"Alright, I'll try." Matthew said reluctantly. He hovered his hands just above Blackfire's and closed his eyes. the space between their hands started to glow an emerald green, before smoke started to rise from his hands, and he quickly pulled back, shaking his hands as if to cool off a burn. "Dammit, I almost had it. Sorta." He sighed, "That should slow them, so they don't spread past your shoulders for a few... years maybe." He then shook his head at the girl's question, "I know everyone but someone who practices the dark arts, so that's a no from me, too."

Blackfire let out a heavy sigh. "Well, it's alright. I guess. For now... They'll probably get a few inches long, like they do. Thanks, Matthew, it's a whole lot better than nothing. I bet by a few years' time I'll have been able to find someone. Kinda funny... I just told Nikki that - by the way thanks for the compliment - I used to be a shapeshifter, but now I can't even stop my tru-- uh, that is..." She blushed and sipped her cider. Being a demon wasn't a big deal, probably, but she was still wary about showing it off.

"Hey, Captain," she called, mentally congratulating herself for not saying it sarcastically to him, "When I mentioned I can fight, this is what I meant..." She held up her hands to show him. Even now, with the nails fairly short, she could already do some serious damage, but as she'd said she didn't like to get her hands bloody.

Avery watched the remainder of the applicants go through the line. Silently she judged them, wondering how many of them would last after she saw the captain write their names down. As the barmaid went up to the table she caught bits of their conversation. She didn't think she could kill somebody on purpose. If she doesn't have the heart of a fighter maybe she can help me instead. Avery mused. It wasn't that she didn't know how to fight, maim, kill, or otherwise injure an opponent she just had better things to do.

Sighing the hydrokinetic stood up and went to talk with the barmaid, she seemed flustered. "Do you need help with anything? I heard you signed up for the crew." she said as a way of greeting, leaning on the post behind her. Avery felt bad, the woman's eyes seemed puffy as if she'd been crying. On the other hand she was impressed the captain had handed over what seemed to be a very large and heavy change purse to somebody he had only just met.

“Girl’s gotta protect herself no?” Jack smirked twirling the knife on the table, the tip making a little nook in the wood. “I’m by myself a lot, usually accompanied by target practice, I very rarely miss” She smirked. Hearing his next question she bit her lip a little, her other hand twirling a dread. Just the way he asked the question was different than most. She liked his eyes though, anything to keep him around longer. “You have a good sense on your feelings” She smiled softly “I’m tired of hanging around here, to much of the same thing day in and day out. But I’m a better flirt than a formal introduction. I’d rather prove myself” Jack explained, her green eyes softened “You can say a lot of falseness in words and believe it to be true. It’s the actions and body language that’s real”

((Fer will come back, he's just kinda sitting at the bar drinking by himself))

Matthew nodded grimly. He could feel some serious dark energies radiating off this woman, which led to some suspicion. He then got up and stretched. "Well, it's getting late, and I'm afraid I must go." and with that, he turned on his heel and left, snaking through the multiple people that made up the crowded tavern. He headed out and took a left, a right, rounded a corner, and opened a large grate in the side of an 'abandoned and haunted' building, doors boarded and everything. He closed the grate tightly, so that it could only be opened from the inside.

He flipped the light switch on, revealing his 'home' complete with a bedroll, a battery powered lamp, his father's 'fishing' journal, and multiple 'borrowed' firearms. hung along the walls. The building used to be used as a small warehouse, so he like to think of it as a 'two story house', even though the second floor was a small just platform, showing to the outside world through tinted glass. Matthew flopped down on his bedroll, even though it was just solid stone beneath it. He propped himself up and sat criss-cross. He felt his horns. They grew no more then a few centimeters, but this still worried him. The lights flickered off, he turned on his lamp, and began continuing from where left left off in his father's journal.

Tressa looked up in surprise. "Hm? I...yes. You're...you're that woman that carried of the guy that was..." she paused, feeling anxiety well up in her again at the memory. Wouldn't that be impressive to this apparent crew mate? "I don't think I need much help right now...unless you know of a good place to lodge that's either right here or very close. I...don't normally need to find board here."

He chuckled [I]"Sounds likr you are dancing around asking to join my crew. I can always use more hands on deck. Three days, be at the docks. See you then!"[/I] He turned away with a wink, and stood to leave.

As he walked out, Blackfire had intercepted him to show him something. Devil's hands. She was a demon of sorts. In prior adventures he had come across her type, some unable to control their feelings, their rage as it progressed. Some tore towns to the ground, and he had stopped them from taking their rampage else where.

He smiled [I]"Ahhh, A demon! Don't worry, Miss blackfire, you are still part of a crew. Just know this!"[/I] His smile faded, and his eyes were harsh, even without the angry glow behind them. His voice dropped to barely above a murmer. [I]"You go berserk aboard my ship, and I will not hesitate to put you down, and I'm good at what I do."[/I]

He turned to the pub as he hit the door [I]"Crew of the Jester's legacy! Hit the hay! I need you nice and rested for launch in a few days! Goodnight!"[/I] And in response, in a chorous spoken at the same time from his crew " 'NIGHT, CAPTAIN!" With that, he strode off towards the docks.

He climbed into a life boat still tied to the boardwalk. He began to row out into the bay. He smiled, it was a successful day recuiting, and he had some promising new sailors! Some he had to keep his eye on, though. They would certainly attract trouble. He needed to get some sleep. He had to wake up and pull some of his powderless cannons off his ship for repairs, get rifles and pistols, powder and shot for them, and find a job to sail on in the morning. The repairs would take all three days. Fortunately, it was only 5 guns that needed cracks repaired, and one needed a new pressure chamber bored out, for it had blown in a firefight.

As he got under where his ship was air moored, he pulled a hot air balloon out from under the seat, and began to hook it up to the sides of the boat. When he had it standing, he held his hand under the opening, palm up. The familiar, comforting warmth of tapping into the Father flame flowed through him, and a bright fireball poofed to life in his hand, and lifted off slowly, floating to the middle of the balloon. The boat began to rise toward his ship. A few hundred feet in the air, still a distance away, he cupped his hands around his mouth, shouting [I]"HO! THE SHIP! CAPTAIN STEPPING ABOARD!"[/I] He heard the sound of rifles de-cocking, and a whistle blowing. Poles reached out to snag the lines of the boat, pulling him onto the ship.

Only the skeleton crew was awake at this hour, and they welcomed him with handshakes. He held a hand up at the attempt to give him a status brief, and walked to his cabin below decks. The door blocking his room frkm the rest was metal, with strange runes and patterns running all along the surface. With concentration on hjs index finger, he channelled a stream of fire into one of the runes, tracing it. The rune glowed for a second, then gesrs inside the door began to turn. There was a click, and he walked in.

Rous' Cabin was one most captains would be jealous of. A fireplace was centered in the back wall, with the skull of a Drake over the mantle, a fist sized hole burnt straight through the center of it's forehead. On the floor was the pelt of a Dalkan bear, which, when standing on all fours, still stood at 18 feet tall. It's paws could crush a man with ease. On the wall behind his desk where the swords of vanquished captains. Rapiers, scimitars, cutlasses, even the reversed bending swords of the Kilari, numbering around 30.

On the coat rack hung his affects. A long barreled pistol, much longer than the standard pistol militaries, priviteers and pirates carried, was much, much more accurate than it's shorter brothers. It's black handle and stock wasburnt, but hardened wood. The designs on the bsrrel were the same vine designs on his cost and boots. Beside it was a rather mean looking crescent axe, the kind the mountain raiders of past days would use. Even for it's size, Rous swung it with one hand, and he was lightning fast with it, and could almost cleave a man in half with it. It was a brutal weapon, remenants of a bygone era of heathens and their gods. And although there was a giant bed in the corner, he preffered the hammock he had hanging on the wall. He pulled his boots off, and unbuttoned his coat, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror. It always amazed him.

Scars covered his chest. Bullet holes, jagged cuts, and burn marks. In the middle of his chest was a tattoo of the sun, it's rays were more of a brand than a tattoo. The tribal tattoos of his home country covered his shoulders, looping knots endlessly running into each other adorned most artwork of old days where the choice tattoos for warriors long ago. Above his heart was a flame shaped, deep maroon burn. The mark of someone truly devoted to pyromancy, to the father flame. He was one of few with this mark, (but that's a story for another time!)

He climbed into the hammock, grumbling. He flicked his hand towards the fireplace, which, even though it was empty of wood, roared to life. As warmth filled his room, he drifted off to sleep. He had an early morning tomorrow.

-D-

OoC// Alright! We will be fast forwarding 3 days shortly! Let's get this show on the road!      

Nikki turned up on the docks early the given day. In her four-legged form, she found herself a nice patch of sun to curl up in and settled down to wait. Cats were welcome in the docks, for they preyed upon the rats and other vermin that so often got into food stores and certain other shipments, so she knew she wouldn't be bothered. When the captain or her fellow prospective shipmates showed, she'd make herself known, but for now she was going to relax. She hoped to be having a good deal of excitement very soon.

Blackfire showed up fairly early as well, not at all pleased that the captain had suggested she might not be able to control herself. Only idiot children ever lost to the rage, and she had long outgrown that. She controlled it, instead of the other way around, and kept a close eye on it - much like the captain would probably be keeping on her. Naturally she'd had a few choice words in mind for him but he'd left before she got the chance to say them - which was probably a good thing.

"Oh, good morning, Nikki," she greeted with a yawn to the cat. "I like this form. You're a very pretty cat. Has he showed up yet? Has anyone else shown up yet? I wanna get on the ship already, I'm starting to feel a little tired..."

Tressa spent the first day determining how much in provisions Rous had expected of her based on the budget. She scouted the market and determined what foods would be best to purchase and bring, considering how easily various victuals would store weighted by how much nutrition it would provide - potatoes would keep forever, but they were only a starch. Once she had her grocery list, day two was spent comparing prices and determining a way to transport the bulk and noting how she could have done the whole thing faster - presumably, she'd know ahead of time, next time, what foods she was going to get. That would certainly speed things up.

So on the third day, Tressa approached the dock, a bag at her side with her own belongings, hair flowing freely in the fresh morning wind. Behind her were a few hired hands with tarp-covered carts. Overall, Tressa was pleased with her purchases, although long-term storage had never been a big consideration for her before.

Excitement barely contained, Tressa approached the other waiting crew members, bubbling with thoughts of what the future held. What places she might see! She was already going to meet new, interesting people for certain. She would probably want to find someone good with a knife and ask for them to help her learn how to fight with one better.

Nikki lifted her head, golden eyes turning to Blackfire. A voice spoke in her head. <Not yet -- wait, I think I remember that woman, leading the guys with the carts.> The calico cat got to her feet, yawned widely, and stretched, before leaping behind the barrels and out of view. Moments later it was the woman who emerged from the mess of cargo to join her fellows, rolling her shoulders to loosen them. "Good morning, folks."

Matthew woke with a yawn on his bedroll. The past two days he spent gathering materials. Gunpowder, tools, a satchel, bandages, and ointment. He was set. The only thing he had to do was pick what to bring with him. He immediately picked up his father's journal. He then went to his rack of firearms. His hand traced across blunderbusses, rifles, even a few shotguns. His fingers stopped on an ornate set of pistols, wolves and snakes engraved in the metal, and thorny vines craved into the sturdy wood. "Have to travel light..." he told himself, putting them in the holsters they came with. He proceeded but on a bandoleer underneath his satchel strap, with multiple pouches on it. Each was full of gunpowder and rounds. He then took one last, good luck around at his old home. He then kicked out the grate leading to his home, and set out for the ship.

Of course, traveling with multiple pouches and a full satchel made you a good target for thieves in a town like this. While walking down an alleyway, he was greeted by three men, each brandishing a knife. "Hey, kid, I'll just skip to the point. Give us the bag, or this alley gets a paint job." Said the burliest one of them all. Matthew bared his teeth. "I don't have time for you thugs." he said, pulling out an already pre-loaded gun, and turned the safety off. The thieves' eyes widened. "Hey kid, don't get too-" Matthew cut him off with a single word. "Run." The thieves immediately turned tail and ran away like their life depended on it. Matthew took aim at the sky and shot a lead ball into the air, making sure to keep them away. With that, he continued his way to the docks.

Matthew finally got to the docks, and from afar he could count almost exactly how many new crew mates were here. The amount half-surprised him. He knew that a lot of people waited in line with him to get on the ship but not this many. He then continued his route to the ship, content on not being late.

Avery had spent the remaining days enjoying the weather. Her supplies were always packed into sacks and pouches, or neatly stored in a pack. She washed her clothes using her water abilities to get clean water instead of the questionable water of the local fountains.

On the third day she rolled out of bed, blinking at the sun, her mind struggling to remember what was important about the day. It hit her eventually. Today was the day the ship sailed out. "Aww biscuits." she grumbled rolling out of bed into the cool morning air. She stumbled through her morning routine of the lavatory, getting dressed, and making her bed. By the time her room was cleaned she was awake enough to socialize. She grabbed her bags and strapped a few knives to her waist and wrists. Her hair was braided quickly and a spike strap was added for protection. Her boots were hastily tied to her clothes sack, they too had places for knives but it didn't feel like a shoe day. Today was a barefoot day.

Avery waved to the inn keeper as she left. She had paid the man the night she had found the captains and his advertisement. He nodded back but didn't say anything. He had her money and that's what counted to him. On the way to the ship she swiped a pasty with fruits and spices inside, she doubted they would have anything as good on board the vessel. The road felt slightly cool on her feet and she didn't notice the small rocks and other debris she stepped on, although she was careful to avoid anything squishy or smelly. She walked tall, giving the people around her a warning to not try to pick a fight.

A few foolish souls tried to approach her, but she rotated her wrist calling a small circle of water to flow through her hand. She raised her eyebrows at the gang and they ran. She flicked the water at them, each of them receiving a few drops on their heads.

Eventually the docks came into view along with the vessel she was to sail on. She nodded in approval, the ship was of decent size and looked to be in pretty good shape. Around the dock below the ship she saw a few familiar faces, although probably only a few would recognize her, if any. She had not been very social the last time they had all met.

Tressa didn't hear Nikki originally, busy staring up at the ship, eyes wide with wonder and fascination. The size was certainly impressive. Suddenly her purchases felt inadequate - but she reminded herself that she'd been careful to buy wisely and hardly a cent was left of the money given her so that's at least what Rous had expected her to buy.

"Hm? Oh, hello," she said with a few moments delay of Nikki's words. She turned and motioned for her assistants to load the food. "How are you two this morning?"

Two other members were approaching and that put Tressa in a sunnier mood - she waved to Matthew and Avery before properly turning back to the other two ladies. Her persistent smile remained as genuine as the smile she'd given Rous when he'd told her she could come.

"Very well, thank you~" Nikki replied. She followed Tressa's gaze and her ears perked when she laid eyes on Matthew, who she recognized. The medic was vaguely familiar, but she'd only seen the woman in passing. Still, the nekomimi's wave included both of them, though her gaze focused on the horned man.

"I'm tired as hell and ready to get on the damn ship, honestly," Blackfire yawned in response to Tressa. "The place I stayed wasn't particularly quiet at night so I didn't get enough sleep. I'm sorry if I bitch or snap." She turned, following their gazes, and waved to the other two approaching as well. Today, she had on a pair of gloves that had been fashioned to seem like it had demon claws; after all, pretending to be a demon was okay. Actually being one was not. "Morning, you two..."

Shafen strolls leisurely down the dock towards the waiting crew members, his cane taping out loudly against the wood. Behind him a chest walk on 4 spindly legs skittering to keep beside him, almost eager to go faster." Morning Ladies and gentlemen, is it not a great day to start our new adventure??" His piercing gave reading each ones face as he tips his head to each of the ladies a smile crossing his lips as he sees Blackfire and Nikki.Turning to the chest," Ok BABA settle down and let our guest go i think he had enough."On command the chest opens wide revealing a mouth full of teeth,with small bits of cloth stuck to them and a long tongue unrolls letting a middle aged man out onto the dock.the man runs down the dock as fast as he can stagger. turning back towards Blackfire and Nikki "would you believe the nerve some cads have?? there i was enjoying a nice breakfast when some cut-purse tried to open up BABA there.Now Baba once we board we get our berth assignments and you wait at the foot of my bed till then lock up and wait"at his words the chests legs wrap over and about itself as it settles on the dock.

((I am reminded of Discworld and the Luggage.))

(( i totally forgot about luggage was thinking baba yaga and her hut. but it so is luggage sold it has a new personality lot more playful now and the mimics from darksouls are just creepy enough i had to use it

Strolling along the docks, one of his favorite places, Fer smiled looking out at the water shining in the morning sun. The gentle breeze blowing his hair about. A light pack slung across his back, again he didn’t own much, much like his feelings on fancy clothes, the less you have the less you have to lose, or that is worth losing. He noticed the group starting to gather, must be in the right spot. He sighed a bit with a hint of dismay seeing the ‘privileged’ one from three days prior standing with a large chest. “Well, that’s already interesting” He thought to himself, looking over the girls, trying to remember their faces, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

The three days didn’t seem to go fast enough for Jack, though she had spent her days sharpening her knife, and sharping her target and work skills. The post in the room she had been staying in looked rather chewed by the end of the time spent, maybe someone would blame it on termites or a woodpecker. Either way, it was no longer her worry. Though she did know that most likely wouldn’t fly on the ship, she’d have to find alternative ways to continue her target practice. Walking along, she saw a group forming, some familiar faces she noticed from the line. It was going to be a little curious as to what they would think of her, she got a chance in a different way than they did, she dressed a little differently to she felt. But that shouldn’t truly matter should it? The captain gave her the go ahead. That’s all that mattered, the captain. The thought couldn’t help but bring a stupid little smile to her face she didn’t even notice.