I'd force ya ta cut down someone or allow ya ta get caught by some scarier enemy pirate."

Stevie's hands were pocketed and with one, she held onto the little crystal she carried everywhere. Having gotten used to the thing's presence, she often sought to touch it for comfort. It was an odd habit, but it helped.

"You'd better visit. But I don't think I'ma gonna have a mansion. I've always liked travellin' and I doubt I'll stop till I'm older than you, hah! Or dead, whichever comes first." She shrugged at that. It was then she realized that this didn't mean she was stuck traversing the lands. She could always travel the seas as a merchant or even just an adventurer or treasure-hunter (but without the killing), so that she may get the best of both worlds: land and sea! This was a comforting thought, too. And knowing Bender was sad about it and wanted to come visit sometime made her feel better, even if she doubted it'd really happen.

"Well, lass. A pirate's promise ain't one ta be trusted, but a friend's promise is." Now that sounded rather deep coming from Bender."Now scurry along, lass. We ain't in port yet. 'N there's still a bunch o' greedy basterds on board who're after some extra gold. Show 'em yours ain't fer the taking." He grinned as he sat down behind the desk, overlooking some of the letters Hooke had been working on.

The next few weeks on board were jolly ones indeed. It seemed no one was mourning their fallen comrades. Heck, most people were happy Whisperer didn't make it, since a lot of bets were made and cashed in upon. The only one who seemed quiet was Ambras. During crow's nest duty he hardly spoke. His face was still covered by the scarf, but his eyes said enough. He missed Fantasm. He ALMOST looked sad enough for others to pity him. But then again, Ambras was a racist douche, so no one really gave a damn.

After two weeks his supersticious ramblings and strange conspiracy theories were back, though. And Stevie had to sit through them all once more until finally land was in sight again. They had reached Giantsport.

And boy, was it huge. Giantsport was a gigantic port that stretches as far as the eye could see. Ships, docks, hovels and taverns were everywhere, and this was the busiest port yet. Perfect for a pirate to hang out, since no one in the right mind would check five hundred ships for illicit goods.

Aw, Bender turned the cheese factor up to 10 and broke the knob. Still, Stevie grinned and it was clear she agreed. As he told her to run off, she saluted playfully and chimed, "Aye, Cap'n!" and ran off.

Stevie almost seemed to forget that she wasn't going to be staying here. Even though talking to Bender drove in the fact that each of these men and women were basically criminals, a lot of them really were pleasant.

Ambras would likely have to deal with a sympathetic Halfling trying to distract him from his own sadness, but knowing him, he'd likely not talk too much or tell her to buzz off altogether.

It was funny to her how these people created these theories, but she figured it was something to keep their minds preoccupied with. It was probably a healthy thing, or they may just go mad from boredom or some such thing. When they arrived at Giantsport, it was clear why it was named just that. The size of the town intimidated her and for a moment, all she could do was stare in nervousness as they approached.

Soon The Moneymaker would be docked, and the pirates would rush away from the ship back onto solid land, where taverns and brothels awaited their arrival. Like a bunch of students running out of school they scattered among the the others. Giantsport was crowded to say the least, but since it was filled with only docks, inns, brothels and warehouses, finding specific buildings wasn't so difficult. A few people stayed behind to say goodbye to Stevie before running off with the rest.

One of these people was Norin, who gently patted her back."Lass, if ya ever find yerself in Giantsport again. Come look us up, will'ya? We're 'ere often. It's home 'way from home. Ya were a fun one ta travel with. Try not ta get yerself in trouble, eh?" He laughed as he walked down the gangplank, Mr. Pickle shouting "pickles" one more time before also disappearing in the crowd.

Solst had stayed back too."I heard you wouldn't be staying. I can say it's going to be a lot more quiet without you to talk to. Now all I have is Ambras. Yegh... stay alive, kiddo." Ambras had stayed back as well, but he didn't respond to Solst, nor did he truly say goodbye. He was simply there.

Hooke would just push her out of the way if she stood near the gangplank. His words of goodbye were "good riddance." as he walked away.

Bender at the other hand would offer to walk her to the stables to arrange a cart for her. That way she wouldn't have to walk the entire way to the next city. That is, if she didn't want to go drinking or exploring the port first. Whatever she decided, a voice would be heard in her head, none the less."My little friend, the time has come. When we're outside of the port, find us a clear spot away from curious eyes. It's about time I reclaim my old life."

Stevie didn't seem to want to go, but she eventually made herself walk toward the gangplank. She wrapped her own little arm around whatever part of Norin she could after the pat on her back (what? she didn't care to give hugs!) and nodded. "I will, definitely! I'll see ya soon. All of ya."

When Solst had stayed and said his goodbyes, Stevie grinned and laughed, particularly at the Ambras part. "Maybe you'll find someone else, too, who can speak Elvish. I'm not sure how often you get more members, though. And you stay sane!" she said, the latter part being because of Ambras. Though when she saw he had stayed back but said nothing, she'd wave her arms and yell, "Cheer up! You're so sullen alla time! Quit it!"

After that, whether he'd sneer at her or crack a smile or wave or whatever, she'd just stand there. At first, when Hooke was approaching, she thought he was going to say goodbye too! But nope. He pushed her and said a rather irritating thing. Finally fed up, she looked around for something to badger him with. Finding a barrell, she pushed it over and pushed it down the gangplank, hoping it would roll right under his feet and cause him to topple over.

"I'unno what I did to you, but I'm fairly sure everyone's been waitin' for that! You're welcome!" she yelled, the last part to the rest of the crew. Whoop brave moment!

As far as Bender went, she'd want a horse and cart. For Sar, but she wouldn't say that. She just wanted to get away from any potential prying eyes, then she could return to exchange her jewels for coin and spend them! Well, a little of them. She needed to be smart. But yes! That was the plan.

At the sudden hug, Norin seemed surprised and turned around to hug the Halfling in full and lift her from the ground in the process."Take care, lass. Hate ta see ya go, but there's a couple o' brothels who've missed me." He laughed before leaving. Solst rolled his eyes a bit."Don't worry about Ambras. I'll go insane faster than he will, I'm sure." Ambras couldn't help but grin at that, and the ever so cheery attitude of Stevie."Sure lass. Just don't forget what I said! Government types can't be trusted! And be aware of the lady in bronze!"

Oh, dear. That barrel was far too effective. As the Orc turned around, he fell face first over the barrel, face-planting on the pavement. The crew laughed loudly at that, and even louder when Stevie mentioned everyone had been waiting for that. It was true, after all. But Hooke didn't like that one bit. His honor hurt as bad as his face. He drew a pistol from his belt."You stupid little girl! You should have crawled back in the sewers!"

And as soon as he said that, the entire ship pointed their guns at Hooke. Solst, Red (who was in the background the entire time), Bender and even Ambras pointed a throwing knife at Hooke. If Norin hadn't run off so eagerly, he'd surely have drawn his gun as well."Don' do anythin' stupid, lad. I'd hate ta see ya killed over somethin' as dumb 's this." Bender spoke. At the sight of all those guns Hooke put his away."If you EVER show your face here again, I will knock all your teeth out, remember that, street rat! Not even the cheapest brothel will hire you once I'm through with you!" And with that he angrily walked away.

Bender walked Stevie to her destination. Mostly to protect her from Hooke. Orcs were known for their tantrums, and they tended to last for a long while. Soon they'd reach the wooden gates that left for the grasslands beyond. Even from here one could see the many farms, and their estates!

Living so close to one of the world's biggest harbor meant they could sell directly to the merchants who docked without having to pay taxes on their profits. It was no secret of the illigal deals in grain, hops and other produce that occured, but no one seemed to be putting a stop to it, so the farmers lead rich lives.

As such, the stables were huge. At least five carts were waiting for someone to take them to the nearest city. And the many empty stables suggested most of them were already gone to somewhere.

"Well, here we are lass. These carts'll take ya to some o' the nearby cities. Kalhagan is nearby, I think. Or if ya prefer ta be underground, Blackrock's Dwarves 'll see to that. Ye've got options." He explained, and then took a deep sigh. This was goodbye.

"Well, lass. I ain't all that keen on goodbyes. They get me teary eyed 'n ya don' want ta see that. Let's make this quick, shall we?"

Stevie couldn't help but to smile so wide at the returned hug and later, Solt's reply. ...And Ambras' too.

What made her grin the most was her successful blow to Hooke's pride when he actually tripped over the barrel. She was laughing so hard. At least, of course, until he drew the pistol. She went pale and quickly went quiet. However, some rustling behind and around her made her look around, and that was when she saw the drawn weapons of most everyone around her. They had her back! And they didn't even know her as long! She felt truly special.

She actually nutted up and made a retort when he gave that angry threat and turned to walk away. "Least I'd still be doin' better than you." OOO BURN YOU BE UGLY FOOL. No, she didn't really yell it but she wouldn't watch her volume any. If he didn't turn around and continued to walk, she'd slump a bit and sigh, relieved. That was scary.

Stevie walked with Bender after that, keeping moderately quiet except for occasional quips and the like, playful of course. When they arrived, she felt her heart sink inside her. She grew sad.

The Halfling turned to face Bender with a big frown on her face. Didn't say a whole lot in return to his goodbye, instead deciding to throw her arms around the man's legs. "If you ever need me again I'll be available!" she said. "Ya never know. Maybe one day I'll make my own crew and steal all your gold." That was a joke of course.