Flight of Fancy: IC (Mature) {Currently Closed}

[Aisha deCabre]

As his ear pressed to the metal floor, which as stated before was part of a large hangar door that only led to a freefalling open-air death, Kenyan would have not heard much of anything yet other than the machinery and the sound of strong rushes of air.

Jake watched him with a tilted head.  "Now you've got me curious, friend.  What is it you plan on doing if you do find any rats?"

Nearby, Willard couldn't help but listen as well.

*     *     *

On the side of the bar where the Demons were gathering attention, the ferret's coatimundi partner was running around and taking orders just about as energetically.  But this, the hours after the ship lifted off, he always looked forward to.  Being busy always just made the time go faster.

Suffice it to say, as he kept serving drinks to the rather comfortable Demon pair, he became a little unnerved...especially when a lynx Being was asked to join them in a few more.  It seemed to be quite a strong possibility that the ship's officers would have their hands full, should he have to call them.

Just as he was about to call their attention on the matter, a gray wolf had come up to the far side of his half of the bar and inquired about it.  As he mixed the drinks, a proud grin spread over his thin, pointed muzzle.  "Quite simple, sir.  Our good ol' magic dampener is a great help...but of course, Demons can still be pretty strong even with half their power cut.  Our ship's officers have been trained to reprimand anything with quite efficient swiftness.  One call and I can bring down an army if I must.  And the ship itself is quite well-protected, trust me."

He turned to the Demon pair then, as he passed them their next shots.  "You hear that, you two?  I must warn you to mind your limits on those drinks.  Our officers don't tolerate such things as drunken rabble-rousing, especially if it becomes a bother to the other customers."  He chuckled.  "And the Head Officer is a very strict woman.  I'd rather not cross her myself, if even the Captain won't."

Back on the other side of the bar, as Aisha was listening for confirmation on whether the angel next to her had indeed recognized her symbol for what it was, she couldn't help but catch the conversation about the pair of canines getting frugal with the drinks.  Her ears flattened to her head, and her claws visibly unsheathed around her drink.  "Demons," she hissed with quiet, barely-masked hatred.

"I'd watch what you say about 'em, Ma'am," the ferret bartender piped up as he refilled her glass.  "The Captain is one himself, see."

...Oh, wonderful.  This'll be a long twelve days.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

The Bar
One of the bartenders, the ferret, in between mixing drinks, nodded idly to Evan and rummaged around under the bar. "S'matter of fact, someone did leave a message for you specifically, said it was urgent." He slides over a small envelope, smelling faintly of beeswax and sealed shut with a bit of red ribbon pasted to the opening. It's not heavy enough to be more than a page long, if even.

Aisha and Kafzeil's discussion is interrupted with a polite "ehm", as a tall lean Moose with graying hair pulls his monocle off a short chain and rubs it with a cloth as he approaches the bar. He orders a small bit of absinthe, and waits for the captain to walk off to the other end of the bar before addressing the two of them.

"I see you've met the captain", he says between sips. "And you, madam, the disciple of Rynkura.... I must confess, I've been watching you. Thorialtor Kastnessen, at the service of you and your family." He raises his arms plaintively "No no, I don't mean you any harm, but I'm here, seeking mutual help, if you will. There's..... a lot wrong on this ship, a lot that doesn't meet the eye, and I'm sure that Demon is involved somehow. "

He turns to Kafzeil "And you too, sir Angel, though I do not know your name, you have a noble bearing about you. Might I impose upon the two of you to repair to a place more private? I do not wish to be overheard.

Hrolhgah walks over to where Baseel, Aleyna, and Vladim are talking. Turning his head to best emphasize his battle scars, he nods at the party. "And with that warning out of the way, let me welcome you to our little family. My backers insist that I clamp down on trouble wherever I see it, but it is good to see a pure-blooded demon on board. You're Leofric's boy, aren't you? I remember what it was like to be young, although my time was spent in running and scrapping, but I remember how the old blood sings. Come now, before I change my mind. How about we go to the gymnasium? There are a few practice weapons, and a spar could release some energy, and there shan't be long before I have to stamp down on the problems that inevitably arise."

He turns to the lynx. "Or perhaps you, friendly neighbor. Unlike many of my kin, I know full well what the wingless can do" He taps his lopped ear off apologetically. "The man who did this was fast on his feet, and possessed a technique of a level I'd rarely seen. And those....... appendages of yours, they look to be the work of a brilliant craftsman. Are they as battle-ready as they appear? Perhaps I could spar you if the young man is too enamored of his lady."



The Slavehold
Without preamble, the iron doors slam open, revealing a second door, also locked, for the brief moment it takes for a canine Demon to drop a heavy sack on the floor and withdraw wordlessly. The burlap spills open as he carelessly flings it onto the floor, revealing a few small vessels of water, some bread and dried fruit, and a small, round rock with a bit of paper lashed on that rolls out onto the floor and into the leg of a rather stupefied cat being, who after a languid pause, stoops over to take the note.
"Despair not, friends know you are here. What garbage." He throws it with all the strength he can muster, but the note catches the air and wafts along the room before finally settling near the back of the chamber.

Most of the slaves are already heading towards the food.

The Casino
A small rabbit, with no apparent wings sidles up to Terry.  "And here I was, thinking I'd seen everything. Who... if I do not offend, what are you?" He takes a delicate sniff, and continues "Rubber and oil, but I've never heard of a Gambling Golem."

He smiles a bit at his own wit and says "I'm here for the roulette myself, but if you've prefer another game, I'm up for anything. Always nice to have an interesting person to talk to while the cards turn and the dice fly, don't you think?"




(OOC: Minor edit for legibility and organization. I usually type these up in Word beforehand, and forgot to re-bold)

[Tapewolf]

"I'm glad," Jakob said.  "We wouldn't want them digging through the floor, or something."  Hmm, he thought to himself.  Does that mean the crew have some kind of bypass for the magic damper...?

His thoughts were interrupted by the jaguar lady nearby, and if his headwings had been out, they would have drooped.  While he hadn't quite heard what she had hissed, the bartender's response made it fairly plain.  Thanking the bartender for the drinks, he figured it was probably worth asking her if it was only Demons she had a problem with... if only so he'd know to stay out of her way in future.

But as soon as he got close, some other passenger came up and began talking to her in a slightly furtive manner.  Interrupting that would be even less polite than overhearing her overhear his conversation, so Jakob scowled in annoyance.  It soon faded... after all, it was a twelve-day journey.  Some other time, I guess. he thought, and headed off to give Hobbies his drink.

[Kafzeil]

Kafzeil had recalled doing a bit of research on the Shadowed Depths. He was supposed to pass through it a few years ago, though a storm forced him to take detour.

The Monastery was briefly considered as a place to stay the night, had no other option in the area been available.

Before he could speak, he heard the pantheress hiss, noticing her hand bearing her claws.

Mental note: Keep her away from Eden.

A moose then made his presence known. He listened to him. Said his name was Thorlaitor.  He did chuckle at the notion of his "Noble bearing". He really didn't consider himself that much of a hero.

"I think that would be wise, my friend. Our fair Lady doesn't seem to comfortable anyways." the ferret said as he finished his drink."We can finish our little discussion there too, if you so please." He said as he faced Aisha.

[Lisky]

Baseel first glared at the gray wolf who'd approached to the barkeep. He quirk in eyebrow, and had a mild look of disgust Who the fuck does he think he is?.  Halfway through a thoughtful discussion starter, the barkeep interrupted, which only further annoyed the demon.  He had the sense to give the barkeep a subtle nod of understanding. Again, forming a proper indignant reply to a very direct and personal slight, Baseel was about to point out how absurdly racist such a comment was, when he was cut off by the captain.  

"Perhaps a spar would be a good idea.  Not that i'd have needed to vent such energies until a direct and deliberate slight such as the one just oh so clearly delivered.  Can't even get a drink without being harassed.  I didn't realize you hired, and furthermore catered to the bigoted and ill informed."

It was more of a mild irritation... but he'd made sure to say his reply loud enough so that both the barkeep and Jakob could hear it.  "Yes, a spar will do nicely.  Please... lead the way."

After getting up, bowing politely to the other demon, baseel took a few steps.  As his mind clear, something the captain had said struck him, "You mentioned my father earlier. Leofric, you're correct that i'm one of his sons.  Though, now i'm curious.  How are you two acquainted? if at all?"

* * * * *

Aleyna smirked, downing another shot as Baseel wandered off.  She was half-tempted to watch the fight, but on the other hand, she too, was rather irritated at the casualness with which the gray wolf had immediately singled them out as the ones to cause trouble.  Perhaps an adventurer working on habit, or perhaps someone to draw suspicion elsewhere when they try and cause problems.  It would be more intelligent to check him out.  More fun to watch Bassy get his ass handed to him, but certainly not as useful.  Oh well... i guess it's time to put the countess mask on.

Her jovial mood seemed to ebb away as she politely excused herself from Vlad.  "I'm sorry, but i think there's something i should handle before Baseel returns.  You could join me down there if you'd like to actually try and converse... but someone has just committed a serious social faux pas, and i think it be best if i correct him before he returns"  

Gesturing to Baseel as she slowly moved a few seats down.  Her face was flat, uninterested.  Her ears slightly slicked back, and her tail twitched in annoyance.  She moved after Johan, keeping a little distance between herself and the strange, though well dressed man.  "You know, voicing concerns over security is one thing.  Staring at the pair of demons doing nothing than being jovial while doing so is certainly an easy way to get yourself into trouble, -sir-"  

Her tone carried enough of a bite to let Johan know she'd used the polite title facetiously.  Her eyebrows narrowed slightly, and her faux-courtesy ended.  The demon vixen carried herself with almost causal body language, sipping her drink  voice was direct, nigh accusatory,  "I'm lady Aleyna Kresedia, and if you wish to remove the target you've oh so clearly painted on your back, i suggest you explain yourself."

[Mel Dragonkitty]

Mel realized she had strayed a little closer to the table than she had planned when the dragon player addressed her, "Don't I know you Miss?" The speaker was pale blue dragon, in his base quadrupedal form but far, far too small, only reaching about seven feet at the shoulder and about ten long. "Yes, yes, you're the Icewing girl who sold Uncle Fridmar that dagger enchanted to cut through stone the last time we were visiting the delightful Lady Luna." He chuckled a bit to himself. "Aunt Eydis didn't appreciate the quality of the enchantment when one of the grandsons got hold of it and carved his initials into half the surfaces of the old family manse." Through all of this he was carefully arranging and rearranging the cards daintily held in one large clawed hand. Finally satisfied with their order he extended one paw, delicately touching the palm of Mel's hand with a talon. "Itangast Skeiweir, and it is good to see another dragon here. I'm a bit of an amateur enchanter myself. I've been testing a method to get my more natural form down to a more manageable social size. The damper is causing some interference, but it doesn't seem to mess up pre-existing magical structures all that much." "Melodie Icewing, and I remember you and your uncle. He drove a hard bargain." Actually he hadn't but everyone liked to think that they had.

Mel was about to suggest meeting later when the real reason he addressed her came out. "My condolences to hearing of the invasion of your family's hoard. Has the vile thief been punished yet?" Inside Mel cringed. Everyone wanted to gossip, and maybe gloat, about how someone had been bold enough and successful enough to invade the Fort and make off with something. The tale grew with each telling. It was only a couple of items out of the third class treasure room but the family was obligated to track the thief down and make an example of him or her as a deterrent to even bolder thieves. Which was why Barron wasn't available to accompany her on this trip; everyone available was out chasing leads.

She smiled pleasantly at Itangast "I am sure Grandmother has the culprit in her sights by now. She will get that sword and shield back and everyone involved will be very sorry until the end of their maximum lifespan and probably down to the end of their grandchildren's maximum lifespan as well."

[Tapewolf]

Jakob scowled inwardly as the Demoness accosted him, but outwardly his face was perfectly level and composed as he placed the drinks on the table and turned back to her.

"Lord Pettersohn, Thane of Mordor and true servant to my noble master, Lord Daryil," he said, with a bow.  A master who can and probably would think you into a pile of ashes if anything unfortunate happened to me, or the documents in my bag, he thought.

"My Lady, I think you mistake me," he said placatingly, "Joviality is not a problem for me.  Nor is it a problem if you wish to curl up into a little ball on the floor and sleep it off, or run around the room naked.  I have seen all this and more at the Academy where I studied.  What does unsettle me is what may happen in later hours, and if you will bear with me, I will explain why.  However, it was not my intention to er, 'sic' the bartender upon you... I simply wished to know what precautions were in place and his decision to admonish you was not at my urging." he paused for a moment.

"I have in fact recently attended a Demon party at the Old Manor in Ilf'Reth, after signing documents there," Jakob continued.  "It is shortly to become the New Manor, I believe," he sighed.  "Something stronger than drink may have been involved, but nonetheless, as the night wore on, Lady Inova and most of her guests of similar racial ability began to search for the legendary lost treasure of her clan, and dug out the building's foundations in a single happy night.  Four servants and two of the guests were killed in the resulting collapse.

"With this event still fresh in my mind, perhaps you can forgive me if the idea of Demons losing their inhibitions to drink is a rather frightening one to me, particularly several thousand feet in the air where there is no escape if things get out of hand.  If I seem to have singled you out it is because most of the other Demon or Angel guests I can see have restricted themselves to a single drink for now.  My concerns were strictly practical, and not intended as a slur upon your honour, or against your race.  I apologise if they have been so interpreted," he concluded, with another bow.

[Angel]

When Kenyan heard nothing but air and machinery, he again cursed in the odd chattering, clipped language he'd used before, and raised his head just in time to see the food dropped off. At the sight and smell of fruit, he immediately abandoned all pretenses and grabbed as much as he could before he regained his manners and left enough for the others. No matter how hungry he was, or how much he missed fruit, he could survive on less than the others in any situation. Taking back two dried figs, a chunk of bread and some water, he sat back down on his haunches near Jake.

"I was hoping to ask the rats if they knew of any secret ways out of the hold." His tail lashed back and forth anxiously as he forced himself to eat slowly. His animal instincts weren't going to be of any help for now. "It is not as useful to us, since we are not rats, but it might have helped in smaller ways."

[Lisky]

Aleyna quirked an eyebrow, "Perhaps you're an ambassador, but you certainly lack the common sense to ease -your- mental burden in a place that -isn't- within earshot of someone whom you've so prejudiced yourself.  Perhaps it wasn't meant as a slight, perhaps it was.  I've been talked down to twice since your arrival in my presence... Make sure it doesn't happen again."

Her voice was still biting, and her irritation obvious.  "Furthermore you somehow compare a romantic getaway to a house party with a rabble of half breeds high on Crimson Crystal Dust, or whatever happened to be served there.  Honestly, i have no idea how you managed to -not- insult the lady of the house... perhaps it was the drugs still talking."

Sipping her drink as her anger at the indignity slowly faded, a more calm head slowly set in after she'd given him back at least as well as he'd thrown, she then added, "Perhaps if we're stuck in close proximity for the better part of two weeks it'd be best to put this little incident behind us, and start off anew.  Watch what you say, and how you say it and we shan't have these problems in the future... fail to do so... well... it -is- only twelve days... i can avoid you for twelve days... almost as easily as tracking you down afterwards." 

She flashed her very sharp, predatory teeth, then pivoted sharply and wandered off.  She stopped after a few steps, giving a little look over her shoulder at Jakob as she said in an almost amused tone, "Have a pleasant trip."

[Tapewolf]

Jakob's expression did not change - the unflappable part of the diplomat was something he had down pat, even if he was still a bit green at the rest of the deal.  In any other situation the properly diplomatic thing to do would be to gracefully accept defeat, take the bone he'd been thrown and stay out of her way for the rest of the trip.  But she was a Demon.

"Power, my lady," he said calmly.  It wasn't a boast, it was a statement of fact.  "The influence of my Lord together with the technology he can provide.  To the Lady Inova, it was a chance to help her clan regain some of its earlier glory in exchange for some ore deposits on her land."

"Again I must apologise," he continued, looking at the ample distance between the bartender and the area where the Demons had been seated.  "I didn't think you or your illustrious partner would hear... I guess there was a lull in the conversation at just the wrong moment.  And frankly I am still new to the role of diplomat.
"Now, sparking a war between our clans over a tray of drinks would be pointless and needlessly destructive to both sides.  However, if you wish to spar over the matter, I am at your disposal."

He nodded slightly, and took a sip from his orange.

[Inumo]

Glancing awkwardly around to avoid the disappointment Xyrtia was sure she'd find in Mateo's eyes, she spotted the food getting dropped in and joined the mob slowly making theire way to eat. She was careful not to get too far ahead of herself, in case it turned into a stampede, and she was prepared to fast as she had many times before for religious reasons, but offered food was never something you turned down.

[justacritic]

Hobbies gazed nervously at the politely veiled argument while silently giving a toast with the plum brandy to a successful twelve days. However any violence on the the ship, especially so early on in the trip made that not likely. The plum brandy was a little strong but it gave him enough courage to try and distract from the tension. "So you two are together for a romantic getaway?" Addressing the demon couple. "Do you have any plans for the nights? I will be performing on the ship's theater at night on this flight. You could take a look if you are interested, what would you like to see in a performance?" Please, please, please don't choose excessive violence, those sort of plays always end up being political Hobbies thought I also have to make sure they aren't seated anywhere near Lord Jakob if they choose to attend 

[Aisha deCabre]

Willard barely stiffened when the door opened and the heavy sack of food was thrown in to the slaves; he had seen it far too many times before, and it had become something like a drill to him.  So, as the others made their ways toward the bag, he made sure to stand and walk further out among them to quell some of the hungry squabbles that were already forming.  "A'right, a'right, don't crowd...gotta make sure there's plenty for ever'body.  Don' start takin' more than what ya can survive on for some hours, newbies.  Small ones first.  If'n I can see yer ribs, git over here too.  No shovin'!"

Jake hung back for the weaker members, ignoring his own hunger for the moment.  When Kenyan addressed him, his ears and eyebrows quirked with interest.  "Pretty clever idea.  It might work, hopefully, if a rat or two managed to hide in the stores.  I'd listen through the walls for the general area of the garbage...or what they store for us."

His train of thought was interrupted soon enough by the clang of a rock on the metal.  His ears caught the words that another of the slaves had read, and readily discarded, and his eyes widened as the paper wafted toward the back.  "Whoa, what?" he grunted and hobbled up, forgetting the weights on his wings as he reached for the paper and read it for himself.

"'Friends know you are here...'" he muttered in a hushed tone while walking back to the fray, and then tapped the other Gryphon on his arm.  "Hey, Will.  Lookit this.  I think we're not as hopeless as we thought we were."

The white-feathered avian blinked and turned around, snatching the paper from Jake's talon.  "Lemme see that."  As he looked it over, his countenance slowly softened into a mix of interest, curiosity, and...dare Jake think, a spot of hope?

"Well, I'll be tarred."

He looked up, and then folded the note and handed it back to him, voice lowered to a whisper.  "Keep very quiet about that, whatever ya do.  It'd be a lot o' trouble just gettin' a note down here, so if'n these people ain't messin' around, better not mess up the opportunity."

With a nod of confirmation, the Knight let out a long sigh of hopeful relief and went to the food pile to finally get his pick.

*     *     *

Just as Aisha was wondering if she should order something a little stronger at the moment, considering the ruckus starting at the Demons' side, the clearing of someone's throat from close behind caught her attention...as well as that of the Angel.  The rather fancy-looking moose wishing to talk to the roguish people at the bar was curious enough...but then he mentioned Rynkura by name, as well as revealed the fact that he had been watching her.  Her eyes narrowed, but she was relieved that she didn't have to coerce for further information from this Thorialtor.

But she did feel the fur on her hackles rise a little at his statement.  Something wrong?  Interesting.  Her eyes happened to briefly catch sight of the lupine captain himself wandering across to the other side of the bar.  And not too awful surprising.

As the ferret Angel gave his own confirmation, Aisha hummed, and tossed the coins for her drinks toward the bartender.  She faced the two, with cautious conviction present in her eyes.  "Huh.  Well.  I suppose I can make some time to hear about this interesting turn of events, sure.  Besides, you're right, amigo; I'd rather not stick around here much longer, else I'll be tempted to act.  And I have nowhere else to be right away."  She hopped from the stool and nodded toward the moose, flicking her tail and sorely missing the feel of the magic from the emerald ring upon it; that enchantment had made it glow around Creatures of dark magic.  "Lead on then, señor Kastnessen."

The jaguaress turned back to the ferret as she followed.  "By the way, I suppose introductions are in order now."  She held out her hand.  "I am Aisha, the Risen; adventurer, if you could not guess," she smirked.

Back at the other side of the bar, the musteline tender slapped the coati in the arm and hissed.  "Hey, you're supposed to give them a warning, not a threat.  You're lucky the Captain's not after your head now, new guy."

He straightened up and snorted indignantly.  "Sheesh, sorry, I was only tryin' to help.  I was nervous."

[VAE]

Almost as soon as he put the glass down, one of the bartenders ceased talking to the lupine emissary , giving him his order, and approached the demon pair with a new set of drinks and a hearty dose of mouth soup.
No shit ... Either these two are known troublemakers, or someone's just bit off quite the solid chunk. Either way, let's see how well can he chew....Though I suppose drawing attention to himself *like this* does mean less focus on me.
The discussion died out before it even began, and the pair appeared pissed off, to say the least.

Before anyone could get a word by, the trio was approached by the captain, who first of all, ostentatiously showed off his scars. Overall, his behaviour was a stereotype that made demon characters in various dozen-for-a-copper pulp fiction (such the story of Beoric the Barbarian's fight against Emperor Crux of Hukkan) seem nuanced and original. He even challenged the male to a spar, and then...
How in the fucking hell ... and how did he recognise... this was a straight from blueprint job we...
Although he did his best to appear calm, the lynx was rather taken out of balance by the captain's remark. He turned towards him.
"I... commend your skills of observation, captain. Few notice, and even fewer understand... these matters, especially since I tend not to... showcase them unless a need of use arises, as it does attract undue attention, you'll surely understand. Besides, despite being able to do the job in such times of need... I'm far more versed in the matters of combat thaumaturgy, but as you know best, such a spar would be rather difficult to carry out given the... precautions in place. "

He turned to Aleyna.
"I certainly won't mind, either here or in the gymnasium... the second might actually prove more conductive to conversation due to a lack of certain disruptive elements."

[Tipod]

Normally, the rabbit would have offended with the 'what are you' statement... but he seemed cordial enough. At least the 'who' came before the 'what.'

"My name is Terry, and I prefer to classify myself as a sentient unliving artificial person," he said. "If you wish to be politically correct. And while I appreciate the offer, blackjack may very well be the only game I can excel at."

Which was to say, it was the one he could cheese the most using probability and measured risk-taking.

[Kafzeil]

Kafzeil nodded as he rose from his stool, pushing the glass, it's contents now empty save for the usual amount of foam. He could always come back for another drink. Besides, the moose likely wouldn't try anything unless he was really stupid. Provided he tried it alone, of course.

He took a moment to notice the commotion with the Demons and some gray wolf.

"Dumbass." Kaf snickered under his breath. Granted, he may have had a point...still, insulting not one, but TWO Demon's, and if he caught that word right, pureblood ones who seemed to buy into demon traditions, within an earshot was a lovely way to see what the beating end of a mace looks like.

Still, he may need to approach them. As the diplomat of his family, he'd like to see if the Harkonnen had any sort of relationship with their clans.

He listened to panther before taking off with her and the moose. Well, she really didn't like Demons.

Kafzeil smiled at the panther as she held out her hand. Her name as Aisha. He took her hand and shook it.

"Kafzeil Harkonnen. I handle Diplomacy for my Family, mostly." While he had a bleak view of Adventurers, Kafzeil had to admit at least one thing about the profession.

"...I suppose have a lot in common as far as professions go. I lend my services to those who need it, when I can."

[Tezkat]

"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't... I mean..." Looking around, Mateo couldn't see any other captives with nametags on their collars. He lowered his neck and dropped the matter. "It's okay... um... Xyrtia? That's a pretty name. This Jane Wimbly person must be your owner or..." Gah! Why even suggest something like that? Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

The loud clang of their prison doors bursting open thankfully jarred him away from further opportunities to embarrass himself. Mateo waded into the crowd forming around the bag. His mouth watered at the smell of food. After days of near starvation (and mostly failing to keep down what meager fare they did provide), he could probably have wolfed down the entire bag himself. But he didn't want to take more than his fair share, and he certainly didn't want to piss off the Gryphon who'd taken charge of the slave hold. The big guy probably considered him one of the "small ones"--his lanky, youthful frame felt tiny by comparison--but Mateo didn't want to appear weak or greedy. He hung back until several of the others--especially Xyrtia--had had a chance at the food. When his turn came, he snatched a few pieces of dried fruit, which he downed along with a long swig from the water bottle. He hadn't realized quite how parched he was, and it felt good to finally wash the taste of vomit out of his mouth.

His ears perked up at the talk about the note. From the cat's reaction, he'd assumed it was just their captors toying with them, but the Gryphons appeared to be taking it seriously. The two were whispering in tones he doubted a normal Being would be able to hear. He didn't want to be outed as an eavesdropper--or worse, as a Were--but their conversation rekindled something he'd feared he might never feel again. Hope.

Mateo waited for the winged Gryphon--the one who'd taken the note--to collect his share of the rations. He leaned over, keeping his voice low.

"Is it true? Are we gonna be rescued?"

[Lisky]

Aleyna first turned her attention towards Jakob and smirked.  "Very brave of you.  Offering to correct your wrongs in the ring of honor.  Perhaps i'll give you the chance, if you'd care to accompany me to the gym.  I know Baseel and the captain went that way for a spar, so we may have to wait for a turn.  If nothing else, it'll certainly be a good way to rebuild the mood i'd arrived with."

Winking at the incubus she then turned to the performer.  "We'll see where things go.  We'll stop by for an evening, something a few hours would be nice.  Too much longer and we may have to cut out early.  Beyond that, though, i think it should be up to the performer to choose and adapt his plans to better fit the audience."

Looking in the direction Baseel was headed, she extended a hand to wolf incubus, "Shall we?"

[justacritic]

"I suppose this is where we part ways for now Lord Jakob." Hobbies said and bowed in farewell. The incubus thanked the wolf for the drink and left, now that he some ideas of what to perform tonight. If he was to perform more of the shorter pieces in one night, it would be tricky to prepare his puppets to "speak" the lines. First of all though he needed to finalize the night's acts. The rest would come later, he headed back towards his room but changed his mind at the last second and headed towards the ship's theater. The fennec needed to check the size and equipment of the stage.

[Paladin Sheppard]

Finishing his stroll around the upper deck Paladin made his way to the airship's casino. Looking around he spotted what he was after; a low limit poker game, the wolf was in no hurry to blow his gold in a high stakes game just yet, even though that would take some time.

After exchanging some gold for chips, the disguised Incubus ordered a drink and asked to be dealt into the next hand...




*******************************


The Diminutive Redheaded Devil, having finished her exploration for the moment, and craving some attention made her way to the Aft End Bar she had located.

Sliding up to the bar itself and sitting down on one of the stools Ephrael ordered several shots, fairly bouncing up and down as she stared out at the countryside below and waited for her order.

[Tapewolf]

"My lady," Jakob said to the Demoness, "I would be honoured.".  He considered for a moment that it might be better to retire to his cabin first and change into something more fitting, but then again he could just remove the top and the boots - he could probably even shorten the pants into trunks if the damper wasn't too strong.
The real question was how hard he should fight back - Aleyna would probably realise he wasn't really an Angel fairly quickly.

[Boog]

Jeremiah's grin widened as the snow leopard settled in next to the dragon. A girl at one's shoulder was, first and foremost, distracting. Distracted players were good.
And to think I was worried.
"Bets, ladies and gentle-men." He added, gesturing to the circle in the center of the table as he sized up his suckers players. "Place your bets." Huh, if he's got any tells nobody will know what the hell they are, good for him. The dragon seems like one a' them pompous urbane types, that's pretty easy to pull. And I'm pretty sure one of the cats are drunk. He smiled to himself, Three normal players, a good face with no experience and a pinata. Good table.
He gestured a nearby girl with a tray of drinks over, smile dialed down from 100 watts to something more like 70.

[Aisha deCabre]

When he heard the sudden whispering nearby of the youth that had a breakdown earlier, Jake's head whipped around in surprise.  His eyebrows furrowed slightly.  "You heard that?"

With a sigh, and a handful of fruit and water, the Gryphon stood up and made sure to keep his voice equally low.  "Look, keep quiet about that, okay?  I don't really know for sure that we are; and neither does our fearless leader over there.  One note doesn't always guarantee freedom.  Whomever contacted us may well be caught before they can do anything."

He smiled shortly.  "But, while we're keeping our heads on, there shouldn't be anything wrong with hoping, yeah?  By the way, name's Jake," the Knight finished as he made his way back over to his spot and gratefully settled down again, cursing the weights he wore.

From nearby, Willard watched the other Gryphon with heightened caution.  It was easy for him to keep up a stoic, unattached and unconcerned demeanor around the slaves.  But with the presence of the note, and of his kinsman's confidence, the wingless avian for the first time in ages was beginning to indeed hope again.

If nothing happened.

*     *     *

Back at the bar, the ferret tender kept taking orders and serving drinks with the same amount of breakneck energy, while his newbie coatimundi partner handled things with more caution; if not relief that the demons were finally leaving...though he was unaware that he was being watched by a few of the guardsmen.

Soon, another customer had entered near the white ferret's side; a Tasmanian Devil girl, and he got to work making the shots she ordered.

"Grand view, eh?" he said, referring to the side window that she had been sitting near.  "Always too cloudy for my liking though."

And not too far away, as Aisha walked with the moose and ferret Angel, she nodded politely.  "Good to meet you then, Kafzeil," she replied, her eyes turning back forward.  "And yes, you're right...whether a diplomat or a hired arrow," she grinned shortly at the hint to her bounty hunter title, "It all boils down to helping the people that deserve help."  She chuckled.  "Just hope I didn't unnerve you with my profession.  Some of my good friends are actually of the winged type."

[SquirrelWizard]

Evan thanked the bartender and paid for his drink, and slipped his finger under the seal on the letter and opened it up.

I know that which you carry. You are being hunted for it, and one of her relatives is here, NOW. She is looking for you, and you are in danger. I can protect you, but I need help myself, to correct a great evil on board this vessel. Meet me outside the gymnasium at 3:30. You will not know me, but I will know you.

Quickly folding the letter up and sliding it into his pocket, he grabbed the shot glass and threw it back. Taking a moment to let the fire die down, he dropped some coins on the bar and walked off in the direction that he thought where the gymnasium was; hell, he could do with some exploring.

[Lisky]

Aleyna smirked at the oh so sight hesitation Jakob had given her.  "Oh, don't worry.  I won't go out of my way to ruin your clothes.  Besides, you could always remove a few layers if that's what's got you a little hesitant."  She smirked,  "It's also not like you couldn't fix the little rips and tears after the trip. It's a friendly spar, nothing more...  Though i do hope you know what i shan't go easy on you."

Rolling her shoulders back casually, one might notice that despite all the dapper, slender appearance, soft ripples in her fur reveal taught, wiry muscles hidden beneath.  "Well, it's either that or you can go change.  In either case, i'll be heading for the gym."

[Tapewolf]

"Very well, Mi'Lady," Jakob said.  "I shall choose something more suitable and meet you at the gym."

When he had, Jakob was wingless, dressed in a T-shirt and trunks and a gown which he discarded upon entering.  While Jakob had not devoted his studies at SAIA to making himself into the perfect warrior, he had picked up a casual grasp of various techniques for using his wings to armour his body and increase the strength of his arms.  The shapeshifting was trickier and less responsive than it should have been, owing to that annoying magic damping field.

He had protected most of the areas that were likely to be struck during a spar, but not his head, relying on his own skills at blocking the Demoness.

"Mi'lady," he said, with a bow.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

The Gymnasium
The captain strides off, not bothering to check to see if anyone is following, heading out of the casino and down a spiraling staircase that looks like it's red marble but is probably just a thin sheath around a brick core. He walks about eighty feet to a round door, which he pulls open unceremoniously.


The room is about 60 feet  to a side, with a padded mat floor covering about 2/3 of the surface and burnished, almost mirrored walls to the two sides adjacent to the entrance.  On the far wall is a large weapon rack, filled with lathe blades, softened clubs, and other practice weapons that will leave a bruise but are not intended to be lethal. Inside is a thin giraffe, with small, stunted batwings, and a calm, almost shy demeanor. The captain nods to him and turns around to address anyone who followed him in . "This is Rob, the medic. He's here to make sure things don't get too out of hand, and if they do, he's good at fixing you up without magic.  Now, young Wolksheem. I do believe I challenged you first."

He first walks over a locker, one of several on the wall that the door opens from, and places his overcoat inside, and then walks over to the far wall, and takes a thin lathe blade, crafted in a facsimile of a saber, and turns to face the entrance and brandishes the weapon. "What would you favor?"


Marching Upstairs

The moose finishes his drink and signs a small scrap of paper with his bunk number to pass over to the bartender, and then looking around nervously, motions Aisha and Kafzeil to follow him. He walks swiftly but without running, and goes up towards the bow of the vessel, and ascends a flight of stairs, and glancing at the engineers monitoring some bit of machinery. He then heads back astern, silently opening the meditation room and ushering his followers inside before turning the sign to "occupied" and shutting the door.

He turns to speak, idly rubbing his monocle, muttering something under his breath and pulling out his pocketwatch before tucking it back into his waistcoat and withdrawing it somewhat awkwardly.

"I don't think we'll be overheard here. The boys up front are forever tinkering with their machines, so I don't think they'll eavesdrop, and when they adjust the temperature of the gasbag, it can get a bit loud. This ship is a front. I'm not sure for what, but we've had divinations tracing a few missing people to this ship. They might just be trafficking, but they're probably involved in a number of abductions, and the magical shielding and the off-access areas provide a perfect cover to store people. I want to bust them out and expose this whole boondoggle. Are you two with me?"  


The Casino

"Blackjack it is then!" the bunny exclaims and walks over to the table, waving over to Terry. Since you're new here, first round's on me, what'll you have? He waves over the dealer and drops down a pair of blue chips and taps the green twice. "Get a look of the dragon, the one all scrunched up and quadruped.  I absolutely love this vessel. Fifth time I've been on, and there's always something new to see. " He pauses to wave over a waiter.

[Inumo]

Xyrtia grabbed a portion that was small even by her standards. The bread and dried fruit reminded her of the week-long hunts back with the tribe, where food like this was standard fare until they could catch a beetle or other bug to turn into bug steaks. With a sigh, she idly nibbled at the trail food and let her eyes wander. Something going on between that Mateo kid and the gryphon, but otherwise nothing of interest. It seemed that the prisoners all accepted that elder gryphon's authority.

With a last bite, she finished her sparse meal and brushed her hands of crumbs before sitting back down against the wall, idly feeling at her clipped pinion feathers.

[Tezkat]

"I... ah... sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything. It's just you picked up that note the cat threw away and..." Mateo's whisker's drooped. He'd been careless--foolishly hopeful--even if Jake had apparently forgiven his transgression. He doubted he'd still get friendly smiles if the Gryphon knew just how much he'd heard... or why. "It's okay. I won't say anything. I should've known it might be too good to be true. And my name's Mateo..."

But the Gryphon was already heading off to eat. Mateo sighed and returned to sit against the wall. He crossed his arms atop his knees and lay his chin over them, glancing furtively at his new acquaintances as they ate in silence. Could he possibly have made a worst first impression?

[Angel]

Nodding eagerly at Jake's additional ideas for his plan, Kenyan ate what he'd taken. When the bustle happened over the note and rock, he did as his adopted family had taught him: he sat still and listened. <So, someone is planning to rescue us? I can only hope their intentions are better than the traders...> Kenyan thought. As he lisstened, the young ocelot spoke with Jake. He got a stern warning, and the boy grew even more pathetic. Kenyan's ears lowered, and his conscience ate away at him until he finally crawled over to where Mateo was sitting, with the upset blue jay from earlier.

"Do not let it bother you too much," he said quietly to the boy. "They just don't want a large reaction. If any more trouble happens, we all suffer." He gave a small smile. "Your name is Mateo, is it not? Mine is Kenyan."