Post by blythe on Feb 12, 2010 18:41:08 GMT -6
PercivalVizharen
It was late evening when they arrived in Turas Lan port, where Percival kept the Vigilant. A massive ship with an active crew that worked diligently to keep the ship in presentable shape. The sea water, a greenish color, slapped the shoreline and rocked the ship. Percival seemed unaffected by it all. He made his way up the boarding plank and settled on the main deck to look about. "Pull in the docking line, drop sails. We are leaving." The first mate moved off, screaming orders. Percival turned and headed toward his quarters.
The Bean Shidh
To say that Blythe had found the city of Turas Lan intimdating had been a vast understatement. The woman had not traveled to a large city in quite some time, and the vast amount of people was overwhelming. The woman had stuck close to Percival throughout the time it took to reach the docks, her eyes ever-scanning and her lips void of words. The Banshee showed no outward signs of fear on her expression nor in the way she carried herself, but there had been that marked drawing nearer to him to give just the smallest hint of what the woman truly felt. When those deep blue eyes found the sight of the ships at the dock, it had been the Vigilant which had captured most of her attention. As a child, she had seen ships and had been fortunate enough to have had one voyage aboard a vessel. Nothing fancy, but the freedom of it had been so memorable that it remained with her to this day. They reached the ship and boarded. Her eyes traveled from one man to the next as orders were shouted and the deck became a buzz of activity. The boots of the woman had given pause as Percival moved off, but she would soon follow.
PercivalVizharen
Percival disappeared behind a large door. Inside was a slightly long hallway with three doorways. Two were parallel to one another along the bulkheads, the last was straight ahead. He moved to the one at the end of the hall. The quarters were large, with an equally large dining area looking aft from the ship. It was high class, luxury. The other rooms were a study, and a room devoted to weapon storage. Percival stayed in the back room however, dropping his gear into one of the seats and easing over to a group of bottles. He poured a glass of whiskey and drank it without ceremony. He took a moment to himself, just letting the numbness sink in.
The Bean Shidh
The Banshee followed still, keeping her lips shut and her voice silent in doing so. Even her steps upon the wooden flooring of the ship made scarcely any sound. Blythe was practiced in the art of stealth, so much so that it would be difficult to let her natural actions fall away. Dull but large eyes slid over the interior of the back room when he entered and she followed, taking in what there was to see as if memorizing her surroundings. It was impressive, this place he called home, but she said nothing on the matter of his cabin. After a moment, her eyes returned to him and she spoke with that rasping voice. "Shall I stow myself elsewhere?" A woman aboard the ship might not be the best thing in the eyes of the crewmen. Women tended to bring bad luck and were generally viewed with superstition guiding the men's minds.
PercivalVizharen
"No. The men will try to rape you." He said. "I say try, but you'd kill them. And I need a crew for this ship to work. You may stay here." He set the glass down, empty of whiskey. "We're heading south east, to Rome. The Spectre is there. If we are in luck, we may find him easily. Otherwise, we will be there for awhile until something happens. Profile suggests he is a religious man, and he kills from afar. We do not want to be in Spectre's sights." He sat down in a chair and propped his boots upon the surface of the table. "So get comfortable, we will be passing Spanish territory. Lots of pirates in that region."
The Bean Shidh
His words were true enough. The men would try to rape her, and as he said, she would kill them all. She would stay and not go wandering off to familiarize herself with the rest of the ship. Movements carried her toward a chair, and she sat, her gaze leveling on the man who had brought her here. Right hand idly rubbed the wrist of the left and the wrapping that still bound it. It still hurt, but it was mobile enough to serve her well if it was needed. His talk of pirates caused a thin brow to raise upon her forehead. "I do not fear a fight. Know that my blade is yours if it is needed." After all, he was going to assist her in her task of locating her husband. She needed them both to be alive for that.
PercivalVizharen
"I know you do not fear anything living, Banshee. Simply informing you that we may have a fight on our hands. Down that passageway there, to the right is my own personal armory. You may rearm if you have lost any weapons in our fight. Food is in here. I will be in my study. Try to not kill anyone.." He said, coming to stand before her. He was well dressed now, complete with the intricate rapier at his side. He looked the part of a noble sailor, or .. a pirate. His gloves off, Banshee could see the P brand on his hand. He passed her by silently, disappearing into the room on the left.
The Bean Shidh
Banshee nodded her head at his words of the armory, her eyes remaining steady upon his features as he spoke. When he stood, her eyes followed upward to keep that gaze in position. She didn't note his branding nor would she have known what it meant had she seen it. There were no words given as he left. The woman would remain seated where she was for the time being, letting her eyes wander over the interior of the cabin in an idle manner. She was thinking things over, mulling about over the memory of their meeting. The man had her respect even if he had yet to earn her full trust. After some time of sitting, resting, the redheaded woman pushed herself to stand then made off for the armory. She needed a new long knife or dagger to replace that which had been ruined with the fight between herself and Percival. She also needed to take a stone to the edge of her rapier. It was dull, as she'd said to the man the night before. Once at her destination, she would choose a blade to be weilded by her left hand. It would have to be light and manueverable, well-balanced and able to rend flesh from bone with the flick of her wrist. The blade would also need a cross guard to effectively aid in blocking and manhandling a weapon striking at her. Several were picked up and weilded as if against an attacker before Blythe decided on the best to add to her person.
PercivalVizharen
The room was a large one, and contained storage units of various swords, muskets, pistols, daggers, and crossbows. All of them bore the same symbol, and were painted in black. It made them appear sleek, like the thorns of a rose. The symbols were in gold; a bird whose fiery wings were spread as if to take flight. There was a single window in this room, barred, but the glass was stained. Beams of light appeared to cut across the dust filled room, illuminating what was within, herself included. Percival did not join her, he remained within his office.--- Night came with the calls from outside. They had left the European region and were cast off course by an avid approaching storm wind. Percival had come out to take the helm, to put them back on course. They were passing Spain when there was a call from the crow's nest. A shot rang out, followed by several others. The early morning was dreary, with a haze like rain that doubled as fog. Up ahead, a ship had pulled perpendicular to the bow of the Vigilant. Cannons rang out like thunder, and the ship shook sustaining the blows. Percival brought his feet from the corner of the dining table to stand. The sword strap was draped over his shoulder and he grabbed the satchel for his pistol. "Cooompannny.." He called, moving out to the main deck and up to the helm to ensure its safety. The first mate was already setting up the attack pattern for the men at the cannons.-- Percival arrived at the helm and shouldered the man out of the way with a scowl. The wheel was grabbed and cast to one side, and the ship lurched to disappear within the fog.
The Bean Shidh
In all, The Banshee had spent the night arming herself with that one knife, a bow that would suit her well, and a quiver of the best arrows she could find. The woman was not too keen on using a pistol or long gun, but she had even chosen one to keep on her just in case. Most of her time in the armory had been spent honing the edge of that rapier to a razor sharp line. It would make her even more of a force to be reckoned with. Some small amount of sleep had been taken off in a corner of his cabin where she propped herself into a corner. Years spent sleeping in wait for someone to arrive had made her a light sleeper who didn't slumber in long intervals. The storm had set her stomach to churning, but it was not debilitating. When the canons rang out, she had been sitting in one of the chairs of the room, watching the man in order to pass the time. There was much one could learn from merely watching another, and she wanted to know those close to her as much as she could. A straightening of her form was given in the same moment that he moved to stand. A nod given to his drawn-out word, and Banshee was rising as well in order to collect her possessions and pull the cloak onto her body. She would soon follow, the hood raising to cover her head and shield her eyes from the misting of the weather. "Tell me where to be, and I'll be there." This was not her area of expertise; she would have to trust him on what needed to be done.
PercivalVizharen
"Protect the main deck!" He called out. Several men drew their weapons, while other focused on their duties with the canons. People were running everywhere, but the crew knew their jobs well. It grew quiet though, as the ship slowly glided over the seawater. Men searched ahead, looking through the thick fog. A large, black shape was up ahead, the stern showing the tail-tale of turning to broadside their bow again! Percival began to bank hard starboard, and it nearly put everyone on their ass. "READY PORT!" He called, turning as the ship ahead did! They drew near, and Percival provided the perfect angle for a trade off. "FIRE!" Canon after canon sequentially sounded as the large bits of lead were projected into their target. Wood cracked and there were screams. Following the last canon, Percival turned the wheel starboard again, taking an angle away from the enemy canons. They escaped the canons, the majority missing, but they didn't outrun the grappling hooks. Fifteen men swung over and landed amidst the crew on the Vigilant's deck. Percival pulled into the fog as the fight began.
The Bean Shidh
Feet fell into a stance to accomodate the bank toward starboard, her right hand moving to brace her against the rail before the helm. Blue eyes were narrowed and focused on the shape that loomed before them. She carried the look of one ready to slay with conviction, one of complete concentration and studious observation. The deck rumbled beneath her feet as canons were set to firing. The battle was boiling her blood now, bringing chills to her flesh and awakening the devils within her soul. A brief, faint smile was offered within that protective hood when she righted herself fully and crisscrossed her arms to draw both blades from their place on either hip. The metallic twang of the hooks hitting the deck and sliding into their gripping locations had her attention and she moved immediately to leap into action. Over that forerail she went, grace on her side as she landed upon the decking. Banshee would go for the first enemy she crossed, letting instinct take over and guide her blades.
Crewman/Pirates
Of the fifteen enemies that landed, four managed to kill a crew member before landing with a thump. Swords drawn, they engaged the team ready to fight them. Percival's men were well trained, and they seemed to handle these men with proficiency. The fight didn't come for the Banshee until she had landed below. Five men dispatched their targets and looked to the hooded legend as she straightened from the crouch induced from her jump. Their swords were held out in front of them, and they made a semi-circle there before her.-- One man was swinging for the helm, and Percival could see him coming.
PercivalVizharen
Percival raised his pistol and shot the man in the face before he could reach the helm. The power from the shot was enough to make the body do a backflip while plummeting to the sea below. Scowling, he brought the pistol back to his side. "My helm." He mumbled, steering them away from the other ship.
The Bean Shidh
So confident was she in Percival's abilities that she paid no mind for the man who made his way toward the helm. The five before her were the Banshee's focus, and she would give them the fight of their lives. A wicked gleam came into those eyes and curled a smile on her lips that could have frozen the seas upon which they sailed. Her form straightened slowly and she took a stance with knees bent and one foot at the fore of the other. Left hand was raised to her side and up, the knife ready to strike while the rapier point was held out before her. With an amazing display of speed and skill the woman advanced on the men. Her flurried movements brought her to knock aside the blade of the first, the knife moving in to deliver the man to his God with a slash at the vein in the side of his throat.
Crewmen/Pirates
That particular man had been seeking to strike from up high. When her blade defended against the attack, it recoiled in his hand. He had no defense for what the Banshee did following that, and it left him falling to the deck, clenching his throat as blood seeped through the cracks of his fingers. Two others attacked at once, while the other two were attacked by crew-men. Banshee was left with two to dispatch.
The Bean Shidh
The fallen man was given no more attention. The two other attacked and the woman would meet them with no fear or withdrawing of her intent. Lips were pursed in concentration as both arms were sent upward and out in a flinging motion to fend away each blade of each of the men. She would advance in the seconds that followed, right hand moving in a slash toward her left and the man that resided there. She had aimed for his eye when taking the swipe. Immediately after, her torso was dropped low and feet assisted her in spinning toward the left to avoid any blows that would come from the man who avoided the judgment of the woman's blade. For now.
Pirates
The judgement of Banshee's blade rendered a man blind, and he fell back to hit the railing of the port side, crying out in pain. The connection with the rail was enough to knock him out cold.-- The other male who attacked in that instant missed because of the quick action taken by Banshee. His blade whistled over her head, leaving his mid-section open temporarily as he tried to regain his balance.
The Bean Shidh
Still in her crouch when she spun to face him again, the tip of her rapier was sent in an upward thrust toward the gut of the man as he fumbled to regain his balance from the blow that had missed. A carnal cry was given from her lips with that moment, one that assisted the Banshee in living up to her namesake. When she fought, Blythe fought for blood and the woman fought for keeps.
Pirates
The man was unprepared for what followed. The prick of her sword was foreign, and it pierced his skin forgoing his discomfort. He felt the steel cut through inner organs, its cold felt close to his heart, literally. Gasping for air that did not fill his lungs, he latched onto the woman's shoulder as blood regurgitated from his mouth and he convulsed involuntarily from the pain. His body was shutting down, and the strength in his knees left him as he slid down her body, coughing. He hit the wooden deck with a thud, convulsing before finally his eyes glazed and he stopped moving.--- In the distant fog, bright flashes could be seen slightly obscured by the white blanket of fog as canon balls struck the port side of the Vigilant, shaking the frame with a shake. Splintered wood went everywhere, showering the crew that survived the barrage. The source of the attack could be seen, piercing the fog. Its dark looming frame closing. More grappling hooks clanked across the surface of the deck.
The Bean Shidh
The man's touch was not welcome and thus would not remain on her person. Banshee would turn to the right and let the weight of the man carry the blade downward in order to remove him from her blade as he fell. Her attention went toward the deck of Percival's ship in search of another to die by her hand. She advanced once more toward the sound of the grappling hooks, only this time, she would sever two of them in passing with the knife in her left hand. The third would find her awaiting the man who crossed, and she would cut him down before his body ever reached the railing of the Vigilant. Blythe was prepared, ready to spring and already contemplating boarding the other ship to toss herself to the belly of the beast.
Pirates
The helm was the real target of this second boarding party. The majority jumping to the main deck had been dispatched before they even reached the Vigilant. However, Percival Vizharen would be incapable of stopping the group from landing at the helm with him. --What grappling hooks were set now wenched to the railing of the port side. They could hear cries from far out as men heaved to pull the Vigilant closer. Six men landed in the wide upper deck with Captain Vizharen, and his two crewmen were shot before they could really make a dent in the fighting.
PercivalVizharen
That just would not do. He was forced to forfeit the wheel, and came to stand upon the wheel support to avoid being struck by a sword. He kicked that man across the face before freeing the ornate rapier at his side. The blade was a fantastic make, inscribed to a Kuriel Se'Vant, it had been a gift from an old companion. The tip of the blade cut through a second man's cheek, making his smile much larger. No matter how Percival wanted to look at this, he had been over-run. To avoid being hit, He stepped over the edge of the wheel support to fall to the main deck below. Just as his upper half was passing the support though, his pistol had been carried up and leveled, firing upon the man that had just missed him. The lead ball struck him in the mouth and forced his head back with momentum until a trail of red exploded from the back portion of his cranium. -- Percival landed below with a thud, his knees forced to bend with gravity induced pain, but he forced himself to recover. The pistol he had just fired was twirled, the trigger guard used in a manner to keep the weapon attached to his hand. His fingers latched around the barrel of the weapon, and his sword was raised in an advancing stance. He intended to get his helm back.
The Bean Shidh
And he would have the assistance required to do just that. Those who advanced on them from her position were left to the hands of the competent crew while the hooded woman set herself into motion. She would hit the steps toward the upper decking at a run. A spring of her legs was given to carry her up to the sloping handrail where, upon reaching the deck up top, she would have the high ground. Blythe preferred the high ground. Reaching the end of the wooden handrail, she was launched toward one of the men and with a downward thrust of the long knife, she buried the blade through the top-center of his skull cap. It was her luck that she caught the edge of bone plating which would allow the blade to be plunged into his brain until the guard of the weapon stopped the downward progression. A warrior crazed, she hit the deck and rolled until her footing could be regained, and it was on to the next.
Pirates
A man was left to cradle his face in his hands, his cheek sliced open by Captain Vizharen. Another was kicked aside, and he fell to the deck. The last was shot before Vizharen had disappeared to land below. -- When Banshee arrived, there were three that were trying to clean things up. The man that had been kicked was being helped up, the man that was struck on the cheek was being told to leave, while the last man turned the wheel to bank toward the enemy ship. The man Banshee had killed was the closest to the stair, and he had been helping another man up. With the knife plunged into his scalp, he couldn't even react. His body just fell to the ground, lifeless. She tumbled, away from the other man left to stand on his own, so that she could slash the man at the wheel when she'd straightened. His entrails fell from the wound, and he fell back screaming as the other two males turned to see what was going on! They charged Banshee.
PercivalVizharen
Percival moved up a couple seconds behind her. He saw the quick killing strokes she used. He intended to keep her covered while the other two engaged her in combat. The man that was standing up was forced to a knee when Percival kicked out the back of his leg. The man turned to see the barrel of a pistol before everything went white with a loud crack. Percival had killed him, then moved on to help Banshee by striking one of the two across the skull with the bludgeoning end of the pistol. It was hard enough to daze him. -- Given the opportunity she was, Percival was completely confident with her to make the kills. He turned his attention to the wheel and banked harsh starboard. "FIRE!" He called out, loud over the battle.
The Bean Shidh
With the strike to the man from Percival's pistol, Banshee took the opportunity to parry against the other man then bring her blade down with a whoosh around the neck of the stricken man. With all luck, he would die just as the first she had attacked did. Injured left hand then shot upward as she turned her gaze back to the final man, her grip moving to take hold of his dominant wrist. The wrist was caught within her palm and fingers curled around it. Rapier was brought forward and the man was pulled toward it with a swift and sudden jerk from both hands. Her blade would be buried within his gut, those eyes burning with madness as they found the vision of the other man. They had made the wrong move in attacking this vessel. It was that simple.
PercivalVizharen
Ropes were snapping as Percival pulled the Vigilant along course, but it was not quick enough. "BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!" One man yelled from the main deck as he slid to hang onto one of the masts. The bow's curve was laced with steel to reinforce the ship. It acted as a natural battering ram. They collided with the ship ahead of them and the frame to the enemy vessel bent inward before water rushed in tugging the tongue of their ship down. Canons blazed From Percival's ship, and tore into their tilted deck as the Vigilant pushed by. There were cheers amongst the Vigilant crew as they passed by. Percival was not among them. He glanced back to look at the destruction as a stray round struck one of the pegs just by his hand. He failed to flinch! Looking back, his eyes narrowed and he pulled something from his pocket. If Banshee looked, it was a compass. Casting the wheel one way for several rotations, Percival set their heading and locked the wheel in place. He looked back to her. His eyes were aligned with dark flames that seered a path straight to her gaze. "Thanks." His lips twitched slightly; a smirk.
The Bean Shidh
The call to brace for impact had caught her as she was kicking the man from her blade. That small form staggered, feet sliding against the moist deck a moment before gaining purchase. Remarkably, she was able to keep her footing and didn't take a tumble. The crack of the wood of the other ship was monstrous in volume as was the sound of water that was soon rushing in to equalize the newly opened space. While her companion focused on dooming the other vessel, the redheaded woman strode forward to stand at the side of the helm wheel once again. The Banshee did not cheer. Eyes lowered to the peg that was hit with a ball but nothing more was offered than a slight raising of her brow. Vision did take in his compass, but it didn't linger; soon enough, she was looking up toward his face and would be doing so when he turned those fierce eyes back to her own features. The madness of her own vision still remained and met the look in his own. In that moment, Blythe felt her insides burning with excitement, a consuming and passionate fire kindled by the thrill of savagery. The smirk would be returned. "You saved my life; I promised I would return the favor. And so I have."
PercivalVizharen
Damage reports were being shouted back and forth. Nothing had truly broken the Vigilant, as it was a tough vessel. His gaze wavered from her own and dipped to the first mate as things were in order. Bodies were gathered, pockets picked and weapons added to the armory. All things were in order. "I believe we shall arrive in Italy soon. Maybe another day." He replied, omitting the fact that she may have saved his life. His smirk remained, even as he lifted his hand to motion her down the steps. "Ladies first."
The Bean Shidh
Her attention was not drawn from his features until he motioned for the steps. Then -- and only then -- did the woman turn, sheathing her rapier as she did so. Boots carried her down the stairs from the upper decking and hands rose recover her head with the hood which had flown off during the scuffle. She was sure the crewmen were busy enough that she wouldn't draw their gaze too much, but Banshee would not be too careful. There would be no lingering on the deck, no glancing toward the others. She had done her job in assisting the crew, and now Blythe was heading back to the cabin of the captain in order to remove temptation from the crewmen. Once back inside, the rapier's belt was removed from her waist and the pistol was set aside along with it. Once that was done, she would pull the cloak from her form once more, using it to clean herself of blood that had found its home on her skin.
PercivalVizharen
Percival remained upon the deck, ensuring all was well with his vessel. He did not return this evening, and kept to his duties as Captain. Rights were needed for the men that passed on, and as Captain.. he had to uphold the respects of his crew.
It was late evening when they arrived in Turas Lan port, where Percival kept the Vigilant. A massive ship with an active crew that worked diligently to keep the ship in presentable shape. The sea water, a greenish color, slapped the shoreline and rocked the ship. Percival seemed unaffected by it all. He made his way up the boarding plank and settled on the main deck to look about. "Pull in the docking line, drop sails. We are leaving." The first mate moved off, screaming orders. Percival turned and headed toward his quarters.
The Bean Shidh
To say that Blythe had found the city of Turas Lan intimdating had been a vast understatement. The woman had not traveled to a large city in quite some time, and the vast amount of people was overwhelming. The woman had stuck close to Percival throughout the time it took to reach the docks, her eyes ever-scanning and her lips void of words. The Banshee showed no outward signs of fear on her expression nor in the way she carried herself, but there had been that marked drawing nearer to him to give just the smallest hint of what the woman truly felt. When those deep blue eyes found the sight of the ships at the dock, it had been the Vigilant which had captured most of her attention. As a child, she had seen ships and had been fortunate enough to have had one voyage aboard a vessel. Nothing fancy, but the freedom of it had been so memorable that it remained with her to this day. They reached the ship and boarded. Her eyes traveled from one man to the next as orders were shouted and the deck became a buzz of activity. The boots of the woman had given pause as Percival moved off, but she would soon follow.
PercivalVizharen
Percival disappeared behind a large door. Inside was a slightly long hallway with three doorways. Two were parallel to one another along the bulkheads, the last was straight ahead. He moved to the one at the end of the hall. The quarters were large, with an equally large dining area looking aft from the ship. It was high class, luxury. The other rooms were a study, and a room devoted to weapon storage. Percival stayed in the back room however, dropping his gear into one of the seats and easing over to a group of bottles. He poured a glass of whiskey and drank it without ceremony. He took a moment to himself, just letting the numbness sink in.
The Bean Shidh
The Banshee followed still, keeping her lips shut and her voice silent in doing so. Even her steps upon the wooden flooring of the ship made scarcely any sound. Blythe was practiced in the art of stealth, so much so that it would be difficult to let her natural actions fall away. Dull but large eyes slid over the interior of the back room when he entered and she followed, taking in what there was to see as if memorizing her surroundings. It was impressive, this place he called home, but she said nothing on the matter of his cabin. After a moment, her eyes returned to him and she spoke with that rasping voice. "Shall I stow myself elsewhere?" A woman aboard the ship might not be the best thing in the eyes of the crewmen. Women tended to bring bad luck and were generally viewed with superstition guiding the men's minds.
PercivalVizharen
"No. The men will try to rape you." He said. "I say try, but you'd kill them. And I need a crew for this ship to work. You may stay here." He set the glass down, empty of whiskey. "We're heading south east, to Rome. The Spectre is there. If we are in luck, we may find him easily. Otherwise, we will be there for awhile until something happens. Profile suggests he is a religious man, and he kills from afar. We do not want to be in Spectre's sights." He sat down in a chair and propped his boots upon the surface of the table. "So get comfortable, we will be passing Spanish territory. Lots of pirates in that region."
The Bean Shidh
His words were true enough. The men would try to rape her, and as he said, she would kill them all. She would stay and not go wandering off to familiarize herself with the rest of the ship. Movements carried her toward a chair, and she sat, her gaze leveling on the man who had brought her here. Right hand idly rubbed the wrist of the left and the wrapping that still bound it. It still hurt, but it was mobile enough to serve her well if it was needed. His talk of pirates caused a thin brow to raise upon her forehead. "I do not fear a fight. Know that my blade is yours if it is needed." After all, he was going to assist her in her task of locating her husband. She needed them both to be alive for that.
PercivalVizharen
"I know you do not fear anything living, Banshee. Simply informing you that we may have a fight on our hands. Down that passageway there, to the right is my own personal armory. You may rearm if you have lost any weapons in our fight. Food is in here. I will be in my study. Try to not kill anyone.." He said, coming to stand before her. He was well dressed now, complete with the intricate rapier at his side. He looked the part of a noble sailor, or .. a pirate. His gloves off, Banshee could see the P brand on his hand. He passed her by silently, disappearing into the room on the left.
The Bean Shidh
Banshee nodded her head at his words of the armory, her eyes remaining steady upon his features as he spoke. When he stood, her eyes followed upward to keep that gaze in position. She didn't note his branding nor would she have known what it meant had she seen it. There were no words given as he left. The woman would remain seated where she was for the time being, letting her eyes wander over the interior of the cabin in an idle manner. She was thinking things over, mulling about over the memory of their meeting. The man had her respect even if he had yet to earn her full trust. After some time of sitting, resting, the redheaded woman pushed herself to stand then made off for the armory. She needed a new long knife or dagger to replace that which had been ruined with the fight between herself and Percival. She also needed to take a stone to the edge of her rapier. It was dull, as she'd said to the man the night before. Once at her destination, she would choose a blade to be weilded by her left hand. It would have to be light and manueverable, well-balanced and able to rend flesh from bone with the flick of her wrist. The blade would also need a cross guard to effectively aid in blocking and manhandling a weapon striking at her. Several were picked up and weilded as if against an attacker before Blythe decided on the best to add to her person.
PercivalVizharen
The room was a large one, and contained storage units of various swords, muskets, pistols, daggers, and crossbows. All of them bore the same symbol, and were painted in black. It made them appear sleek, like the thorns of a rose. The symbols were in gold; a bird whose fiery wings were spread as if to take flight. There was a single window in this room, barred, but the glass was stained. Beams of light appeared to cut across the dust filled room, illuminating what was within, herself included. Percival did not join her, he remained within his office.--- Night came with the calls from outside. They had left the European region and were cast off course by an avid approaching storm wind. Percival had come out to take the helm, to put them back on course. They were passing Spain when there was a call from the crow's nest. A shot rang out, followed by several others. The early morning was dreary, with a haze like rain that doubled as fog. Up ahead, a ship had pulled perpendicular to the bow of the Vigilant. Cannons rang out like thunder, and the ship shook sustaining the blows. Percival brought his feet from the corner of the dining table to stand. The sword strap was draped over his shoulder and he grabbed the satchel for his pistol. "Cooompannny.." He called, moving out to the main deck and up to the helm to ensure its safety. The first mate was already setting up the attack pattern for the men at the cannons.-- Percival arrived at the helm and shouldered the man out of the way with a scowl. The wheel was grabbed and cast to one side, and the ship lurched to disappear within the fog.
The Bean Shidh
In all, The Banshee had spent the night arming herself with that one knife, a bow that would suit her well, and a quiver of the best arrows she could find. The woman was not too keen on using a pistol or long gun, but she had even chosen one to keep on her just in case. Most of her time in the armory had been spent honing the edge of that rapier to a razor sharp line. It would make her even more of a force to be reckoned with. Some small amount of sleep had been taken off in a corner of his cabin where she propped herself into a corner. Years spent sleeping in wait for someone to arrive had made her a light sleeper who didn't slumber in long intervals. The storm had set her stomach to churning, but it was not debilitating. When the canons rang out, she had been sitting in one of the chairs of the room, watching the man in order to pass the time. There was much one could learn from merely watching another, and she wanted to know those close to her as much as she could. A straightening of her form was given in the same moment that he moved to stand. A nod given to his drawn-out word, and Banshee was rising as well in order to collect her possessions and pull the cloak onto her body. She would soon follow, the hood raising to cover her head and shield her eyes from the misting of the weather. "Tell me where to be, and I'll be there." This was not her area of expertise; she would have to trust him on what needed to be done.
PercivalVizharen
"Protect the main deck!" He called out. Several men drew their weapons, while other focused on their duties with the canons. People were running everywhere, but the crew knew their jobs well. It grew quiet though, as the ship slowly glided over the seawater. Men searched ahead, looking through the thick fog. A large, black shape was up ahead, the stern showing the tail-tale of turning to broadside their bow again! Percival began to bank hard starboard, and it nearly put everyone on their ass. "READY PORT!" He called, turning as the ship ahead did! They drew near, and Percival provided the perfect angle for a trade off. "FIRE!" Canon after canon sequentially sounded as the large bits of lead were projected into their target. Wood cracked and there were screams. Following the last canon, Percival turned the wheel starboard again, taking an angle away from the enemy canons. They escaped the canons, the majority missing, but they didn't outrun the grappling hooks. Fifteen men swung over and landed amidst the crew on the Vigilant's deck. Percival pulled into the fog as the fight began.
The Bean Shidh
Feet fell into a stance to accomodate the bank toward starboard, her right hand moving to brace her against the rail before the helm. Blue eyes were narrowed and focused on the shape that loomed before them. She carried the look of one ready to slay with conviction, one of complete concentration and studious observation. The deck rumbled beneath her feet as canons were set to firing. The battle was boiling her blood now, bringing chills to her flesh and awakening the devils within her soul. A brief, faint smile was offered within that protective hood when she righted herself fully and crisscrossed her arms to draw both blades from their place on either hip. The metallic twang of the hooks hitting the deck and sliding into their gripping locations had her attention and she moved immediately to leap into action. Over that forerail she went, grace on her side as she landed upon the decking. Banshee would go for the first enemy she crossed, letting instinct take over and guide her blades.
Crewman/Pirates
Of the fifteen enemies that landed, four managed to kill a crew member before landing with a thump. Swords drawn, they engaged the team ready to fight them. Percival's men were well trained, and they seemed to handle these men with proficiency. The fight didn't come for the Banshee until she had landed below. Five men dispatched their targets and looked to the hooded legend as she straightened from the crouch induced from her jump. Their swords were held out in front of them, and they made a semi-circle there before her.-- One man was swinging for the helm, and Percival could see him coming.
PercivalVizharen
Percival raised his pistol and shot the man in the face before he could reach the helm. The power from the shot was enough to make the body do a backflip while plummeting to the sea below. Scowling, he brought the pistol back to his side. "My helm." He mumbled, steering them away from the other ship.
The Bean Shidh
So confident was she in Percival's abilities that she paid no mind for the man who made his way toward the helm. The five before her were the Banshee's focus, and she would give them the fight of their lives. A wicked gleam came into those eyes and curled a smile on her lips that could have frozen the seas upon which they sailed. Her form straightened slowly and she took a stance with knees bent and one foot at the fore of the other. Left hand was raised to her side and up, the knife ready to strike while the rapier point was held out before her. With an amazing display of speed and skill the woman advanced on the men. Her flurried movements brought her to knock aside the blade of the first, the knife moving in to deliver the man to his God with a slash at the vein in the side of his throat.
Crewmen/Pirates
That particular man had been seeking to strike from up high. When her blade defended against the attack, it recoiled in his hand. He had no defense for what the Banshee did following that, and it left him falling to the deck, clenching his throat as blood seeped through the cracks of his fingers. Two others attacked at once, while the other two were attacked by crew-men. Banshee was left with two to dispatch.
The Bean Shidh
The fallen man was given no more attention. The two other attacked and the woman would meet them with no fear or withdrawing of her intent. Lips were pursed in concentration as both arms were sent upward and out in a flinging motion to fend away each blade of each of the men. She would advance in the seconds that followed, right hand moving in a slash toward her left and the man that resided there. She had aimed for his eye when taking the swipe. Immediately after, her torso was dropped low and feet assisted her in spinning toward the left to avoid any blows that would come from the man who avoided the judgment of the woman's blade. For now.
Pirates
The judgement of Banshee's blade rendered a man blind, and he fell back to hit the railing of the port side, crying out in pain. The connection with the rail was enough to knock him out cold.-- The other male who attacked in that instant missed because of the quick action taken by Banshee. His blade whistled over her head, leaving his mid-section open temporarily as he tried to regain his balance.
The Bean Shidh
Still in her crouch when she spun to face him again, the tip of her rapier was sent in an upward thrust toward the gut of the man as he fumbled to regain his balance from the blow that had missed. A carnal cry was given from her lips with that moment, one that assisted the Banshee in living up to her namesake. When she fought, Blythe fought for blood and the woman fought for keeps.
Pirates
The man was unprepared for what followed. The prick of her sword was foreign, and it pierced his skin forgoing his discomfort. He felt the steel cut through inner organs, its cold felt close to his heart, literally. Gasping for air that did not fill his lungs, he latched onto the woman's shoulder as blood regurgitated from his mouth and he convulsed involuntarily from the pain. His body was shutting down, and the strength in his knees left him as he slid down her body, coughing. He hit the wooden deck with a thud, convulsing before finally his eyes glazed and he stopped moving.--- In the distant fog, bright flashes could be seen slightly obscured by the white blanket of fog as canon balls struck the port side of the Vigilant, shaking the frame with a shake. Splintered wood went everywhere, showering the crew that survived the barrage. The source of the attack could be seen, piercing the fog. Its dark looming frame closing. More grappling hooks clanked across the surface of the deck.
The Bean Shidh
The man's touch was not welcome and thus would not remain on her person. Banshee would turn to the right and let the weight of the man carry the blade downward in order to remove him from her blade as he fell. Her attention went toward the deck of Percival's ship in search of another to die by her hand. She advanced once more toward the sound of the grappling hooks, only this time, she would sever two of them in passing with the knife in her left hand. The third would find her awaiting the man who crossed, and she would cut him down before his body ever reached the railing of the Vigilant. Blythe was prepared, ready to spring and already contemplating boarding the other ship to toss herself to the belly of the beast.
Pirates
The helm was the real target of this second boarding party. The majority jumping to the main deck had been dispatched before they even reached the Vigilant. However, Percival Vizharen would be incapable of stopping the group from landing at the helm with him. --What grappling hooks were set now wenched to the railing of the port side. They could hear cries from far out as men heaved to pull the Vigilant closer. Six men landed in the wide upper deck with Captain Vizharen, and his two crewmen were shot before they could really make a dent in the fighting.
PercivalVizharen
That just would not do. He was forced to forfeit the wheel, and came to stand upon the wheel support to avoid being struck by a sword. He kicked that man across the face before freeing the ornate rapier at his side. The blade was a fantastic make, inscribed to a Kuriel Se'Vant, it had been a gift from an old companion. The tip of the blade cut through a second man's cheek, making his smile much larger. No matter how Percival wanted to look at this, he had been over-run. To avoid being hit, He stepped over the edge of the wheel support to fall to the main deck below. Just as his upper half was passing the support though, his pistol had been carried up and leveled, firing upon the man that had just missed him. The lead ball struck him in the mouth and forced his head back with momentum until a trail of red exploded from the back portion of his cranium. -- Percival landed below with a thud, his knees forced to bend with gravity induced pain, but he forced himself to recover. The pistol he had just fired was twirled, the trigger guard used in a manner to keep the weapon attached to his hand. His fingers latched around the barrel of the weapon, and his sword was raised in an advancing stance. He intended to get his helm back.
The Bean Shidh
And he would have the assistance required to do just that. Those who advanced on them from her position were left to the hands of the competent crew while the hooded woman set herself into motion. She would hit the steps toward the upper decking at a run. A spring of her legs was given to carry her up to the sloping handrail where, upon reaching the deck up top, she would have the high ground. Blythe preferred the high ground. Reaching the end of the wooden handrail, she was launched toward one of the men and with a downward thrust of the long knife, she buried the blade through the top-center of his skull cap. It was her luck that she caught the edge of bone plating which would allow the blade to be plunged into his brain until the guard of the weapon stopped the downward progression. A warrior crazed, she hit the deck and rolled until her footing could be regained, and it was on to the next.
Pirates
A man was left to cradle his face in his hands, his cheek sliced open by Captain Vizharen. Another was kicked aside, and he fell to the deck. The last was shot before Vizharen had disappeared to land below. -- When Banshee arrived, there were three that were trying to clean things up. The man that had been kicked was being helped up, the man that was struck on the cheek was being told to leave, while the last man turned the wheel to bank toward the enemy ship. The man Banshee had killed was the closest to the stair, and he had been helping another man up. With the knife plunged into his scalp, he couldn't even react. His body just fell to the ground, lifeless. She tumbled, away from the other man left to stand on his own, so that she could slash the man at the wheel when she'd straightened. His entrails fell from the wound, and he fell back screaming as the other two males turned to see what was going on! They charged Banshee.
PercivalVizharen
Percival moved up a couple seconds behind her. He saw the quick killing strokes she used. He intended to keep her covered while the other two engaged her in combat. The man that was standing up was forced to a knee when Percival kicked out the back of his leg. The man turned to see the barrel of a pistol before everything went white with a loud crack. Percival had killed him, then moved on to help Banshee by striking one of the two across the skull with the bludgeoning end of the pistol. It was hard enough to daze him. -- Given the opportunity she was, Percival was completely confident with her to make the kills. He turned his attention to the wheel and banked harsh starboard. "FIRE!" He called out, loud over the battle.
The Bean Shidh
With the strike to the man from Percival's pistol, Banshee took the opportunity to parry against the other man then bring her blade down with a whoosh around the neck of the stricken man. With all luck, he would die just as the first she had attacked did. Injured left hand then shot upward as she turned her gaze back to the final man, her grip moving to take hold of his dominant wrist. The wrist was caught within her palm and fingers curled around it. Rapier was brought forward and the man was pulled toward it with a swift and sudden jerk from both hands. Her blade would be buried within his gut, those eyes burning with madness as they found the vision of the other man. They had made the wrong move in attacking this vessel. It was that simple.
PercivalVizharen
Ropes were snapping as Percival pulled the Vigilant along course, but it was not quick enough. "BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!" One man yelled from the main deck as he slid to hang onto one of the masts. The bow's curve was laced with steel to reinforce the ship. It acted as a natural battering ram. They collided with the ship ahead of them and the frame to the enemy vessel bent inward before water rushed in tugging the tongue of their ship down. Canons blazed From Percival's ship, and tore into their tilted deck as the Vigilant pushed by. There were cheers amongst the Vigilant crew as they passed by. Percival was not among them. He glanced back to look at the destruction as a stray round struck one of the pegs just by his hand. He failed to flinch! Looking back, his eyes narrowed and he pulled something from his pocket. If Banshee looked, it was a compass. Casting the wheel one way for several rotations, Percival set their heading and locked the wheel in place. He looked back to her. His eyes were aligned with dark flames that seered a path straight to her gaze. "Thanks." His lips twitched slightly; a smirk.
The Bean Shidh
The call to brace for impact had caught her as she was kicking the man from her blade. That small form staggered, feet sliding against the moist deck a moment before gaining purchase. Remarkably, she was able to keep her footing and didn't take a tumble. The crack of the wood of the other ship was monstrous in volume as was the sound of water that was soon rushing in to equalize the newly opened space. While her companion focused on dooming the other vessel, the redheaded woman strode forward to stand at the side of the helm wheel once again. The Banshee did not cheer. Eyes lowered to the peg that was hit with a ball but nothing more was offered than a slight raising of her brow. Vision did take in his compass, but it didn't linger; soon enough, she was looking up toward his face and would be doing so when he turned those fierce eyes back to her own features. The madness of her own vision still remained and met the look in his own. In that moment, Blythe felt her insides burning with excitement, a consuming and passionate fire kindled by the thrill of savagery. The smirk would be returned. "You saved my life; I promised I would return the favor. And so I have."
PercivalVizharen
Damage reports were being shouted back and forth. Nothing had truly broken the Vigilant, as it was a tough vessel. His gaze wavered from her own and dipped to the first mate as things were in order. Bodies were gathered, pockets picked and weapons added to the armory. All things were in order. "I believe we shall arrive in Italy soon. Maybe another day." He replied, omitting the fact that she may have saved his life. His smirk remained, even as he lifted his hand to motion her down the steps. "Ladies first."
The Bean Shidh
Her attention was not drawn from his features until he motioned for the steps. Then -- and only then -- did the woman turn, sheathing her rapier as she did so. Boots carried her down the stairs from the upper decking and hands rose recover her head with the hood which had flown off during the scuffle. She was sure the crewmen were busy enough that she wouldn't draw their gaze too much, but Banshee would not be too careful. There would be no lingering on the deck, no glancing toward the others. She had done her job in assisting the crew, and now Blythe was heading back to the cabin of the captain in order to remove temptation from the crewmen. Once back inside, the rapier's belt was removed from her waist and the pistol was set aside along with it. Once that was done, she would pull the cloak from her form once more, using it to clean herself of blood that had found its home on her skin.
PercivalVizharen
Percival remained upon the deck, ensuring all was well with his vessel. He did not return this evening, and kept to his duties as Captain. Rights were needed for the men that passed on, and as Captain.. he had to uphold the respects of his crew.