And no need to apologize for length, write as much or as little as you're comfortable with!Jacquez Trouillefou was perched fearlessly on the jutting rock, dark gaze peering with rapt interest in the smudge of white on the horizon. It was a sail. A ship had swung by their frigid northern coastline, only to veer away again, fading into oblivion. Jac himself had commandeered a mighty frigate, and he had been quite the swashbuckling rogue of a captain before he smashed it upon the rocks. His old crew had scattered or drowned, but with his limitless charisma and animal magnetism, he had gathered a new posse, and staked out a territory here on the beach. The king could not seem to tear his eyes away from the retreating vessel, the wanderer in him feeling bitter that he could not sail away from where the storm had marooned him. Of course it was a passing fancy; his life was much easier here, and women and liquor were everywhere. He was the ruler of a kingdom, the Court of Miracles. It had its dysfunctional moments, but overall his accomplishments here pleased him.
The tall Optime rose fluidly to his feet, lean muscle adding grace to his sauntering figure. Amidst the rolling waves, he had spotted movement, a flicker of white and a shadow of grey beside it. Unless his keen sight was mistaken, that magnificent ship had jettisoned a pair of newcomers for him to play with. It wasn't uncommon for ships to dock on this coast - the boat that had almost taken Firefly to Eire had anchored in almost that very spot - but it rarely happened during the stormy season of winter. The dog curled his lips into a smile, feeling energized at the prospect. Did these strangers know how fortunate they were, to land directly in the lap of luxury?
The one-armed man slid off the rock spur, sliding bumpily on his haunches amidst a shower of shale. He landed with a thump on the densely packed sand, feeling pleased that for once, it wasn't snow between his toes. The roiling tide kept the coastline frost-free, although just as cold to the southern dog. Jacquez barked a greeting, his fringed ears flicking forward as he jogged to meet the couple. He could see a glimmer of pink from a distance, and what he thought perhaps were feathers, adorning the bedraggled canines. The sky above let out a warning growl, and the eccentric king growled right back at it, warning it not to rain on his glorious entrance.
"..."