WARNING: This thread contains material exceeding the general board rating of PG-13. It may contain very strong language, drug usage, graphic violence, or graphic sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.
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WC:: 222 - Dated 5th May, early morning. For Percival, Tobias, Fritz and Selene. I guess if other Corsairs wanna jump in, that's cool but check with Desp and Becca first guys. Feel free to skip harrow in the posting order and PP Hael so long as you keep to his personality!
The morning was cold, waking her up and in the process everyone else. Wriggling her way out of the car's back-seat, blanket still wrapped around her over her newly acquired jacket, she twisted around and scooped up Omi with her good arm, before exiting the car and promptly climbing into the front seat, making as much noise as she could, deciding that if she were to be rudely awoken by cold weather, so would everyone else be like it or not. Within minutes Hael followed suit, groaning and stretching his way out of the car's boot, before promptly making his way over to the fire a few paces away to throw more wood in and get it started.
Yawning she stroked Omitl and hugging the lynx close to her for warmth, the feline simply obliged, leaning against the midnight girl and making her strange purring sound that she did as she was pampered. “Urgh. Cold” she complained, small child-like frame shivering all over, shortly followed by a loud groaning of her stomach. Wriggling into the cars seat; although worn and ragged it still provided some warmth, green eyes stared idly out at the scene before her “We got any food left or we gonna have to scavenge some?” she asked allowed, not caring who answered, so long as she got an answer.
Word Count :: 536 - WARNIN'. Dis may be... Graphic, methinks? xD It's just a dream, though.
A feeling stirred in the man's gut as he watched the young boy play. Everything was silent, his hark perked forth as the ebony and dust brute approached his son, feeling gentle and benign, something he hadn't felt in what seemed ages. The tawny and grey youngster beamed up to the pirate, offering for him to come play.
"I haven't seen you in what seems like forever, papa!" came the young chipper voice, and the man laughed lightly and smiled, a pang of guilt tugging his chest as he knelt down, taking hold of one of the toys he often brought back as souvenirs from his travels. Aye... S'been a while indeed. But y'got t' understand, I'm doin' this all fer ye.
His tone was gentle, placing the trinket back onto the floor. A chill began to settle into his bones, a frown tugging his lips as he looked back up. The boy's face was still chipper, though gradually growing gaunt as it watched the man with ever hollow-growing sights.
You aren't going to leave again, are you papa? You promised this'd be the last time.
Tobias gave a brisk nod. Now... I know I said tha'... But ye an' yer ma, ye need money an' supplies... This's th' only way I can get what y'need...
The boy's face grew thinner, skin clinging to bone, eyes sunken in their sockets, and the man's hands crept forth to gently touch his son's cheek once his breathing started to become labored.
"I haven't seen you in what seems like forever, papa," he repeated on a somber note, Tobias's hands reaching towards his throat despite the fact that every fiber of his being repelled the idea, before those calloused palms clasped the slender column that was hardly supporting the young male's head. He could feel something rolling down his face. Warm, wet, and it took him a moment to realize they were tears. Aye... S'been a while... But y'got t' understand, lad.... I'm doin' this all fer ye...
He watched in silent remorse as he felt the crumbling between his fingers, crackling sounds deafening his hark as flesh melted into black sludge, seeping down off of the boy's bones and onto the pirate's hands. Finnegan's words resounded over the snapping sounds of breaking bone. Ye deserve to bear the black spot. Damned be thee, damned!
Hands dropped the disintegrating bones of his son, numbness creeping through fingertips, and gradually through his palms, his own flesh beginning to peel off of him and strip his bones clean.
Damned be thee...
Tobias woke abruptly heart pounding, head aching, feeling nauseated and ill. He dared not to breath for the slightest moment, in a daze. He lay in silence for a while longer, until he heard the girl stir from her own slumber and complain of the cold. Quietly, he continued to fake his slumbering for a moment more until he heard Hael stir, and following suit, he sat up in a slow, deliberate motion, his mask somber and serious.
I can fetch somethin' t' eat, he muttered, tone almost sounding strangled as he climbed from his slumbering place, in dire need of a walk and fresh air to clear his head.
OOC: Permission to PP Selene was given by Savannah.
IC: Fritz and Selene had talked about what they were going to do since the pack that they recently joined was going to be no more. Neither of them had anywhere in particular that they wanted to go. They definitely wouldn’t go to Casa since she had problems with people there, one's that he could understand not wanting to deal with again. In one way, he was glad that Hadley had cheated on Selene since there was no way that they would get together otherwise. But he did wish that there had been a better way that didn't involve her getting hurt in the process.
He suggested that they go to the house near Halifax and Selene agreed to the idea. So they left Crimson Dreams a couple of days ago, not really planning on going top terribly fast, they had nowhere in particular that they needed to be. So they took their time in getting to Halifax. But his eyes made out the shape of several canines in the distance next to what humans apparently called a car. Fritz slowly dismounted from Anton and Selene followed suit and the two of them approached the group. "Good morning!" His greeting was friendly but non-intrusive. He could use some company from someone besides his mate, not that he didn't enjoy her company because he did, but because he was a rather sociable dog. But he stopped a respectful distance away.
The dreams came and went, pleasant and ferociously terrifying. Like a mass number of varying episodes, they fell upon the Vansenza girl like preying creatures. Visions of Fritz, happier ones including her mate. But more terrifying, was her former lover and sworn enemy. The faces she wished to never see, and they had her pinned down, weak and immobile. She had to watch them, happy. And she trembled softly in her sleep, why did they even matter? She had Fritz now. She loved Fritz. But was it because they threatened her in a way? And Fritz was no place holder. She hadn't agreed to be his under the circumstances of holding the place of her enemy. Fritz was her lover, her trust, her pillar of security and comfort. Nothing wrong there. And in sleep, knowing that had her cling to his taller, more muscular form. It was cold out, she had wrapped a blanket around her mate and herself, yet the soft fur did nothing to let the shivering subside. Her only salvation of warmth seemed to be Fritz. Behind them was the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves, Ukaglay silently and without protest was tied to walk behind. She had wanted to be warm, beside Fritz. She was still somewhat tired, and curious for the future. The house would be next. And then what? A quiet, unbothered future? There had to be others...
It seemed as if the day were to start, bird's were singing and Selene made out the hovery, blurry silhouettes of other canines. A fire cracked to life not too far away. Moving and sleepy shuffling accompanied the sounds, and Selene lifted her head. Her maroon eyes narrowed in sleepy confusion. Where were they? Where was the house? The directions had been all but lost, She had fallen asleep in Fritz's arms the night before, and it seemed as if he arranged accommodations. There was a few in the camp, none known well. The dreams still disturbed her, and the missing of Crimson Dreams followed. She missed Anu, which was silly as she didn't know the former leader very well. But still...That gentle motherly voice, and the kindness...It was like having a piece of your past ripped from your soul, a fragment of what was.
Still coiled closely to Fritz, black arms wrapped around her adolescent-like body. It was very cold, and when she heard a girl, not too much younger than herself speak, followed with the answering mumbles of another. Glancing at Fritz, the young woman watched tentatively as he called out to the group. There was nothing she could say, but let herself and her mate edge closer, she held up the bag of furs and small survival trinkets, proving that they held no threat. Fritz had engaged in greeting them, do why not stay?
Memories raced through his mind constantly. He sat amongst the just awakened, having been up for some time now. It was a sort of ritual that the jackal hybrid went through the events leading up to the present, almost an obsession. Many times, especially in a place he felt uncomfortable being (such as a far from usual setting, with company), Percival Teach's brain refused to shut off.
He sighed heavily, his eyes that rarely ever showed feeling staring ahead into open space, hazed over some as he entered this familiar kind of trance.
Startled by the sudden movements of his companions, the pirate was distracted, his specialized concentration broken. His large, black-tipped and torn ears perked, especially when Tobias, the only man he could call his friend, showed signs of waking.
The captain's solemn expression fueled Percival's curiosity, and though one may know better than to pry into another's personal experiences and emotions, out of respect, namely, the jackal was typically trusted by his captain to converse with him about those very subjects. He would, though, allow Tobias to come to him, if he felt the need to do so, to maintain some dignity, and to avoid being portrayed, even by himself, as a nosy, impatient individual with no regard to the emotional states of others.
He stretched, his somewhat lanky sort of body cramped in the small position he'd placed himself in for most of the time he had spent reflecting.
After only a brief moment of watching Tobias get up and depart did Percival do the same, destined to meet up with the captain, for if he wasn't by the other man's side, he was alone, and would accept no other placement, unless completely necessary.
He caught up quickly.
"Mornin', Cap'n." was all he murmured in his trademark monotonous voice of his.
WC:: 312 - Jumping to the point and having her point out Fritz; if i'm slow, skip me or PP Hael/Harrow as you see fit.
From her huddled position upon the cars seat she observed through bleary, sleep filled eyes. Following Hael, Toitoi woke up with Percy short behind. Before she could voice another complaint in regards to her hunger the darker male responded, wandering off with the cream one in toe. Blinking she rose her right hand, rubbing softly at her eyes as if by doing so she would feel more awake, but still sleep lingered within her with it's small tug, asking her to given into dreams and sleep once more. Yawning she dropped the blanket onto the front seat and manoeuvred herself as awkwardly as possible out of the car, standing and yawning once again, vibrant eyes squinting shut making her pull a face as she did so.
Watching Tobias she considered following just to hover around the male; he was strange, new and interesting, like a toy she was intrigued by and hadn't quite gotten bored off. Lifting her paw she was about to proceed after him when two strangers approached; one male and one female. Lowering her paw she turned to face them, right hand placed delicately on her hip, the best gesture she could manage to show off some girlish attitude with a broken arm. As expected, the male did all the speaking, the woman weak and hiding behind the giant of a canine, a curious smile spreading across her lips as she looked at the black and white stranger, vibrant green eyes flicking to the female, her smile turning into a small sneer, a slight growl of dislike escaping the girl.
One last look at the male and she jogged over to Tobias, oblivious as to what she may be intruding upon. “Toe, what you think of him. He's huge, that's gotta make him leader material!” she whispered, looking expectantly at Tobias and then to Percival waiting for their approval.
Word Count :: 314 Sorry for lateness! D: Been BUSYBUSYBUSY.
Tobias's gaze was stern, body stiff as he walked with his swaggering gait, before hark flicked with the sound of Percival's approach. Coal irises turned to him, softened slightly, but not by much, sleep wearing on them, causing a bloodshot look to the whites of his gaze, slightly darker than the usual.
Percival, he greeted quietly, in his gruff tone. The monotony of the jackal hybrid's voice was always comforting, calming. A soft sigh hissed between those ivories as he glanced elsewhere, as to avoid portraying weakness, a trait deeply ingrained into his psyche. May I speak t' ye, Percival? It's 'bout th' damned dream. Won't leave me alone. 'Aven't i suffer'd enough...?
His inquiries were quiet and hushed as he paused, lingering close to the only person he had ever truly trusted. Tobias's hands rubbed at his temples before trailing down and dangling at his sides in an exasperated manner. His sights turned back to Percival, practically pleading for some sort of comfort or guidance, much like a young child.
Tattered hark once again flicked when he heard a little shadow interruption trotting his way, a scowl pulling his lips and his body stiffening once more once little Harrow trotted on up to alert him of intruders.
Don't ye think it's rude t' interrupt? he scolded in a harsh tone, lips curled back as he looked to the girl. Y'need to let th' adults speak, foolish brat.
Attention was dragged back to the dane and his miss as he greeted the group. The captain was quick to glance at Percival, clearly wanting him close as he approached the duo and their horses, avoiding addressing the girl any further.
Wha' brings ye 'ere, trav'llers? came a stern response. His steely gaze was pinned to the man, who was clearly speaking for the two of them. ... Perhaps ye coul' be of use to me crew?
It took the group a bit of time to notice, which gave him a chance to study them. The first to notice them was a girl who was rather young looking. She gave him a curious smile as she regarded him but that turned to a scowl when she saw Selene. Fritz gave a slightly protective and quiet growl. He would not let this female dislike his mate. Though he was unclear as to why she might dislike Selene. Her companion was given a curious glance but that was about it.
His eyes then took in the second pair of canines, two males. The tan one seemed the weaker of the two and Fritz didn't know what to think of him. He could tell that the more assured man was used to the sea from the way he walked and Fritz was rather intrigued by that. He had spent lots of time helping build boats with his father and worked on one to come to Souls.
The male's question was obviously pointed at him and he wasn't thrilled about that but hoped that Selene wouldn't be upset by it. He was about to answer the first question of what brought them here when the second question of joining the crew really caught his attention. Well, our previous pack was disbanded so we are looking for a home. He then introduced himself and his mate. My name is Fritz Earl and this is my mate, Selene Vansenza. I have boat-making experience. My father was known for his boats and I worked on a boat to get here. I also have done mercenary work. He figured that letting his skills known would be helpful.
The small female closed her eyes as the cool air brushed in her face, fluffy tan-splotched tail wrapping around her thin legs are a shiver rippled through her form. From that, Sel scooted closer to Fritz, still drowzy from the early morning awakening. Maroon eyes widened as the lip of the other girl lifted in disdain in her direction, yet respect was given to her mate by offering him to the older pirate man (the one that appeared to be the leader of a group) as a possibility of a leader all the same. Her own lip twitched in irritation, a soft whine slipping from her lips rather than an irritated growl. A glance was shot at her green-eyed lover, why did this adolescent care for her already? Things simply had to be ignored. Another grudge in her heart would not do the coydog very good.
An ear twitched as the dark pirate spoke, yet it seemed only half of her focused interest. Fritz spoke for her, wainly the femme nodded in agreement. Crimson Dreams...Home--gone. Maroon eyes clouded slightly, hopefully with her spotted mate speaking, all would be well and her weakness not sought. "Crew?" She piped off softly, the hybrid catching interest. "I was a fighter--I (and Fritz) fought in a raid in Casa...I-I'm good with swords---I like the ocean. I can--fish?" Selene tilted her head, was that alright? "Are you forming a group? Or pack?" Her tail waved in interest, her gaze falling to the group of pirates. Whispering softly, Sel held Fritz's hand tighter. "How 'bout it Fritzy? Come on...Another try for home, I know we have tried..." Pointy nose turned back to the group, Selene nodded quietly. "'Cause...Maybe we can help."
Pleasure settled in the girl as the woman responded with a whine; a typical female incapable of defending herself and relying solely upon her mates status and greater physical capabilities to get anything done in life. The weakness she saw in such females disgusted the young girl and made her hypocritical and irrational dislike of females only deepen further. Shooting the woman a delightful sneer she turned her attention back to Tobias, instantly dismissing the dark-toned male's harsh scolding, she simply smiled and stuck her tongue out in a defiant, playful manner. Placing her hand by her shoulder she flicked the fallen dark strands back over her shoulder, tightly crossing arms across her chest, titling her head slightly in a curious manner without speaking, still expecting a response to what she had said. Yes, she'd interrupted but her words hadn't been wrong or pointless and she wanted to be sure that either Tobi or Percy had heard what she had to say before she allowed for herself to be dismissed.
Satisfaction lit up within her vibrant eyes as the male's attention was drawn to the dane, the point of the her words seemingly having been. Turning her back to Tobi she moved over to where Hael was now sat cross-legged in front of the fire, the brindle hybrid paying little to no attention to what was going on around him. Sneaking up on him she tackled him over as best she could with one arm broken, rolling with the motion and hugging her injured arm to her chest she collapsed a few paces away from a now irritated Hael on her back, uncontrollable laughter bubbling out from her.
WC:: 223 - Tobi's attempting to be nice ;; He's not very good at it.
The whimper caused charcoal harks to flip a bit, though gaze remained pinned to the spotted dane, avoiding the distracting show of weakness. As he spoke, he gave a slight nod.
'elpful, he mused, with his usually tight-jawed manner of speech.
We coul' use someone like ye fer a second in command.
That cold, steely gaze was ripped from the stranger male once his mate had spoken up, staring at her as she rambled. The only thing that had managed to make up for her grievous mistake of interrupting two men in conversation was the fact that she had applicable skills. A breath was inhaled slowly, deeply, in order to suppress a harsh comment and scolding, for being cruel to potential allies certainly did the captain no good whatsoever. The sigh hissed from between his teeth as he regained composure.
As for ye... Miss... We coul' use fishers. An' ye soun' as though ye may 'old yer own ground, though I'd appreciate ye showin' tha', his tone was almost sickeningly gentle as he spoke to the woman, attempting to portray some attempt at understanding while taking fragility into account, as well as trying to come across as tolerant, though his eyes seemed to speak different, displaying a message of authority and arrogance.
Ye both soun' like ye'd be a contribution t' me crew.
IC: Fritz could tell that Tobias didn’t really like females. First, he all but glared at the girl that was originally with them and he kept looking displeased by Fritz's mate. But he could also tell that Tobias thought that his experience would work well for his group. He confirmed his assumption saying that he could use someone like him as a co-leader, or sub-leader, Fritz wasn't sure which this was.
Selene then explained what she could do and then turned to him, asking if they should stay, calling him Fritzy, which he gave a grin to. He nodded at her question to him and then watched, as Tobias seemed annoyed with his mate. At least he thought that she would be useful as a fisher. And then Tobias complimented her by saying that it sounded like she could hold her own ground.
His last words seemed to be an invitation and after giving Selene a quick glance to make sure she was OK with it, Fritz nodded and said, "I would be honored to be part of your crew and to help you lead, Tobias." Now it was up to Selene. He was pretty sure she would also agree but he would let her say so.
Selene tried to ignore The girl, pointedly lifting her chin away in another direction as the lips lifted in a sneer, reassuring herself that this was completely uncalled for, all the more did the hybrid-woman ignore it all. Her posture strengthened the slightest, standing taller against her lover. This was no time to be weak, no time to place herself as ultimately lower than the others. She was no omega, yet meetings as these had her nerves in a knot. Mahogany eyes shifted to the pirate man, eyes shifting curiously over his visage as he kept his voice level. Clearly women were not a personal favorite of his, but could she let that bother her? Not the slightest. She could prove herself, be strong and good enough to have his trust endowed upon her. It'd take some time, but genuinely. It was worth it.
The slender coydog listened as he spoke, markedly tipping her ears back as her skills were being accepted by the wolf-man. A nod was sent in his direction, it took everything the girl had to contain the pride. It was a step, and a good one at that. A hand brushed over Fritz's arm, taking refuge in the crook of his elbow where she wrapped herself close. A chance to found something, it was exciting in many was. Glancing up, keeping her voice strong and steady, lifting her lyrics to the group "It'd be a great privilege, sir...I'm in."
Her life had taken the coydog in many places. It was amazing how quickly and how hard-hitting every event was. From a fire that killed the Barinos, to a heartbreak that almost toppled her foundation. It had brought her on a delightful path to a meaningful mateship, and meeting a group of pirates that were interested in having her on the crew. Skills could be worked upon, fishing was actually pretty easy. A small crooked smile was directed to Tobias, "How 'bout it Captain? Lead our way."
The man puffed a little, proud that he was reassembling what he had lost. He gave a quick nod to Fritz before returning his attention to Selene, hark perked forth and scruffy chin held a little high as he listened carefully. The fact that she had considered it a privilege showed humility, and thus suitable material for a ship. The fact that she had called him Captain was an added bonus.
Captain. He felt as though he was reclaiming a status that he felt had had not deserved over the past few days. Tobias hadn't realized how much he'd missed the sort of respect and authority the title demanded, and a lip curved slightly into a slight smirk.
We be lookin' t' 'ead north, Nahyt caught wind of a weakened pack, and we'll be swoopin' in t' take wha's theirs, if they 'aven't vanished already. Rebuildin' this crew may not be easy, bu' once we got th' land, crew members'll follow, his tone returned to a former stalwart tone, stating their intentions to the new pirates. His coal sights looked back to Harrow and Hael, emitting a slight scoffing sound before eyes touched over Percival for a moment more, assessing what tiny crew he had already gathered. Attention was once more drawn to the duo on horseback.
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