Forums » General Roleplay » Two Sides of the Same Coin(Back)

Zaida sighed, when she saw the ink drop. She shook her head, clearly thinking something less than nice about Aearion. She gathered her skirts up and lifted them enough to show off her legs again, covered in black tights. She scooped up the ink, looking at the woman for a moment.

That was not expected. She simply shrugged her surprise off, though, and continued to head towards the skull. Her dagger was at the ready, but she was more of a runner than a fighter.

Aranel seemed disturbed at the amount of damage she was able to do. She didn't expect to cause the creature's arm to snap and fly off! She stood in abject horror, that feeling intensifying tenfold when Takurasho rammed his horned noggin into the man's gut. She shrieked briefly before realizing he was still alive.

The girl gasped, but fought to pursue him. If it was dark enough, without thinking once again, she'd take advantage of the second ability the Butler gave her and would pick up speed, possibly even teleporting in small distances in an attempt to stay close behind. She listened at last to Takurasho's strange, unpleasant words. Well. Crap.

"But the woman said it needed to be destroyed!" she argued. "And for good reason, too! This thing shouldn't exist."

Something disturbed her about what Takurasho had become. He was much less collected and calm, and more... needlessly selfish and rather intimidating (the selfishness of course being his desire for the skull). Whatever a vetala may be, it definitely didn't sound good. Did Takurasho know about the skull the entire time and sought to find it? Or was this merely a coincidence? Aranel didn't know. She also didn't have time to think on it. They needed to stop Jonathan and destroy the skull before Takurasho got to it, too.

She had a feeling, based on his speech and overall demeanor, he wouldn't do much good with it. No sir!

Also, that less-than-manly scream? Gold.

Perhaps after that, she would attempt to deliver yet another blow to the wounded Jonathan, her aim on his opposite arm.

((I assume you'd need to roll higher to dodge or take minimal damage, right?))

Pretty much. And good thing you did attack when you did. Changed the entire course of the fight. Shortened it a hella lot too. ))

"You.. know nothing about the powers of the Umbra!" Swiping a hand across the growing darkness as though to fortify his point by lashing out. "These have given me eternal life! They have rid me from the agonies of Hell!" The rage Jonathan felt was being converted into a fuel for his ability. The darker the room became the more a sort of motion could be felt. "The skull calls to my soul.. MY SOUL!! I am the rightful wielder of such greatness!!" The darkness was becoming sort of tangible, almost like a liquid much like each individual were being caressed by warm oceans.

So many against Jonathan and now with this additional probable foe he was feeling as though he were drowning in anguish, backed into a corner. What do most animals do when cornered? A last stand..

Jonathan howled as a sort of vigor began to wash over him. By this point. Everything was pitch black except the residual glow around Crow and the skull; separately.

A massive boom rumbled through the atmosphere of the room. Aranel successfully landed her strike! The blow was beyond devastating. The sound of his appendage being slammed inward rung throughout the halls of this large chamber. [Recovery nulled] "No." His voice whispered from wall to wall. The darkness around them no longer held its warm, liquid feel to the skin and senses. Aranel succeeded. His body slid across the floor in between Zaida and Crow. "No." Jonathan's face was pressed to the floor. His body constantly losing and reconstructing it's Umbra Form. Shifting a shoulder upward a bit and with a bit of weight shifting, Jonathan's beaten and battered body rolled over to face the darkened ceiling. Laying there, so still with breath as weak as death itself. [Assault on Jonathan nulled]

The body began to shed its blackened exterior like slowly flowing water. Jonathan's humane form becoming more and more visible in Crow's glow. Slowly the darkness began to recede for all to witness Jonathan's coming death laying in a pool of his Umbra. The damage retained; missing limb, punctured torso and a beaten in opposing arm. "Luxury.." Wheezing breaths inhaled and exhaled. "You call it a luxury." He cough up a sizable portion of his own blood that spilled over his left cheek and jawline. "It was all I had."

The Butler stepped from behind the unseen of Zaida and Aearion. "Perhaps, Sir, it was never your place to rule the world with an Iron Fist." Continuing to walk toward Jonathan's battered body although eyes remained focused on Takurashomo. "Maybe it was meant for another. -- Perhaps, Sir, it was never meant for anyone blessed with The Umbra." He stopped just beside Jonathan's body, eyes now on the two Umbra filled individuals. "Take this as a lesson to you. Power given to you may only take you but so far in your endeavors. Rely on it too much and.. well. You may end up like Master Jonathan." An aged chuckle crept passed old lips. Clearing his throat he then turned to Crow. "You, however. Mmm.. yes. Maybe you would have had better use of such greatness."

Jonathan's eyes watered with coming tears. "Why are you still alive..?" Spoke in dieing whispers. The Butler looked down at his former Master and pursed his lips together before never minding the question. "As for the skull." Looking back to Crow, then Takurashomo. "I believe that belongs to me." Extending a hand with open palm. "I need to put it and this creeton back where they belong."

Decisions and Actions!

Both Aranel and Takurasho have achieved a higher power. So long as the skull remains in tact so will there abilities. The Butler is a rather mysterious fellow whom Takurasho has possibly already picked up on whom this individual may truly be. Zaida's mission should still remain the same, but why would the offerer of such a crucial mission show face to retrieve the item himself?! So many twists and oddities... What decisions and actions will be made?

Crow’s pale face watched the shadow figure of a man run into a room, followed by a beast. In front of her, two figures. The crows that had vanished into the darkness seeped back into Crow’s form, from below, in the shape of shadows moving along the flooring.

Crow coarse boots moved to take a step forward, until Jonathan’s body stopped in front of her, the crystal illuminating them both as Crow’s cold gaze looks down upon the man, “I do not who you are, or what your purpose is, but you are weak.” Crow’s yellow eyes turned her pale face to the butler, soon turning away to face the skull, “I’d rather not be connected to something dead. Items of bone are easily broken.”

Crow’s dirtied and coarse sleeves cross across her chest, her head tilting up so that both of her eyes are visible with the faint glow from the crystal, “I don’t believe it does. Though if you can take it, go and do so.” Crow’s form kneels on one knee, her hand reaching into her dirtied robes, and pulling out an ordinary looking iron dagger. Holding it with the blade down, Crow’s hand lifts up and plunges the dagger into Jonathan’s neck, likely piercing the throat.

Aranel was yet again [mostly] correct in her concerns. Even as Takurasho, the vetala had been acting differently since the moment the treasure came into view, ignoring the brief squabble between her & Zaida where as he, too, would have joined Aearion in an attempt to keep the peace. His demeanor was one of uncharacteristic fury upon Jonathan's arrival, almost as if having another spiritual beast in his presence sparked a certain territorial instinct. Receiving the impressive power of the Umbra had brought about the ultimate psychological change. Although he'd known nothing of the skull before Zaida's mentioning it, it now seemed to have ensnared his desires, bringing about a darker side to his generally agreeable demeanor.

Even now, as Aranel appeared to deliver the final blow, Takurashomo regarded her as something other than the ally she'd been towards him. While Jonathan's power bled from his ethereal body the vetala eyed the woman with caution, as perhaps a lion might eye a tiger at a watering hole. She was an obstacle- a threat. His dismal skull swayed about to eye the others. The likable Aearion, who'd nearly sacrificed his life while acting as a distraction at the very beginning of their mission. The respectable Zaida, who- although being tasked with the one thing that could save them all & ultimately destroy Jonathan- had yet to utter a single complaint about the responsibility she was forced to burden. Aranel, the only one who'd remained by his side through the entire ordeal, even when facing impossible odds. The selflessness of his companions had been unending.

Nonetheless, his stance suggested he was considering grabbing the skull & attempting to make off with it. His eyes darted about, weighing each option tactically, seeming on the verge of springing into action. It was the reappearance of the mysterious butler that finally dissuaded him. Whatever his assumptions were of this austere character, he was clearly intimidated by him. The strange man's cryptic warnings of pride & greed, previously ignored, finally proved themselves as Takurashomo watched Jonathan's piteous demise. The beast shifted uncomfortably. Was he to share the same fate? His gluttony was out of control. The familiar rumble sounded in his throat as the butler extended his hand, requesting the skull, but the noise was somehow discontent this time.
Red eyes lowered submissively as the creature sat on its haunches. "I dare'nt touch it," Takurashomo rumbled lowly. His tone was defeated, almost pouting, like a child who's tantrum has finally been laid to rest. A big, dark, freaky child.

Why did she expect she'd do less damage this time? In a way she hoped she would, but there was a part of her that knew that she may just cause the other arm to fling off as well. While delivering the blow, she attempted not to focus on anything but that, and was far too distracted to feel any sort of emotion during except for maybe feeling nervous due to the chance of failure. What would happen if she did?

Aranel stood still once Jonathan collapsed and began his weak, sad display. She felt awful. It was different when he was a creature, but now that he appeared human once again, despite also being dead, she felt like a murderer. She might be a little bit too sensitive!

She dropped her weapons, which would likely dissapate into black mist and she'd be left empty-handed. Her own default tonfa hang at her waist, at least. Aranel brought her hands up to her face and looked at him, and then surveyed the expressions of everyone else. Did they think she was awful too? Her eyes welled up, but she kept quiet and continued to observe what happened next.

The girl looked to Takurasho with unease, even as he agreed to leave it be. She couldn't not feel bad for him, too, so the girl would walk over to the vetala and offer a hand to pat his back, the other remaining at her lips.

Finally, she uttered an apology, but only after Crow's attempt to shank him in the neck. "Does this count as dying twice...? Or does it not count at all since he's already dead?" Time for some SELF-REASSURANCE BABY.

Why does everything have to pass by so quickly? Aearion was astonished by all he saw here. Hopefully he could remember it all once he starts writing down the song about what happened here. It would be a mind-blowing one for sure. One about a ghostly audience, a power-hungry spirit, a witch appearing from a portal who's first action after coming out was slicing a dying man's throat and four unlikely people who fit their roles today perfectly.

When Aranel looked his way, Aearion would give an assuring grin and nod. The Mer could easily pick up how people felt by glancing at their face. He knew she was distressed by all of this, so Aearion took it upon himself to act self assured in her stead. He did have a strange look on him when Crow cut the man's throat. Did she even know why Jonathan had to die? Her reasons seemed strange to Aearion.

"I'm not sure what's supposed to 'count.' All I see is a dead abomination that should have died a long time ago." He couldn't help but quickly glance at the Vetala as he said 'abomination.'"I think it's safe to say no one really wants this skull. Look at it, it wouldn't even fit on a study. Best we get rid of it." He didn't specify to give it to the butler, though. Who knows, this might be yet another evil being who simply waited patiently for his chance at some Umbra goodness. Best let the others decide the skull's fate, as long as no one claimed it for his or herself.

The Butler's eyes did not even turn to give Jonathan a second look. Walking by knelt Crow the Butler grabbed the skull by one of its horns and raised it from its pedestal. Just when he did, Jonathan's body began to shed flesh like water, muscle tissue to decay and erode then bone to grow brittle and disintegrate to dust. "I applaud you Takurasho." Speaking as he examined the item. "One would be tempted to have such tremendous power at their finger tips, but you. Mn.. no, you had a voice of reason just when I thought you to be consumed by Umbra." Using the word Umbra in the context of a name this time around. "Zaida" Singling her out. "The Symbol I had requested that you place on this skull would not do as I said it would in the letter left to you. I did, however, need you alive and I was unsure just of how Jonathan would go about playing with his food." Refering to Aearion who was lucky enough to even be here alive after the incident in the ballroom. "I needed you to witness the events here today. To become aware. It will serve you and maybe your allies well in the future."

Seeing that the skull is as it should be, he turned to the two blessed with the gift. "I would allow you to retain those powers, but--" Raising a hand, the darkness bestowed upon the two was called back to the Butler's hand in two separate streams. "--perhaps another time. I'd rather not waste neutral souls just yet."

A loud *BANG!* erupted from the treasure chamber prior. The voice of a particular Gentleman broke lucid atmosphere. "BE CAREFUL!" Followed by a quick "Sorry, Sire."

The Butler seemed to give peculiar acknowledgement by heaving a sigh. "Looks like I must take my leave. May Umbra watch over you all." Should there have been any questions imposed to him during his monologue, they were disregarded. With skull in hand the Butler stepped into the pedestal's shadow and sunk into it. He was gone.

A few minutes had gone by; giving ample time for the group to regain themselves before the silhouette of a man in a suit stood in the doorway. "Ah. You're all alive and--" Eyeing the pale female in the strange attire -- Crow. "-- With new friend. I can possibly use another hand on the job, especially with this new job I have." The Gentleman reached into his overcoat to withdraw a note. "Aearion, Zaida, Aranel, Takurasho and.. mmm.. I don't know the new miss' name yet. Nevertheless! Someone take this note so I may finish watching these buffoons to make sure they don't drop any of the money. Or pocket it, rather. HmHmHm! I will sort out your pay by tomorrow's eve. Rest! Eat and sleep. I will have The Lady arrange rooms for you all! If you wish to opt out of this next mission, just, well. Don't show up! HmHmHm!"

So their infamous and mysterious employer finally makes his appearance after a job well done. A rather jolly fellow indeed. A question lumbered over the curious sure enough, why DID The Gentleman only just now make an appearance. The note read as follows:

'"Congratulations on completing my task. Your rewards will be handsome indeed. As for the next assignment you are about to undertake, you will be traveling to the outskirts of civilization to one of the underdeveloped nations. They have refused thus far the advances of technology, preferring to harvest their fruits and vegetables by hand rather than through the more efficient steam mechanisms. However we cannot force them to abide by our technologies so they are left be. There is however a man of interest I would like interrogated. He is very militant person, but there is information he is in possession of that I would like an ear in. There is word that this underdeveloped nation may be plotting against our more advanced cities. Although they use mere swords and primal methods of attacking, they are more effective than presumed by just sight. I want to know everything he knows. You have my permission to retrieve the information however you see fit. Bundle up, I hear it's winter there."

Signed,
The Gentleman'

[Once everyone's posted after this one. I will fast forward to a rest point if you'd like so you can have a moment of subtle RP. Get your character's to know one another or I can fast forward to already place you all in the area. Your choice(s)]

Zaida looked annoyed, her finger dipped in the ink. She pursed her lips and tried her best to erase her distaste for this moment from her eyes. She corked the ink again and looked behind to her to Aearion, moving to toss it back to him. If he made no move to catch it, she would keep it in her hand.

She turned away from the group, to make sure they shouldn't see her and she removed her hijab for a moment, fixing her hair and returning it to its covering. She kept her back to them, losing herself in thoughts. It all seemed... anti-climactic, but she never liked fights herself. Perhaps this was a good thing.

Takurashomo was mildly surprised by the reassuring pat on his back. Granted, the expression was likely hard to note seeing as his face was a giant skull. Had it not been for the Umbra they shared, her hand would have passed through him, which would explain in part why he was so drawn to obtaining the power for himself.
Ghosts are fine! They're not tangible, they can't harm you.
Just rustle some stuff or knock something over, but they can't hurt you.
Aranel's words from their first meeting. The Umbra had given him a means of interacting with both physical & spiritual realms outside of puppeteering a corpse- one could surely understand this to be a desirable release. But the respect with which he regarded the butler... almost fearful... whoever {or whatever} Takurashomo believed this individual to be, even such a power was not worth taking from him.

Another guttural rumble {one could almost decipher it to be a "Hmmm"} from the vetala served as a reply to Aearion's remark. He attempted to remain indifferent, but in truth he was tempted all the way up until the moment the butler reclaimed the Umbra from him. The black flames would consume his countenance yet again, lasting but a moment, & upon disappearing revealed his form had reverted to its original two-eyed, hornless, short-fanged self. Still dismal, but a little less so. He shook himself in the same manner a canine rids itself of water as though shaking off the last of the shadowy blessing. It was in this moment the bang from the treasure room reached them. "My body!" the creature growled, tone saturated with concern. It would dart from the room, bounding down the hallway, likely scaring the Gentleman's crew half to death as he reclaimed his vessel.

Moments later, Takurasho would calmly reenter the pedestal room. His skeletal fingers delicately plucked lint from the sleeve of his jacket. His cool composure was betrayed by his slightly sheepish tone. "I... ah... believe I may have gotten a little ahead of myself," the austere man admitted. "My apologies." Crow was given a confused look, then greeted with a curt nod & a short "How do you do". He averted his eyes as Zaida readjusted her cover, suggesting he acknowledged some of her cultural habits, which {coupled with the fact that he'd said her name earlier when it was never given} may be a bit odd in itself. However, this "man" had clearly proven himself to be a little out of the ordinary already.
The Gentleman was greeted politely. Takurasho thanked him for the offer of an arranged room, assuring he'd be available for the next assignment... once payment for this fiasco was made, of course. Being the nearest to the door, he would accept the note from their employer as instructed before turning to read it aloud for all to hear.

Crow’s dagger was pierced through Jonathan’s neck, the blade’s tip touching the flooring beneath his deteriorating head. Crow’s gaze held steady, seemingly unfazed, as her hand lifted the blade out of the man’s neck, the blade seeped in blood. Crow stands up from her kneeling position, her lips moving, but without sound. Then she slid her pale thumb across the flat of the dagger, “Should you have known, now, or if you could…you would have chosen to cease living far, far away from me. As your body turns to dust, your soul is worth more to me, than to you.” Crow’s thumb slides across the blood stained dagger, strange runes that were colored a deep red, appearing upon the blade. Crow’s hand shakes her thumb in the air, letting the excess blood splattering against the floor.

Crow’s hands move to place the dagger back inside her robes, her indifferent facial features drifting between those present. The dip of her tri-cornered hat was settled in front of her right eye again, a faint glow emitting from her crystal, still settled on her belt. Her head turned to face Takurasho, “I’d rather not speak of myself to you, puppet. Or, puppeteer, whoever you may be.” Crow’s gaze turns sharp, but her face still appears neutral in emotion. As the Gentlemen enters the room, his words draw Crow’s attention, her thin eyebrows lifting subtly as she regards him.

Crow’s hands lift up to adjust her hat, her white locks shifting subtly, “I will come.” And so she did.

{I would love to have intermission scenes, especially on a flying ship!}

Aearion grabbed the bag of ink once Zaida threw it."You managed to salvage some? Excellent!" Once he stored his ink away, he would finally look upon their strange contractor. The Gentleman. His sight did not exactly encourage Aearion. During his speech, all he could think of was why he appeared right now and how. Was he standing by the gates all along, waiting for the party to succeed? If so, he was a clever man to say the least.

At Takurasho's return, the Mer didn't know what to think anymore. Was he still the man he knew, or was he never there to begin with? By the Vetala's speech earlier, it would seem Takurasho is but an empty husk, and this change of demeanor was but a ploy. Still, he couldn't help but respect the Vetala a little. No one could have stopped him if he decided to keep the skull for himself. Takurashomo was probably aware of this as well, yet he didn't go for the prize. That deserved some form of trust, at least.

It was the witch who confused him the most though."Huh, I bet you're tons of fun at celebrations." The Mer mused upon her reaction to Takurasho. As he read the letter out loud, the Mer got excited, though. Finally, a chance to put his charismatic skills to the test!

Aranel had mixed feelings about the abilities as they were inevitably going to be dismissed from the two. She didn't mind having ease of movement in darker spaces, but the Umbra Weapons were powerful - very powerful. Frightening, even. She felt guilty for crippling and practically murdering the ghost of someone. Imagine if that person was living! She'd never be able to live with herself. Still, she wondered if it was alright out of self defense? It wasn't as if she liked doing it after all.

Next time, she doubted she'd be as precise. Or as powerful (that was a given!).

Aearion reassured her, though, and it was nice. That minor relief was interrupted by the noises outside the room and by Takurasho's sudden fleeing to retrieve his body. Aranel simply stood in surprise, just... watching silently as everyone entered the room.

Another task to complete? Although she, too, wondered about payment, she wondered about going along with this. In a way she felt like she didn't have a choice, since it had already been told to her and for some reason that made her obligated. Especially if she knew what was going on and left the others to do it - what if something happened to them she could've helped prevent? That would destroy her, too! Auuugh she had to go. Yep. Really it wasn't all bad. She'd probably go anyway. This task seemed less violent and frightening than the one they just completed!

The Gentleman was an odd soul, Aranel decided. She wasn't sure what he was doing with himself. Was he waiting nearby for them? Why didn't he seek out a new party to complete that task instead of returning to this party? It probably would have been more efficient. In the end, Aranel decided that he probably just liked them or favored them. Maybe he did have another party, but had a LOT of tasks to hand out. It would make sense, at least to her!

Takurasho steeled himself against the wary looks the group greeted him with as he'd reentered the room. It was not the first time he'd been regarded in such a way, & he knew it certainly would not be his last. Only Crow's statement received a remark: "A rhetorical question, I assure you," he'd reply indifferently as his mild gaze met her sharp stare, a bemused smile hinted in his eyes, "used in the place of a greeting. I cannot say I actually care how you're doing." He seemed uncaring of the unease, properly reading off the letter as though nothing had happened, the proposition leaving him in a thoughtful state. At least, thoughtfulness was the masquerade he chose to display. The peculiar character was actually thinking about how fortunate he was, considering the last time he'd revealed himself, he'd been met with the torches & pitchforks of an angry mob. Granted, the group had access to neither at the moment. But stares accusing him of his mendacious behavior? He could handle that.

A hesitant smile broke his solid demeanor as the others showed interest in the next assignment. "Excellent, then I'll see you all aboard our... questionable employer's vessel." Yes, he too wondered just how exactly the Gentleman had known the coast was clear. He certainly didn't express it before now, while he was present, & likely wouldn't display his thoughts unless later asked. After all, he had greater concerns- well, one, actually: getting paid! Takurasho would incline his head in a brief bow, bidding them adieu, upholding his charade of grandiose. A gentlemanly attitude was associated with nobility, nobility associated with wealth, so it was an attitude the vetala had adapted a taste for long ago. Unusual man then turned on a heel & exited the room at a languid pace. The hand that wasn't carrying his doctor's bag slipped into his coat pocket- ah yes, the single coin was still there. The ghost of a grin twitched at the corners of his lips as he departed. {End of Takurasho posts}

Crow's hat turns with her head, her sharp gaze settling on the Mer. Her lips formed a slight frown, her arms moving to cross in front of her robes, "Speculate all you wish. Your thoughts will come to naught." Crow's shoulders rise, her tone becoming indifferent near the end of her words.

Crow's arms unfold and she turns to walk out of the room, before she stops and shoots a glance towards Takurasho, her pale face regarding him. "Good. The less some puppeteer cares for me, the less I wish turn its shell into something more suitable." A certain flare in Crow's trailed off into indifference, her pale gaze turning towards the door, and her coarse shoes would move against the flooring, Crow's form soon leaving the room without further pleasantries. {End of Crow posts.}

Aearion couldn't help but roll his eyes."I take my words back. You are the freakin' embodiment of 'fun'." The Mer said in an annoyed manner as he stretched his arms before grabbing a piece of paper from in between his belt and his pouch of what little ink was left over. This witch was even less talkative than Zaida!"I'll meet up with you jolly people in our employer's vessel... oh boy."

As he walked away, he picked up his sword that Aranel had so gentle thrown away and put it back in his belt. But before leaving, though, he couldn't help but check the ballroom and the basement just to make sure there was no sign of Jonathan's victims. Their release was more important than the amount of gold he'd receive. It was unlike Aearion, but even he felt pity for the dead. Afterwards he returned to writing. Aearion wanted to get this song done before reaching the aircraft.(That's all folks!)

The extraction from Jonathan's manor was a successful one. Along with pillaging any and all valuables from its depths and corridors. What of the souls that were bound to the manor? Those souls of the individuals Jonathan snared haplessly faded away into eternal rest knowing their prisoner and torturer was 'no more'. The only inkling of their departure was a small hymn that rung so subtly in the atmosphere that one would have to almost focus to hear it.

Some hours had passed after the group members exchanged words before they were escorted onto The Gentleman's flagship. Each member was given a room of their own. "My guests of honor!" The Gentleman exclaimed this so. "You have free roam of my ship until landing in the northern country! Make good use of it! Room service, entertainment, anything you like is ease of access to you on this vessel!" Beside The Gentleman as they stood upon the ship's deck was The Lady. The propellers were rotating at an idle pace although keeping the aircraft levitating above a rather busy industrial, steam driven city. In her raspy, almost self impose demanding of a tone did she introduce herself. "Good 'Eve." She lowered herself just slight with a head tilt in a curtsy of greeting.

"You may refer to me as The Lady, or perhaps Madame. Whatever suits your fancy." Her voice was only slightly elevated at the time as to speak over the heavy whirls of the propellers. "I welcome you aboard our ship, formally. You have my gratitude for being brave to accept the missions my... husband, offers to you." The way she used the word husband was rather.. off-putish, but seemed to be ignored as he stood at her side still with a jolly smile on his face. "As far as directions go, any and all stairwells lead to the deck and can be found at the end of each corridor you walk down, making getting lost extremely difficult. We are currently on the top deck, feel free to wander about, get a few, fresh air, whatever suits by you. First floor..-- " Using her jade embroidered fan to direct its end to the floor. "--Contains your dining area. Food, beverages, soft music from our wonderfully orchestrated musicians playing some very fine classics from all ends of the globe. Anything and everything tranquil. Unwind your toils there."

A sudden look of annoyance overtook The Lady's expression. "Dear. Must we do this out here? The propellers are rather noisome." The Gentleman still with his jolly look chuckled. "Darling, please do continue. I'm not so fond of tours." The Lady's eye rolled in irritation. Left arm dropping to her side while her right grips at the upper arm; the jade fan being held by the left hand, she continued.

"The second floor. Rather sparsely allocated tables.--" A glance shot up from the group toward one of the propellers. It was very much obvious she was a horribly tempered woman. Pivoting on the heel of her shoe she swung the door open that was behind them and proceeded down the stairs to disappear in with the passengers. The Gentleman turned to watch her descent, hand holding onto his hat to keep it from flying away. Under all the commotion from the propellers she muttered still smiling. "Maybe inside was a better choice for doing this." He shrugged turning back to the group. "Ah well! Make the most out of your stay aboard the ship! Explore! Have fun and your payments will be located in each of your suites, Ta-Ta!" Soon after he too descended down into the ship's hull, humming to himself.

The second floor, should the group find themselves going into the floor will fine a single corridor that led from one end of the ship with doors leading into suites. Just as The Gentleman said their payments would be found inside, however placed on the dresser immediately on the left of entry just in front of the mirror a small sac of gold coins worth 9,000 Zenny per pouch; their rooms are identified by signs placed on the handle with each of their name's on it, including Crow's. Each suite is also provided with a deck which juts just slightly out of the side of the ship to allow for sight seeing from the comfort of one's own room into the valleys below.

The third floor was a more sinful area for those that dare delve into self-imposed corruption. Gambling, flirtatious waitresses, open bar at the alcohol vendor. All sorts of characters can be found here in this hazy atmosphere of cigarette poisoned by the alluring scent of liquors for those that drink.

Immediately after the Lady & the Gentleman had provided the group with the ship's general layout, Takurasho would descend to the second floor in search of his designated suite. He would count his coin, inspect his personal effects for signs of wear & tear, then proceed to clean himself up. His thoughts were heavy as he bathed. He was certain to regard both of their hosts with the utmost respect- the Lady especially, because somehow he suspected she played a greater part than "the simple housewife". They were an industrious couple, to be sure. So why make their living off of mismatched "adventurers-turned-treasure-hunters"? The vetala couldn't help but suspect a greater ploy. That eerie tune their employer hummed... he'd heard it reverberating faintly through the haunted mansion as they departed. Did it mean something, or was he simply being over-analytic? The latter wasn't uncommon for him. He'd think himself into a migraine if he didn't stop. A single hand rose to assuage his temple, rubbing as though he'd already given himself a headache, & with an agitated sigh he sunk beneath the water, stirring up bubbles with an irritated exhale.

Takurasho would later be seen on the first floor. He sat on a sectional in one of the room's corners, a small glass of scotch on the table before him & a book in his hand {Dungeoneer: Hope you don't mind my interpretation of this scene, if the sectional seems inappropriate for the ship let me know & I'll edit it }. The man had chosen to remain in very casual satin attire after his bath: black pajama pants & a white bathrobe, the latter of which remained untied in a leisurely manner. It may all seem a bit surreal to those now aware of his true nature. He displayed no unsettling qualities for the moment, save for his deathly pale skin of course. Grey eyes preoccupied themselves with reading.

Aearion had a look on his face as if he didn't want to be here. Mer don't belong in the air! They're masters of the deep oceans and the treacherous lands. The limited freedom of the sky was something Aearion feared, though mostly he just had a fear of heights. He kept his wits about him, though, and didn't show his fear. Not in front of his employer and his ... wife? He wasn't sure just what their relationship was, but somehow Aearion had the feeling this wasn't a traditional wedding.

He payed close attention to what was being said during the tour, though he had a difficulty not paying attention to the Lady's ... assets. Don't blame him, he's but a man."I thank you for the tour. I'll go exploring once I soaked in some water for a bit." He smiled at the Gentleman before taking his leave. The smile left him soon, though. Aearion had picked up on the peculiar humming of The Gentleman as well. He recognized it from back in the Whittaker mansion. When it came to song and music, this Mer easily picked up on things.

As soon as he got in his room, he couldn't help but cheer out loud as he found his payment. This was certainly more than he would make singing songs in a bar all night! This required a celebration! Perhaps he would go to the bar topside later. But first: a bath!

As he soaked himself for a while, instinctively his legs had been transformed to a large purple finned fish tail. He felt more comfortable in this form, as if he was home again.

Soon when he was done, he'd find himself some new clothing as well. In the meantime his adventuring outfit could soak in his bath. But before he got dressed, he moved a bunch of couches and closets in front of the window that gave the beautiful panorama, blocking it entirely. He was REALLY afraid of heights.

From one of the closets that was stacked on top of a couch, he grabbed some clothing. He tried to look for a simple outfit, but the Lady and the Gentleman really seemed like their outfits to be fancy. The Mer decided to go along with it. He'd dress up more fancy than he normally would. He'd take black silken trousers, a bright green silken shirt, a dead fox to hang around his neck and a dark fur coat. Aearion always wanted a coat around him. To top it off he'd wear a fancy hat with a ridiculously large pheasant feather tied to it. If the Mer would actually wear shoes and look less... blue and purple, he might actually look like a rich man, instead of just silly.

Without a care in the world, the Mer swaggered through the hallway, heading for the dining area.

Crow’s gaze follows the fan, and she moves towards the stairs. Her hands pick up the lower parts of her robes as she moves to the first floor, the dining area. Though, it is more likely that she arrives first, as she did not leave to change her clothing. Crow’s form appears in the dining area, her pale face turning about to take in the scenery. The musicians were playing but Crow’s form moves to sit down at the nearest table. Her right hand lifts up and brushes against her forehead, letting it trail off. Then her hands move to lift her tri-cornered hat off of her head, her head shaking lightly, the even whiter locks of hair still short, but now spread out. Crow’s hands place the hat upon the table, her left hand lifting to wave at the closest waiter. “Water. Seven glasses of it, and a plate of seasoned frogs’ legs.”

As the waiter left to fulfill the strange order, Crow’s hands dig out an black-ink, quill pen, and a small black tome. She opens the tome up and starts to write in it, soon drawing a picture of a man next to the text, with a slash to his side, a decaying form being drawn as well. Crow’s pen was lifted to press the quill against her cheek, her pale gaze lifting up for a brief moment, before turning back downward, her writing continuing.