{Ha!! I'll never look at Tak the same way again after those images!}
Another "woe is me" sigh escaped his thin lips when Aranel insisted on looking outside. What a strange, strange girl... & that thought was coming from a vetala! But his brows relaxed & his gaze suggested a small- if not poorly veiled- sense of amusement. The expression was short lived. Those pale eyes widened ever so slightly, the small hairs on his arms rising. He had yet to actually see the Butler, but he sensed his presence, & he was ultimately unnerved. He'd look up sharply as Aearion approached but relaxed when he acknowledged who he was. Takurasho mirrored the almost wry smile the Mer displayed. He'd seen him headed towards Crow as he himself moved towards Aranel, & judging from the bard's expression, the conversation had not been particularly pleasant. "'Either'?" Takurasho repeated. "Are you suggesting that you yourself are unable to contain the contents of your stomach, companion? I've never seen a Mer produce bile, & I'd prefer to never experience it..." he eyed the other warily.
As soon as the Butler's presence was mentioned Takurasho immediately rose to his feet. He peered past Aearion, frowning deeply at the sight of the butler, hissing something under his breath. His demeanor was that of one who's just smelled something particularly foul. "No," he muttered darkly in response to Aranel, sight locked on to the Butler. "He is certainly no ghost. Regardless of his prior... assistance..." the man spat the word, as though uncomfortable to admit that he'd accepted the Butler's help before, "... he should be treated with caution. That entity is not to be trusted." Should the Butler glance their way he'd shift uncomfortably. His stare would not break away until Clint approached with his awkward greeting, at which time his gaze would shift towards him questioningly. For a moment he'd eye the man with distaste {though this was likely just due to the fact that the Butler's appearance had him shaken}. He seemed under the impression, at first, that the other was a random drunk who had stumbled up from the third floor. After a moment of scrutiny however, he greeted him. "You're Clint, correct?" he questioned. "The next addition to our party?"
Another "woe is me" sigh escaped his thin lips when Aranel insisted on looking outside. What a strange, strange girl... & that thought was coming from a vetala! But his brows relaxed & his gaze suggested a small- if not poorly veiled- sense of amusement. The expression was short lived. Those pale eyes widened ever so slightly, the small hairs on his arms rising. He had yet to actually see the Butler, but he sensed his presence, & he was ultimately unnerved. He'd look up sharply as Aearion approached but relaxed when he acknowledged who he was. Takurasho mirrored the almost wry smile the Mer displayed. He'd seen him headed towards Crow as he himself moved towards Aranel, & judging from the bard's expression, the conversation had not been particularly pleasant. "'Either'?" Takurasho repeated. "Are you suggesting that you yourself are unable to contain the contents of your stomach, companion? I've never seen a Mer produce bile, & I'd prefer to never experience it..." he eyed the other warily.
As soon as the Butler's presence was mentioned Takurasho immediately rose to his feet. He peered past Aearion, frowning deeply at the sight of the butler, hissing something under his breath. His demeanor was that of one who's just smelled something particularly foul. "No," he muttered darkly in response to Aranel, sight locked on to the Butler. "He is certainly no ghost. Regardless of his prior... assistance..." the man spat the word, as though uncomfortable to admit that he'd accepted the Butler's help before, "... he should be treated with caution. That entity is not to be trusted." Should the Butler glance their way he'd shift uncomfortably. His stare would not break away until Clint approached with his awkward greeting, at which time his gaze would shift towards him questioningly. For a moment he'd eye the man with distaste {though this was likely just due to the fact that the Butler's appearance had him shaken}. He seemed under the impression, at first, that the other was a random drunk who had stumbled up from the third floor. After a moment of scrutiny however, he greeted him. "You're Clint, correct?" he questioned. "The next addition to our party?"
Zaida gathered up her skirts and came out, her head held high. She slipped into where everyone else was and studied their faces. A wary person to begin with, she trusted what the butler said to be true.
After all, it wasn't a surprising truth. She didn't greet anyone, she didn't speak, simply sat down. She folded her hands on her lap and looked at all the people in the room, but she made sure to keep her expression dreamy and thoughtful. She never looked directly anyone as her eyes slowly wandered the room, looking at them through peripherals. She took note of where everyone was, where they were standing, who they were interacting with.
Finally satisfied, she looked to see who she could badger food from - she hoped they were ready for someone like her. She couldn't eat meat here (and suspected it would be a long time coming), so she would have to eat a lot of vegetable protein. She mulled over her options, listening.
After all, it wasn't a surprising truth. She didn't greet anyone, she didn't speak, simply sat down. She folded her hands on her lap and looked at all the people in the room, but she made sure to keep her expression dreamy and thoughtful. She never looked directly anyone as her eyes slowly wandered the room, looking at them through peripherals. She took note of where everyone was, where they were standing, who they were interacting with.
Finally satisfied, she looked to see who she could badger food from - she hoped they were ready for someone like her. She couldn't eat meat here (and suspected it would be a long time coming), so she would have to eat a lot of vegetable protein. She mulled over her options, listening.
"You keep the company of those who you plan to interact so little with for the sake of your own cause? Devious." The smile to his lips was a weak one as would be fitting for an elderly man, per the Butler's appearance. In the same strain he did in fact pass a look toward the group, but in particular to Takurasho. There was a unique interest he held for each one of them and all for very much varying reasons. From the table he rose. "Then, if you will excuse me, Miss Crow." In the same motion of rising to a stand did a hand reach into his vest to pull out a note folded so near perfectly in a square. Should the note be read it's words written were thus:
"Black as sand."
And so the mysterious individual took leave in the constant changing of people and their positions.
[Fast-forwarding]
Hours had gone by since the last appearance of the infamous Butler at Crow's table. The patrons of the ship continued their mingling as rich folk do, as the dinner bell was struck over the P.A system and its announcement was made the buffet was open for all to enjoy as they pleased before the sun set beyond the horizon they sailed the sky toward. From bright blue to a golden tint until finally black with miniature lanterns strewn about the frontier above; this was the way of the sky. The moon so large and pale reaching for those on the balconies of the ship made it feel so close yet intangible. With the sun falling behind the construct of the other side of the planet many of the active patrons whether drunk or sober found themselves in the warmth of their beds, although very few remained out in the halls at night. The food services were still open; as should be for a luxury ship, as were the bars. The music entertainment which controlled the majority of the moods to the listeners took to rest until another day.
The halls were dimly lit as to not keep any nocturnals from going astray.
What of the group? Where might they find themselves in the after hours? Sleep was an option, but was it really the best of choices
"Black as sand."
And so the mysterious individual took leave in the constant changing of people and their positions.
[Fast-forwarding]
Hours had gone by since the last appearance of the infamous Butler at Crow's table. The patrons of the ship continued their mingling as rich folk do, as the dinner bell was struck over the P.A system and its announcement was made the buffet was open for all to enjoy as they pleased before the sun set beyond the horizon they sailed the sky toward. From bright blue to a golden tint until finally black with miniature lanterns strewn about the frontier above; this was the way of the sky. The moon so large and pale reaching for those on the balconies of the ship made it feel so close yet intangible. With the sun falling behind the construct of the other side of the planet many of the active patrons whether drunk or sober found themselves in the warmth of their beds, although very few remained out in the halls at night. The food services were still open; as should be for a luxury ship, as were the bars. The music entertainment which controlled the majority of the moods to the listeners took to rest until another day.
The halls were dimly lit as to not keep any nocturnals from going astray.
What of the group? Where might they find themselves in the after hours? Sleep was an option, but was it really the best of choices
((Kawaii-desu Takurasho-sama uguu~ .... I'm not doing that again.))
Aearion couldn't help but laugh a little."Perhaps we don't produce bile, but I certainly feel queasy in my gut, friend. We Mer were meant for the depths. We don't belong in the air." He admitted. Then attention turned back to the Butler."I'm not sure what he is, but I know one thing for sure, he's got the skull, and judging from what it did to Jonathan, we best be wary if he decides he hasn't got enough power already." He said, knowing his two companions probably thought the same thing.
When Clint came to introduce himself, Aearion opened his arms in a welcoming way."Bonjour, mon ami!" He replied."You're the new meat, I see. Welcome aboard!"
A few hours later *insert Seinfeld transition music here*
Either having talked to Clint for a while or having mingled with the guests on the third floor, having tasted a couple of alcoholic beverages simple taverns don't sell. But eventually he'd be in the hallway, fiddling along on his lute on his own. He'd finally have traded that ridiculous rich man's outfit for his regular adventurer's gear (thank the heavens). He did still keep the fox on his belt, though. He sat on a chair, simply playing some random tunes and taking notes. The Mer couldn't sleep because of the 0.00001% chance he might fall out of bed and through the window to plummet down to his death.
Aearion couldn't help but laugh a little."Perhaps we don't produce bile, but I certainly feel queasy in my gut, friend. We Mer were meant for the depths. We don't belong in the air." He admitted. Then attention turned back to the Butler."I'm not sure what he is, but I know one thing for sure, he's got the skull, and judging from what it did to Jonathan, we best be wary if he decides he hasn't got enough power already." He said, knowing his two companions probably thought the same thing.
When Clint came to introduce himself, Aearion opened his arms in a welcoming way."Bonjour, mon ami!" He replied."You're the new meat, I see. Welcome aboard!"
A few hours later *insert Seinfeld transition music here*
Either having talked to Clint for a while or having mingled with the guests on the third floor, having tasted a couple of alcoholic beverages simple taverns don't sell. But eventually he'd be in the hallway, fiddling along on his lute on his own. He'd finally have traded that ridiculous rich man's outfit for his regular adventurer's gear (thank the heavens). He did still keep the fox on his belt, though. He sat on a chair, simply playing some random tunes and taking notes. The Mer couldn't sleep because of the 0.00001% chance he might fall out of bed and through the window to plummet down to his death.
{Dear diary, perhaps Aearion Senpai will notice me today...
...yeah, me neither}
"Hmm..." came the uncharacteristically unnerved reply, "...I believe the skull is one of the least of his capabilities. I-" it was then that Takurasho would meet the Butler's gaze, at which point he physically recoiled a step back, as though instinctively shying away from an unseen threat. The Butler had a kind- almost grandfatherly- appearance to him. Their vetala companion, however, seemed under an entirely different opinion. "If you would all excuse me," was all he uttered, heading to his room directly after pardoning himself. He'd seen Zaida enter the dining room so there was no need to check on her.
No doubt the man would participate in a second bath later, cleansing himself of the Butler's stare {as well as Aranel's bile}. Afterwards he would again don the satin pajamas- black bottoms & white bathrobe- & return to his reading until sun set. Little did his companions know that he did not require sleep. He'd simply preoccupy himself, keeping to his room, rising only in the later hours of the night to make a quiet exit. He ascended the spiral staircase at the far end of their hall so as to bypass the main rooms. His bare feet made no sound, pale figure drifting through the ship like a wayward ghost, making his way to the Gentleman's cabin. Takurasho would glance briefly over his shoulder before rapping on the door.
...yeah, me neither}
"Hmm..." came the uncharacteristically unnerved reply, "...I believe the skull is one of the least of his capabilities. I-" it was then that Takurasho would meet the Butler's gaze, at which point he physically recoiled a step back, as though instinctively shying away from an unseen threat. The Butler had a kind- almost grandfatherly- appearance to him. Their vetala companion, however, seemed under an entirely different opinion. "If you would all excuse me," was all he uttered, heading to his room directly after pardoning himself. He'd seen Zaida enter the dining room so there was no need to check on her.
No doubt the man would participate in a second bath later, cleansing himself of the Butler's stare {as well as Aranel's bile}. Afterwards he would again don the satin pajamas- black bottoms & white bathrobe- & return to his reading until sun set. Little did his companions know that he did not require sleep. He'd simply preoccupy himself, keeping to his room, rising only in the later hours of the night to make a quiet exit. He ascended the spiral staircase at the far end of their hall so as to bypass the main rooms. His bare feet made no sound, pale figure drifting through the ship like a wayward ghost, making his way to the Gentleman's cabin. Takurasho would glance briefly over his shoulder before rapping on the door.
((Dear lord you guys 
))
Clint was given a smile and a kind, "Hello," though her attention was completely stolen otherwise by the conversation about the Butler. Even if no one was talking, she was staring at the man until he'd leave. Of course, Aranel could only stare in wonder, curious as to what he was exactly and what he wanted. He didn't seem to be hostile since he helped them out such a great deal, though, so she felt other than his mysterious appearances, there was nothing to worry about concerning the fellow.
Later that night, Aranel found herself lying awake in bed, thoughts scattered throughout her head in such a mess that she couldn't even keep her eyes closed. Instead of attempting further, she'd get up and leave the room. While Takurasho was busy trying to speak with The Gentleman, the young woman was trying to find the Butler. He was the source of her jumbled thoughts after all! She had many questions to ask him now that things were calm and there was time.
))Clint was given a smile and a kind, "Hello," though her attention was completely stolen otherwise by the conversation about the Butler. Even if no one was talking, she was staring at the man until he'd leave. Of course, Aranel could only stare in wonder, curious as to what he was exactly and what he wanted. He didn't seem to be hostile since he helped them out such a great deal, though, so she felt other than his mysterious appearances, there was nothing to worry about concerning the fellow.
Later that night, Aranel found herself lying awake in bed, thoughts scattered throughout her head in such a mess that she couldn't even keep her eyes closed. Instead of attempting further, she'd get up and leave the room. While Takurasho was busy trying to speak with The Gentleman, the young woman was trying to find the Butler. He was the source of her jumbled thoughts after all! She had many questions to ask him now that things were calm and there was time.
Zaida chose to wander once things had gotten dark. She had eaten a simple meal, only enough to satiate her hunger. She had spent the rest of the evening avoiding the others. "Exploring" is what she would call it, but instead she had found a corner and sat and read. She was lucky to be able to read and she relished every moment she could with a book in her lap.
After dark had hit, she had gotten up to actually explore. Eventually she found where Aearion was and looked at him for a moment, her plain book clutched in her hands. After dark, with nothing to hide from (like people), she looked younger, her brows no longer knit, her frown no longer stretching her lips downward. Instead she had an actual wondering look on her features.
She inspected his instrument from where she was, looking at it. She cocked her head to the side as she thought about it, and the sounds it made. It seemed that, late at night, Zaida was a curious young woman rather than an angry hard-ass.
After dark had hit, she had gotten up to actually explore. Eventually she found where Aearion was and looked at him for a moment, her plain book clutched in her hands. After dark, with nothing to hide from (like people), she looked younger, her brows no longer knit, her frown no longer stretching her lips downward. Instead she had an actual wondering look on her features.
She inspected his instrument from where she was, looking at it. She cocked her head to the side as she thought about it, and the sounds it made. It seemed that, late at night, Zaida was a curious young woman rather than an angry hard-ass.
(('Dear diary, I was yet again too embarrassed to speak my crush, Takurasho-kun. He doesn't know I love him. I'm such a baka :c' - okay, that's the ACTUAL last time I'm acting like an animoe))
Aearion didn't notice his companion at first. Then he noticed a presence and look genuinely surprised to see Zaida here."Oh, hello miss Zaida." He smiled at her."Can't sleep either, can you? This height will be the death of me, I swear." He sighed a little, as he leaned his head back, though his eyes kept looking at her.
He strummed a few more notes on his lute. He came to the realization he hardly knew anything about Zaida. In fact, if The Gentleman didn't say her name, he'd not even know."You a music enthusiast?" He asked during his strumming.
Aearion didn't notice his companion at first. Then he noticed a presence and look genuinely surprised to see Zaida here."Oh, hello miss Zaida." He smiled at her."Can't sleep either, can you? This height will be the death of me, I swear." He sighed a little, as he leaned his head back, though his eyes kept looking at her.
He strummed a few more notes on his lute. He came to the realization he hardly knew anything about Zaida. In fact, if The Gentleman didn't say her name, he'd not even know."You a music enthusiast?" He asked during his strumming.
You guys crack me up. Lol. ))
Writing Clint out in the next post. Apparently ended up with food poisoning recently. ))
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* Oh the sound of company! Or perhaps a very polite intruder. A *CLICK* sounded the door being unlocked. The door creaked open to unveil the comfort of the Captain's Suite. The Lady, being the one whom opened the door for their guest dressed in a rather loosely tired night gown. "Takurasho." She spoke his name in welcome allowing him entry, but nothing more; her business was not so much with him so soon.
Seated on the bed also in a loosely tied a silk burgundy robe of sorts to suit comfortability was The Gentleman. "Ah, welcome my dear boy!" Exclaiming in modest joy with arms raised to give distant welcoming to. "Enjoying your luxury flight, hm?" His tone seemed to dwindle from joyous to more business like. The Lady remained at the door briefly after Takurasho's self-timed entry before closing the door behind him and pacing herself over to the window on the opposite side of the room. With those delicate hands she brushed aside the curtains to bring upon her eyes a view of the passing clouds, but there was something else. Something that caught her eye particularly specific.
"What can I do to help you, my boy?" A meeting between employer and employee at this late an hour was never; or rarely ever, to pop open a bottle of champagne and sing hearty tunes about their youths. The Gentleman's eyes remained locked on Takurasho.
Aranel.. sweet and curious Aranel. Seeking the one thing warned to steer away from the most? Bold. The Butler, should she wander about enough, could be found on the top deck just in front of the door leading up to. Such a beautiful night, but why was a curious person such as himself gazing in awe at the sky?
"Black as sand, strewn across the water's delicate surface. Every grain of sand not left out to the water's conscious body that every prick to its gentle whole may---" He repeated this almost like a broken lullaby, incompleted... words were missing. Over, and over, and over, and over again.
Zaida, such a quiet one. Tasked with so much without one's own awareness. As the two; Aearion and Zaida, conversed, visible only to Zaida would be a black image standing just beside Aearion. It shimmered like light reflecting on a river. The image after a few moments of standing beside Aearion would extend an arm out causing it to extend and grow long, boney fingers. It spoke words only Zaida's ears were aware of.
"Peace is temporary..."
The mysterious image soon took on the form of something, or someone very familiar, but different all at the same time. The image of this beast lunged for her, although nothing happened upon contact. In fact, it faded away like a light smog just before contact with her.
The Harbinger of something terrible...
Writing Clint out in the next post. Apparently ended up with food poisoning recently. ))
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* Oh the sound of company! Or perhaps a very polite intruder. A *CLICK* sounded the door being unlocked. The door creaked open to unveil the comfort of the Captain's Suite. The Lady, being the one whom opened the door for their guest dressed in a rather loosely tired night gown. "Takurasho." She spoke his name in welcome allowing him entry, but nothing more; her business was not so much with him so soon.
Seated on the bed also in a loosely tied a silk burgundy robe of sorts to suit comfortability was The Gentleman. "Ah, welcome my dear boy!" Exclaiming in modest joy with arms raised to give distant welcoming to. "Enjoying your luxury flight, hm?" His tone seemed to dwindle from joyous to more business like. The Lady remained at the door briefly after Takurasho's self-timed entry before closing the door behind him and pacing herself over to the window on the opposite side of the room. With those delicate hands she brushed aside the curtains to bring upon her eyes a view of the passing clouds, but there was something else. Something that caught her eye particularly specific.
"What can I do to help you, my boy?" A meeting between employer and employee at this late an hour was never; or rarely ever, to pop open a bottle of champagne and sing hearty tunes about their youths. The Gentleman's eyes remained locked on Takurasho.
Aranel.. sweet and curious Aranel. Seeking the one thing warned to steer away from the most? Bold. The Butler, should she wander about enough, could be found on the top deck just in front of the door leading up to. Such a beautiful night, but why was a curious person such as himself gazing in awe at the sky?
"Black as sand, strewn across the water's delicate surface. Every grain of sand not left out to the water's conscious body that every prick to its gentle whole may---" He repeated this almost like a broken lullaby, incompleted... words were missing. Over, and over, and over, and over again.
Zaida, such a quiet one. Tasked with so much without one's own awareness. As the two; Aearion and Zaida, conversed, visible only to Zaida would be a black image standing just beside Aearion. It shimmered like light reflecting on a river. The image after a few moments of standing beside Aearion would extend an arm out causing it to extend and grow long, boney fingers. It spoke words only Zaida's ears were aware of.
"Peace is temporary..."
The mysterious image soon took on the form of something, or someone very familiar, but different all at the same time. The image of this beast lunged for her, although nothing happened upon contact. In fact, it faded away like a light smog just before contact with her.
The Harbinger of something terrible...
((Poor fella! I hope he gets better soon!))
Aranel was dressed in her own nightgown, loose and pale and seethrough had she not worn that white slip. She took her time and would often take off her glasses if she neared a window. She discovered that seeing the clouds and ground below in such detail contributed to her motion sickness. Otherwise she felt a bit queasy but never really got sick like before.
As said before, she took her time and browsed the area in lonesome silence, though that much was not disliked. It had been a while since she was alone and little beaks like these, the quiet moments alone, really helped her mind clear out and mellow. These breaks brought her a subdued happiness she couldn't quite explain. Aranel avoided the area she was in before retiring to her suite, but not without peeking inside first. The Butler wasn't present there (as far as she could see) so she continued until, at long last, she approached the area he was present in. She stood behind him, listening, waiting. Eventually she cleared her throat very softly in an attempt to distract him.
"Excuse me.... Not that I don't appreciate your help from before, but on behalf of my new acquaintances, I have to ask! Um... How are you here...? I thought you were dead the whole time...," she spoke, her voice soft and barely normal volume.
((I'm sorry if there are mistakes! I wrote this on mobile. C: ))
Aranel was dressed in her own nightgown, loose and pale and seethrough had she not worn that white slip. She took her time and would often take off her glasses if she neared a window. She discovered that seeing the clouds and ground below in such detail contributed to her motion sickness. Otherwise she felt a bit queasy but never really got sick like before.
As said before, she took her time and browsed the area in lonesome silence, though that much was not disliked. It had been a while since she was alone and little beaks like these, the quiet moments alone, really helped her mind clear out and mellow. These breaks brought her a subdued happiness she couldn't quite explain. Aranel avoided the area she was in before retiring to her suite, but not without peeking inside first. The Butler wasn't present there (as far as she could see) so she continued until, at long last, she approached the area he was present in. She stood behind him, listening, waiting. Eventually she cleared her throat very softly in an attempt to distract him.
"Excuse me.... Not that I don't appreciate your help from before, but on behalf of my new acquaintances, I have to ask! Um... How are you here...? I thought you were dead the whole time...," she spoke, her voice soft and barely normal volume.
((I'm sorry if there are mistakes! I wrote this on mobile. C: ))
{Oh, wow... tell him I send my condolences, that's definitely a bummer. & lmao, Aearion. I do love you!}
"Madam," came the polite reply, accompanied by a brief bow of the head. Takurasho enforced great care to ensure his eyes remained locked on the Lady's, careful that they not stray to her suggestive garb, giving her a little more space than necessary as he slipped through the doorway. The Gentleman's cheerful greeting was met with a forced smile, but the respectfully full bow he gave his employer was adequately genuine. "Yes, thank you..." that melodic voice responded patiently. It never hurt to practice formalities in a time of {supposed} peace. "The lodging, in particular, is more than satisfactory." The skeletal figure paced a little further into the room & folded his hands behind his back.
Takurasho's posture was as trained & gentlemanly as a pianist's, but his demeanor suggested something more dismal was on his mind. "I hope I'm not interrupting your evening together, however, I've come to acquire the remainder of my payment. I felt it was more... appropriate... that I come at this hour. I assume my companions are resting by now. They are aware of what I am, & I believe it's in the best interest of our next mission's integrity that I not disturb them any further." His tone, although practiced & calm, had a grim undertone. "I do appreciate you maintaining subtlety towards the matter. I'd rather not call any more attention towards my true... nature." The pause was due to the fact that Takurasho noticed the intensity with which the Lady gazed outside. "Is something the matter, Ma'am?" he'd call, but careful not to interrupt the Gentleman should he begin to speak.
"Madam," came the polite reply, accompanied by a brief bow of the head. Takurasho enforced great care to ensure his eyes remained locked on the Lady's, careful that they not stray to her suggestive garb, giving her a little more space than necessary as he slipped through the doorway. The Gentleman's cheerful greeting was met with a forced smile, but the respectfully full bow he gave his employer was adequately genuine. "Yes, thank you..." that melodic voice responded patiently. It never hurt to practice formalities in a time of {supposed} peace. "The lodging, in particular, is more than satisfactory." The skeletal figure paced a little further into the room & folded his hands behind his back.
Takurasho's posture was as trained & gentlemanly as a pianist's, but his demeanor suggested something more dismal was on his mind. "I hope I'm not interrupting your evening together, however, I've come to acquire the remainder of my payment. I felt it was more... appropriate... that I come at this hour. I assume my companions are resting by now. They are aware of what I am, & I believe it's in the best interest of our next mission's integrity that I not disturb them any further." His tone, although practiced & calm, had a grim undertone. "I do appreciate you maintaining subtlety towards the matter. I'd rather not call any more attention towards my true... nature." The pause was due to the fact that Takurasho noticed the intensity with which the Lady gazed outside. "Is something the matter, Ma'am?" he'd call, but careful not to interrupt the Gentleman should he begin to speak.
Zaida was about to speak to Aearion when the creature lunged at her. She screamed and drew her dagger. She fell to the ground, not because of the force of the thing, but because she had anticipated falling to the ground.
No longer seeing it, her eyes went wide, flashing brighter for just a moment as she searched for the moment. Without it in sight she took a guess as to which direction Mecca was and bowed down to pray, speaking aloud in a shaky, terrified voice. A stream of slurred, quick Arabic escaped her mouth. She spoke so quickly it would confuse a native speaker.
Her entire body shook with the fear and panic. She couldn't catch her breath and she felt ill, more terrified than when they had been fighting the monster. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes - this wasn't the cool, calm and collected Zaida that Aearion knew - and if she were more calm, she'd hope that no one else saw her like this too. It would paint her as a sobbing lunatic and no one would take her seriously again.
((She took control of this post. I was planning on having her stab the air or something less dramatic, but this came out instead))
No longer seeing it, her eyes went wide, flashing brighter for just a moment as she searched for the moment. Without it in sight she took a guess as to which direction Mecca was and bowed down to pray, speaking aloud in a shaky, terrified voice. A stream of slurred, quick Arabic escaped her mouth. She spoke so quickly it would confuse a native speaker.
Her entire body shook with the fear and panic. She couldn't catch her breath and she felt ill, more terrified than when they had been fighting the monster. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes - this wasn't the cool, calm and collected Zaida that Aearion knew - and if she were more calm, she'd hope that no one else saw her like this too. It would paint her as a sobbing lunatic and no one would take her seriously again.
((She took control of this post. I was planning on having her stab the air or something less dramatic, but this came out instead))
((Oh, dear. I hope he gets better soon. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Also, Lily, that just means you're an epic RPer if it seems like your character is writing her own post.))
((Moshi moshi, Takurasho-desu))
At Zaida's scream, Aearion jumped up, dropping his lute and drawing the dagger from the back of his belt, looking behind him to see what got her to spooked. When he saw nothing but Zaida panicking and speaking in a strange language, he got more worried than he was confused. So far he had seen her as a cool and fearless woman. Whatever she saw must have been terrible.
"Hey, calm down! What's wrong? What did you see?" He asked her as he ran towards her. He had nearly tried to pick her back up from the ground before he realized she was praying. He waited for a little while until he thought she was done before kneeling down to be more at her level."Are you alright, Zaida? Calm down, everything's alright." He said as he reassuringly patted her shoulder. He'd help her to stand up once she was less spooked.
((Moshi moshi, Takurasho-desu))
At Zaida's scream, Aearion jumped up, dropping his lute and drawing the dagger from the back of his belt, looking behind him to see what got her to spooked. When he saw nothing but Zaida panicking and speaking in a strange language, he got more worried than he was confused. So far he had seen her as a cool and fearless woman. Whatever she saw must have been terrible.
"Hey, calm down! What's wrong? What did you see?" He asked her as he ran towards her. He had nearly tried to pick her back up from the ground before he realized she was praying. He waited for a little while until he thought she was done before kneeling down to be more at her level."Are you alright, Zaida? Calm down, everything's alright." He said as he reassuringly patted her shoulder. He'd help her to stand up once she was less spooked.
{Now that I have finished sneezing...and it seems that I am not the only one who has fallen ill.}
Crow's attention returned to the black tome, occasionally letting her hand pick up a glass of water and press it to her lips. Come the sunset, Crow's order of water had all been consumed, her plate abandoned, much like the chair that she had sat at.
Crow's form could be seen at the bow of the boat, her pale hands holding herself upright and to the boat's railing. The wind ruffled through her many-layered robe, dirt specks being carried away by the gales. Crow's tri-cornered hat was securely fitted upon her head, one yellow eye being shielded from the wind, while the other half-squinted at the sunset to her side. Crow's gaze looked back to the land that the boat flew over, far below her form.
A sudden sound caused Crow to turn about, looking over her shoulder at the ship's center. However, this motion was brief, much like the sound, and Crow turned back to gaze at the scenery below her.
Crow's attention returned to the black tome, occasionally letting her hand pick up a glass of water and press it to her lips. Come the sunset, Crow's order of water had all been consumed, her plate abandoned, much like the chair that she had sat at.
Crow's form could be seen at the bow of the boat, her pale hands holding herself upright and to the boat's railing. The wind ruffled through her many-layered robe, dirt specks being carried away by the gales. Crow's tri-cornered hat was securely fitted upon her head, one yellow eye being shielded from the wind, while the other half-squinted at the sunset to her side. Crow's gaze looked back to the land that the boat flew over, far below her form.
A sudden sound caused Crow to turn about, looking over her shoulder at the ship's center. However, this motion was brief, much like the sound, and Crow turned back to gaze at the scenery below her.
(Thank you all for your concern 
I didn't mean to worry anyone. It was a mere unfortunate accident. I'm much better now, but between the sickness and the storms knocking out my power/net, I haven't been able to reply as often as I'd like 
)
Clint leaned his body against the outside wall, staring down from his balcony at the lights and fires that peppered the ground below. he tried to discern any shape between those dots, but just couldn't. There was absolutely no pattern, or at least none he could see from this altitude. Perhaps if I could get higher... Clint pressed the thought aside, continuing to listen for the Butler's response to Aranel's query. This thief had made damned sure to lay claim to the room closest the Butler, so he could keep track of the individual's movements. From what he could understand, this manservant has already made a fool of either death or the passengers at least once, and Clint was no fool. He would not allow such tomfoolery.
On a whim, though, Clint shoved himself off the wall and toward the door. He walked passed in a hurried fashion, seeking out the stairs. He wanted to get higher, to see if there was a picture in the lights below just like the ones he could see in the stars above.
I didn't mean to worry anyone. It was a mere unfortunate accident. I'm much better now, but between the sickness and the storms knocking out my power/net, I haven't been able to reply as often as I'd like )Clint leaned his body against the outside wall, staring down from his balcony at the lights and fires that peppered the ground below. he tried to discern any shape between those dots, but just couldn't. There was absolutely no pattern, or at least none he could see from this altitude. Perhaps if I could get higher... Clint pressed the thought aside, continuing to listen for the Butler's response to Aranel's query. This thief had made damned sure to lay claim to the room closest the Butler, so he could keep track of the individual's movements. From what he could understand, this manservant has already made a fool of either death or the passengers at least once, and Clint was no fool. He would not allow such tomfoolery.
On a whim, though, Clint shoved himself off the wall and toward the door. He walked passed in a hurried fashion, seeking out the stairs. He wanted to get higher, to see if there was a picture in the lights below just like the ones he could see in the stars above.
Zaida didn't like to be touched, but she took the pat on her shoulder surprisingly well. She looked at the merman, her nose running, her eyes puffy, her throat raw. She looked like hell, her eyes seeking out something unseen. Perhaps a monster, perhaps something to calm her panic.
Her eyes went to Aearion's. Her own eyes were brown. That wasn't right. She shook her head and her eyes were back to normal. It could have been his imagination. It was just a moment. A trick of the mind perhaps. She pulled her self away from him, "It was nothing. I just had a quick panic. It happens to the best of us."
Her eyes went to Aearion's. Her own eyes were brown. That wasn't right. She shook her head and her eyes were back to normal. It could have been his imagination. It was just a moment. A trick of the mind perhaps. She pulled her self away from him, "It was nothing. I just had a quick panic. It happens to the best of us."
The Lady did not give notice to Takurasho's question. A heft exhale passed her lips in almost subtle irritation; not at Takurasho, but of something else. She remained passionate to whatever it was that so whimsically grabbed her attention. The Gentleman paying no mind to the small one-sided dialogue aimed at the woman went on to address his guest accordingly. "Takurasho." Standing up, his belly clear to be about its own weight in front of him. "People tend to fear what they do not know, understand or are willing to accept exists." Approaching him to place a heavy hand on Takurasho's shoulder. "What you are excites me and quite frankly I'm curious about how you will go about making use of this item." The hand was removed so that he may walk toward the focused female. "The item of interest is under the bed in the case. Would be suspicious for everyone to see you lugging around what's inside." Coming up behind The Lady to see what it was that she was staring at, he too could not help but stare. "May have to then, mn?" Speaking in a low, rugged voice into The Lady's ear. "Takurasho. Do make it quick with whatever you plan to do with the body." The Lady finally spoke up, but did not turn to look at him nor did The Gentleman. The two stood side by side gazing. Inside the case was the body of a Telekinetic, freshly hung for treason by the Arcane Circle.
"Black as--" The Butler's little lullaby stopped not long after Aranel spoke up. "An interesting question, Miss Aranel." There was a short pause. "Your next objective is dawning soon. Should you not be asleep? -- No." Turning to face her. "Your mind is not, therefore you cannot. I would ask what troubles you, but from the looks I've been getting from your group there is little to research to unearth that answer. I am here in search of something. One of you has it. The trouble is I cannot depict who." A flake of snow whipped around with the wind and landed on the Butler's cheek. "We are entering the Northern Country now it seems." The snowflake did not melt, it maintained its crystalline structure. Smiling in his usual old and weak expression. "Tell me Aranel. Would you like to indulge into Umbra once more?"
There was something definitely amiss. The already dim lights on the ship had begun to flicker. "Oh my." Would be the next thing that comes out of the Butler's mouth after Aranel's reply. "I don't suppose The Gentleman explained the rumors circulating the Northern Country." It was was a rhetorical statement. Of course not. Should Aranel imposed a question about what was said there would be no answer to give, but the Butler would start his pacing further out onto the airship's deck where the sound of the propellers became more prominent. Here, with each step he took his body began to be stripped away into a black mist that was whipped away by the winds from foot to head until his form was entirely eroded from sight.
From Crow's suite, it would not be until the second turn to gaze back at the passing view beneath the ship that something came into view. A tail of sorts? Like a curtain billowing in the wind; Crow was witnessing the same thing The Gentleman and The Lady saw from their suite on opposite sides of the ship, two, three, four long lengths of thin obsidian extensions trailing from underneath the ship. The lights flickered on and off once more. There was something clinging to the ship from underneath. Something enormous.
"Black as--" The Butler's little lullaby stopped not long after Aranel spoke up. "An interesting question, Miss Aranel." There was a short pause. "Your next objective is dawning soon. Should you not be asleep? -- No." Turning to face her. "Your mind is not, therefore you cannot. I would ask what troubles you, but from the looks I've been getting from your group there is little to research to unearth that answer. I am here in search of something. One of you has it. The trouble is I cannot depict who." A flake of snow whipped around with the wind and landed on the Butler's cheek. "We are entering the Northern Country now it seems." The snowflake did not melt, it maintained its crystalline structure. Smiling in his usual old and weak expression. "Tell me Aranel. Would you like to indulge into Umbra once more?"
There was something definitely amiss. The already dim lights on the ship had begun to flicker. "Oh my." Would be the next thing that comes out of the Butler's mouth after Aranel's reply. "I don't suppose The Gentleman explained the rumors circulating the Northern Country." It was was a rhetorical statement. Of course not. Should Aranel imposed a question about what was said there would be no answer to give, but the Butler would start his pacing further out onto the airship's deck where the sound of the propellers became more prominent. Here, with each step he took his body began to be stripped away into a black mist that was whipped away by the winds from foot to head until his form was entirely eroded from sight.
From Crow's suite, it would not be until the second turn to gaze back at the passing view beneath the ship that something came into view. A tail of sorts? Like a curtain billowing in the wind; Crow was witnessing the same thing The Gentleman and The Lady saw from their suite on opposite sides of the ship, two, three, four long lengths of thin obsidian extensions trailing from underneath the ship. The lights flickered on and off once more. There was something clinging to the ship from underneath. Something enormous.
Aranel felt a little bit better when he spoke in return. His voice didn't seem ominous, and honestly she was beginning to wonder why people were so suspicious. Then she remembered that he was supposed to be back at the mansion! She also noticed he didn't answer her question, but it didn't bother her personally. What he had to say completely overshadowed that....
The young woman shivered and looked out, approaching the old man completely now that she was comfortable. A small smile was given to him, though it seemed to widen when she saw the flake remain on his face. An almost shy expression swept over her and she was forced to gaze down, still smiling a bit. "Ah. I don't think you have to worry about me. I don't have anything anyone could possibly want. Except for that payment, I suppose, heh...," she chuckled a little and brought her gaze back up and over to the sky again. His next question caused her to quickly (and I mean quickly!) jerk her head toward him, eyes wide in surprise. Oh no.
"Will I need it...? The Umbra, I mean? If I don't need it, then I shouldn't partake, but if it's necessary, I do accept--" she answered, though she cut herself off when she noticed the lights flickering.
"Rumors?" she asked, her voice quick and chirping. "What rumors? N-no no, no, wait up--"
The female rushed after him as he walked away, continuing to do so even as he seemed to be torn apart. She almost felt like if she grabbed any bits of him that dispersed into shadow and faded away, he'd become tangible again. Her attempts were not futile, as she would likely be close enough to touch bits of him, but doubted it'd bring him back to her.
Aranel had a bad feeling. A terrible one! She rushed over to the railing, close to the propellers but not close enough to be dangerous, and she bent a bit. Her elbows were propped up, fingers digging through hair, though her eyes peered past the palms of her hands and down at the nighttime scenery. It was still cold. Very cold, in fact, but she remained out there. Too much to think about!
She doubted she was going to get much sleep.
The young woman shivered and looked out, approaching the old man completely now that she was comfortable. A small smile was given to him, though it seemed to widen when she saw the flake remain on his face. An almost shy expression swept over her and she was forced to gaze down, still smiling a bit. "Ah. I don't think you have to worry about me. I don't have anything anyone could possibly want. Except for that payment, I suppose, heh...," she chuckled a little and brought her gaze back up and over to the sky again. His next question caused her to quickly (and I mean quickly!) jerk her head toward him, eyes wide in surprise. Oh no.
"Will I need it...? The Umbra, I mean? If I don't need it, then I shouldn't partake, but if it's necessary, I do accept--" she answered, though she cut herself off when she noticed the lights flickering.
"Rumors?" she asked, her voice quick and chirping. "What rumors? N-no no, no, wait up--"
The female rushed after him as he walked away, continuing to do so even as he seemed to be torn apart. She almost felt like if she grabbed any bits of him that dispersed into shadow and faded away, he'd become tangible again. Her attempts were not futile, as she would likely be close enough to touch bits of him, but doubted it'd bring him back to her.
Aranel had a bad feeling. A terrible one! She rushed over to the railing, close to the propellers but not close enough to be dangerous, and she bent a bit. Her elbows were propped up, fingers digging through hair, though her eyes peered past the palms of her hands and down at the nighttime scenery. It was still cold. Very cold, in fact, but she remained out there. Too much to think about!
She doubted she was going to get much sleep.
Takurasho would eye the Lady questioningly, looking away only when the Gentleman addressed him. His demeanor remained placid, but a single brow was quirked as a hand came to rest on his shoulder, his employer's words leaving him bemused. "My humble thanks for your wisdom..." he murmured delicately as if performing a recited speech, "...I'm afraid it is an unfortunate truth. Nonetheless, my abilities are at your service, & I assure you that my methods-" he was referring to his mysterious payment "-will not disappoint."
The cool exterior would change as soon as the location of said item was revealed. He seemed driven by hunger as he quickly strode to the bed, reaching beneath & pulling out the large bag with minor straining. Whatever it was, it was evidently quite heavy. Spidery fingers quickly undid the zipper, hurriedly pulling the bag open, eyes narrowing with scrutiny as he observed its contents. There was a drawn out moment of silent analyzing before he finally breathed: "It's perfect".
Entirely enraptured, Takurasho would pay no heed towards the Gentleman's muttering. He displayed that same sort of lust he'd briefly exhibited in the Whittaker mansion's treasure chamber. The vetala's intense stare was finally broken when the Lady spoke his name. "Yes... yes of course," came the distant reply as he resealed the case. The body was lifted over his shoulder with a soft grunt. He rose, bidding farewell to their backs, then excusing himself from their chambers.
The dead weight of the telekinetic did not seem to perturb him at the slightest as Takurasho made his way back to his room. In his hurry, he failed to close the door entirely behind himself, leaving it cracked open. He did not notice.
The cool exterior would change as soon as the location of said item was revealed. He seemed driven by hunger as he quickly strode to the bed, reaching beneath & pulling out the large bag with minor straining. Whatever it was, it was evidently quite heavy. Spidery fingers quickly undid the zipper, hurriedly pulling the bag open, eyes narrowing with scrutiny as he observed its contents. There was a drawn out moment of silent analyzing before he finally breathed: "It's perfect".
Entirely enraptured, Takurasho would pay no heed towards the Gentleman's muttering. He displayed that same sort of lust he'd briefly exhibited in the Whittaker mansion's treasure chamber. The vetala's intense stare was finally broken when the Lady spoke his name. "Yes... yes of course," came the distant reply as he resealed the case. The body was lifted over his shoulder with a soft grunt. He rose, bidding farewell to their backs, then excusing himself from their chambers.
The dead weight of the telekinetic did not seem to perturb him at the slightest as Takurasho made his way back to his room. In his hurry, he failed to close the door entirely behind himself, leaving it cracked open. He did not notice.
Aearion took a step back once she released herself from his grasp. He had nearly forgotten this was Zaida he was dealing with, who'm he judged would not like physical contact, no matter who it was from."Yes, of course. I figured it was something like that. Forgive my concern, it just seemed so... sudden." He explained himself.
The Mer did notice the change in eye color, but didn't think too much of it. He assumed she was a magic user. Down the ocean it wasn't uncommon to see other Mer using magic have a change of eye color, but it got him to thinking. This was no mere panic attack."She saw something, and used magic to block it out." He thought to himself. He wasn't sure whether this was good or not. There was simply too much secretive stuff going on, and he didn't like it one bit.
"It's pretty late. I'll walk you to your room. A few hours of sleep will work miracles on you, I promise."
The Mer did notice the change in eye color, but didn't think too much of it. He assumed she was a magic user. Down the ocean it wasn't uncommon to see other Mer using magic have a change of eye color, but it got him to thinking. This was no mere panic attack."She saw something, and used magic to block it out." He thought to himself. He wasn't sure whether this was good or not. There was simply too much secretive stuff going on, and he didn't like it one bit.
"It's pretty late. I'll walk you to your room. A few hours of sleep will work miracles on you, I promise."
You are on: Forums » General Roleplay » Two Sides of the Same Coin(Back)
Moderators: Mina, Keke, Cass, Claine, Sanne, Dragonfire, Ilmarinen, Darth_Angelus