A Note to Ye Mateys (Open)

[Eridanus]

Day 19, Fall of 511 AV Around Midday The Gankplank, Baroque Bay Eridanus was bored with the normal jobs, and for the past few days he had been going to and fro, handing a letter to one, passing the returning letter back to Tua's staff in The Establishment, getting another one, returning again. It was mind-numbing work, but it was relatively safe, though by now he was already itching for some sort of change in his routine. He was a thrill-seeker, one who either lived for the excitement of the moment. He had no higher purpose that he could pursue for self-actualization, and so his drug of choice had to be the former. It was providence then, when he grumbled of boredom after successfully delivering the third message for the morning, and one of Tua's clerks asked if he wanted to do a 'side task'. These jobs were technically not Tua's messages, but jobs outsourced to Tua. The businessman's word-runners had a legendary reputation of getting the job done to people in the know, and some of them who were too busy to make the delivery themselves passed it on to Tua, paying him an undisclosed fee. Of course, the runner who does the job also gets a cut from this fee, but he could only collect this bonus if he satisfies the daily quota as well, or the cut will be forfeited. It was fortunate in this case that Eri had managed to almost fulfil the day's quota already, for he had received all the jobs with destinations close to the Establishment. He calculated that if he took a very quick lunch and if he ran faster for the rest of the jobs, he should be able to safely hit the quota and still have time to spare. The time to spare for this extra job, of course. The clerk handed him a piece of parchment that served as a briefing note, and a wax-sealed note. He had read the contents of the brief eagerly, and it instructed him to pass the note to one Captain Dewarky of The Floating Peace at The Gankplank, a shady pier far away from the rest of the piers in Baroque Bay. It was the docking bay for privateers and pirates, and Eri wondered if the last word was meant literally or a misspelling. Pirates were never really keen on academics. It should be an easy task then, and he soon found himself before the area that marked the entrance to The Gankplank. He could already smell the stench of rum, sweat, and months of filth. The noise from the crowd was louder than usual here, the rowdy bunch laughing without a care in a world. Others were busy carrying supplies for their ships, and a few enterprising bunch set up make-shift stores selling whatever loot they plundered from other ships while sailing. There was even a circles of sailors around two brawlers, placing bets and encouraging whoever they betted on to beat the other to a pulp. The smell of the sea, salts accumulated throughout weeks and months sailing, was strong here, due to the large collection of sea-farers. All in all, it was a pretty lively scene, though one must not forget that these were cut-throats who made their living on the expense of other sailors. They were like the criminals in Sunberth, except in the sea instead of on land. Eri strode in quickly, wanting to get this over and done with to spare his nose the torture. Captain Dewarky of The Floating Peace. It should be an easy and straightforward task. How hard can it be?

[Paul Ares]

Sunberth was a liberated place, filled with fighters, brawlers, and killers. The gangplank Quite similar to most of except that here he might be able to find some sort of employment. Ares did not wish for a comfortable persuit, he wished for a way to hone his skills. Here there were filthy drunkards buzzing about spilling their broth, on one another. There were groups that just found their place and remained there, making noise and yelling obscenities accross the area.

But worst of all, this place reeked! Ares was about to leave, he had just had enough verbal abuse and almost landed himself in a few scraps. Not to mention his hightened senses, this place was worse than bloody battlefield! He had just been slapped and almost robbed by a ships crew and their particularly boorish captain. Ares etched out a large figure nonetheless and decided to return the favor , focusing the bare amounts of djed he was able to, he brought his right hand up from his side, in a sort up upward slap. Much to Ares and and the others' surprise, his target lifted slightly off the ground as the heavy palm struck his chin and then the victim plummeted straight down and crashed to the floor. The man was bleeding at his mouth and slowly rising to his feet again. Nobody touched Ares, but as he turned to leave, the damned pirates blocked him off.

Two stepped in front of him and one on either side of him, with the guy he slapped rising behind him. "This is not good" was all Ares said as he removed the cloak under which he was naked. Suddenly one started laughing and another one blurted out something about ares' weapon, though the joke would not last.. Ares kicked off his sandals and said with a manic grin , " run boys!"

He raised both his hands into the air and was engulfed in a brilliant flash of light, the five men assaulting him had barely had time to let the horror sink past the look on their faces, when Ares brought both of his clawed front paws down at the two men in front of him. There was not much they could do, as the lion brought slashing claws down onto them, given the fun time they were having with the naked guy, they had not imagined him becoming a lion, and now it was too late for them to defend from his attack. His claws dug deep into the chests of both of the assailants blocking his way, as they fell, he reared again and swung his clawed paw while turning to the man at his left. This man had dodged his blow and retreated, but on the other side his right hip crashed forcefully into the man who had stood at his right knocking him aside like a tea bag.

The man who had received a slap from the Kelvic barely 30 seconds ago, recovering behind him now took the full concentrated blast of "roar" from Ares, so close to his face he thought the lion would close it's jaws on him. The last one being terrified, Ares turned and picked up his coat with the gold satchel inside in his mouth and made his way slowly towards the man he had seen wielding two swords at the beach. Perhaps he would help, then again he might just want to kill Ares, either way he is going to follow this guy and try to find some way of befriending him. He stopped momentarily, and reverted to his human figure, then quickly he slung the cloak over his shoulders and continued silently after the dual wielding fighter

.

[Eridanus]

There was a sudden commotion, and the volume of the environmental noise increased sharply, the murmuring raising to a noticeable level. He turned to look at what he had assumed were the usual bored sailors betting on the best brawlers from their ships, and instead in its place found a hugeass lion mauling the terrified privateers. The Vantha's mouth gaped open in surprise, for he had no inkling how would a Leth-damned lion find its way here. He had seen many strange creatures throughout his life, but in his Vantha form and thus his mortal shell, the sight of the King of all predatory animals in such close quarters instantly triggered the instinct that humans developed when faced with such a threat: fight or flight. It took all he had to impose his celestial personality upon his mortal instincts, reminding himself that he should be capable - he hoped - of taking down such a threat, not to mention that he would be fighting alongside many of the pirates who would no doubt unite against this common enemy. The crowd began to converge on the location, some already drawing their swords and approaching in a careful manner. What happened next though, surprised everyone (for whoever Paul surprised earlier were probably slumped on the floor dead or unconscious) for the lion simply one of the victims' coat and headed straight to the Vantha. How everyone knew was pretty obvious, for Eri was the only one not warily approaching the lion, and his very attire - not to mention his wildly streaked hair and his colour-changing eyes - and demeanour made him stick out like a sore thumb. The lion headed straight in Eri's position, and the Vantha gritted his teeth, his body slightly tensed, ready to defend himself if need be. The next event further surprised everyone, for there was a brilliant flash of light and the lion suddenly became a naked human figure, who quickly slung his cloak around him to cover himself up, and continued walking towards the Vantha. Kelvic. But who's? Or is he a free-man new to Sunberth? Most, if not all kelvics in Sunberth were slaves brought in by the slavers to be sold to people requiring companions or physical labour. Any free kelvics were bound to be captured by any of the slavers in the city, and when that failed they usually were killed or would end up leaving the city due to the overly hostile environment. Sure, humans were also bound to be captured, but kelvics were prized as slaves due to their affinity to bonding, and a kelvic so fine a specimen - a bloody lion - would no doubt fetch a high price. Eri wondered if this was indeed a slave sent by someone to kill him, though it was not a very good way for quiet assassinations would no doubt be a better choice. He had no idea who would want to kill him, but he was pretty sure there would be someone. His first day at Sunberth and he already left a bloody trail of bodies in his wake, luckily being saved by a friendly and compassionate Benshira before he went bonkers. He had been pretty indiscriminate in his bloodbath, though he would justify that to anyone as self defence. Eri was neither righteous nor evil, simply doing things that would benefit himself most or that would make him happy, and he subscribed to no proper moral code or ethics, only one that he made himself that he felt would not stifle him. The pirates continued to stare disbelievingly at the Vantha, then turned to look at the now-clothed man, and then turned their gaze on the mangled bodies of their brethren. There was a moment of silence as everyone's mind raced to settle on a decision, and when one of them yelled their ship's battle cry and rushed the kelvic, that seemed to help everyone else make their decision, and they rushed the man indiscriminately, some with drawn scimitars, some planning to just give the man a really big bruise, depending on how closely related they were to whoever the kelvic mauled. Eri smacked his forehead and he wondered why every goddamn place he go was always full of drama. Perhaps it was just Sunberth, perhaps it was him, but either way he found simple tasks never being simple. Yet he was a sucker for them and invariably ended up in a more difficult situation than he wanted to. Maybe he should just go and find the bloody captain and give him his damned message, for time was ticking and he really wanted to hit the quota today so that he could collect his bonus. Yet, the situation in front of him seemed interesting, and would be at least worth a show. How he would react next would entirely be up to the kelvic's following actions.

OOC InfoThere, I gave you more room to develop your character and do more stuff. Violence isn't always a solution, y'know More space for RP'ing huzzah!

[Paul Ares]

Obviously starting a fight right here right now wasn't the smartest thing to do, but honestly how many times can one get slapped without losing your composure? He smiled weakly at the approaching group of cut throats, he retreated to within four paces of the man he had decided he would follow, looked him quisically in the eyes and asked with a weak smile,"think they'd go for a parlay?" He wasn't really in the mood to smile, but thought to give warrior he was about to leave at his back, some kind assurance that he meant no harm, lest this situation go from bad to worse.

He layed his focus back on the now nearing group, " I have a deal for you!" shouting over the crowd like he was a salesman with some kind of special going on. He was trying to buy time to figure out a plan here, "you all like money right? Well..." He stuck a hand into his cloak and brought out a hand full of gold rimmed mizas, hope this works. He threw the 20 mizas into the fray of sailors with an under arm swing, and watched as several sailors in front of the group turned on each other to fight for the money. Though it was not over yet... The mob kept growing and advancing toward him. He took a stance known to most trained unarmed combatants and started a few quick motions to get the djed flowing into his chest and arms... This would not be simple... The first man to approach him had a rapier drawn and raised overhead,

Ares watched him closely and placed his weight on his partially extended right leg, as the rapier came down supposedly to cut through his head and chest, he sweeped his back leg in a circular motion, in an anti clockwise motion keeping his right leg achored at the toe as his axis. The result being a snap of his upper body to change his upper bodies position. The attacker brought down the rapier forcefully, and The blade wooshed down past his nose, and the wielder followed it down with the force of the missed blow. His arms verberating as his weapon smashed to the ground. While the man was off balanced ares reared his right hand and making a fist, he brought it down with the enhanced force and speed of flux behind it, this combined with techniques he had learned as a warrior. His knuckles landed heavily in his opponents face, bringing the man crashing to the ground. The motion and force of ares' blow caused him to bend his front knee, in order to hold his balance. The strike was complete, ares shifted his left rear leg closer and went into a sort of crouch, turning his head to focus on the group at the same time. His teeth were bared like that of a trapped predator. He would have no mercy on these who might try to give him another master. His mistress governed his action from her grave. There were two more figures within striking distance, he looked at them with a rage burning within him, he clawed at the ground violently with his fingers as they closed in and his mistress flashed before his eyes once more. He screamed out "never!" closing his eyes for a mere second he redirected the djed flow to his legs, and came up with tremendous force going into the air about two meters.

Ares had lost his patience for this particular areas inhabitants, they would not stand before him and a glorious death! shifting to his lion form in mid air, the feline brought brought four inch claws down to the closest man at his lefts shoulder, Simultanious to the strike on his left, he reached out with his large jaws open and snapped at another assailants throat, his tongue was greeted with the familiar warmth of skin giving way under teeth with the metallic taste of blood, and as his large paw struck the first man the chruch was rewarding as his collarbone snapped and he stumbled underfoot.

Prompted by these signs he held his mouth closed and ripped the man down in the same direction he was striking with his left paw. The resulting spray, was magnificent, as the sailor's heart pumped out streams of spraying blood all over the dual wielding guy from the beach and most everyone close to him. Ares had been standing in between the man he wanted to follow, and the mob who wanted to kill him, hoping that the man might try and assist him, but it seemed that he would not receive the mans assistance, and would probably, meet his death or severe injuries here. he had no time for these thoughts as the mass of the mob was closing on him now. Ares let out a roar and ran crashing into the small humans in front of him, he had knocked over those directly in front of him and now he could see three more, armed sailors coming at him.

He reared onto his back legs and raised Both his paws, slamming them down onto another unarmed figure, taking him to ground and pinning him there. "Help! Aargh! Help me please!" The man begged as the Claws digging into the mans chest and stomach. Ares then crouched low over the pinned figure, poised to pounce. hair on his spine raised and forming a hump between the lions shoulder blades, as he waited for the next brave one, the mob formed half circle two paces ahead of him, blocking his escape. They seemed to be waiting for more hands, to help down him. The bodies layed strewn about the lion, in odd fasion yet he payed them no heed, it seemed that they were standing on blood instead of the floor, yet he made no move he only pinned his live hostage and growled as he looked up through his brows. These men did not deserve his life no matter how many of theirs they gave him. He would die before capture, and he would kill before serve, giving a low growl, with his nose to his hostage but his eyes on the three, to be dead men, organising more support some few paces off. Tension and adrenalin srung through his muscles, and his senses hightened to their very peek. Though the only thing he truly felt was rage as his mistress' death would not leave his spirit unfuelled.

[Eridanus]

The kelvic quickly reduced the distance between the two of them, and he smiled weakly before addressing him, "Think they'd go for a parlay?" It was quite certain, then, that the kelvic was indeed approaching the Vantha. Eri did not know why, but for some reason that man seemed to have mistaken him for someone he knew. He merely shrugged, and the kelvic turned around to face the crowd. They got closer and he seemed to think that throwing gold would help. Well, it probably would, but that few pieces of currency would not. You'd need a trunk load of mizas for money throwing to have any noticeable effect, and Eri would honestly rather just cut a bloody swathe in his enemies ranks than throw money at them. Then again, his viewpoint was hardened by years of warfare and the vast amount of uncivilized and bloodthirsty criminals in Sunberth helped him to rationalize his decisions. The kelvic eased into a stance that signified proper martial arts training, and that perked Eri's interest, for he was also a fellow practitioner of unarmed combat. He watched with appreciation how the man easily deflected blows and counter with swift attacks on his own, though the force in which he used to strike was very powerful. Suddenly, he leaped high above into the air, and instantly alarm bells rang as Eri felt the familiar tingling in his body. The man shifted into his lion form in mid-air, and be the time he landed, Eri was observing him now with his magical sight, concentrating on the lion's aura. The consumption of djed straining his eyes, he furrowed his brows as he studied the lion, and he found an unusual concentration of djed in parts of his body. As a flux user himself, he recognized the signs of djed stream redirection, and silently he acknowledged the man's similarities to him... and the danger of wielding such a power. The other pirates were getting desperate, and those who were uninvolved already began to run away to the safety of their ships, while those who lost comrades in either the previous attack or the current one were besides themselves with rage, both terrified at facing such a opponent but also eager to avenge their fallen comrades. One of them had the bright idea that since Eri was only person the lion was not maiming, he might be the key to the whole episode, and the Vantha heard a man yell to whoever who could hear him over the ear splitting roar of the lion to capture the Vantha to hold him as hostage. Eri sighed, unfocus his attention from the lion's aura, and he spun around, easing into a recognizable unarmed combat stance that spoke of influences from the Denvali style and of the dangerous and adaptable art of Sanctus Peccator. He knew that there would not be enough space to manoeuvre properly, and he muttered an incantation as his new opponents circled him. "Ol' ye lights, focus now on my balance," he muttered, beginning the first phrase of the incantation that would help him to visualize an imagery that would effectively help him channel his djed streams upward to fortify his upper torso strength. A privateer first approached, apparently aiming for a grapple so that the group could pile on him and incapacitate him, and he took advantage of the group's intent to not kill him, sidestepping slightly, and using his forearm to block another incoming punch. His augmented strength allowed him to respond quickly, and he unleashed several blindingly fast punches at the one who took a swing at him, the man's eyes rolling up and fainting even before his body hit the floor. He spun around quickly, just in time to cross his arms in front of him to defend against an uppercut by the person he just sidestepped, and he backhanded the man. The pirate blocked that attack, but the force of the blow made him stumble backwards, and even Eri winced as the impact bruised his forearm for he was not wearing armour like the sailors here. He mentally noted not to go with any head-on collisions, and he ducked the next strike, quickly feinting right but going for the left, a powerful jab pushing the attacker backwards as he felt his fist connect with the person's gut with an "oof!". He recovered his stance, ready to engage yet another attacker, when he felt an elbow drove itself into his cheek, smacking him to the side as he tumbled into a roll and recovering, managing not to look like an idiot crumpled on the floor and also distancing himself from that sneak attack. It did not make a difference really, for he was surrounded, and when he recovered, he barely dodged a kick when he saw another hook come from behind him. He ducked, turning to the side, and slamming both palms away from him, hitting the stomach of his two attacks and knocking the wind out of them. He was beginning to tire from the constant exertion and continuous flux usage, and there was no end. More eager combatants swarmed around him, and anyone he knocked down simply took their time to recover before joining the fray again. He swore and wandered to no one in particular, "Why did a simple delivery amount to this? Why?", as he jumped forward, using the pirate's knee in front of him as a springboard to knee the man in the chin before spinning around in mid-air to catch another sailor with a kick. It was not difficult to miss, honestly, for at this proximity and with this number of people waiting to lay the hurt on him, he would probably hit anything if he closed his eyes and swung around blindly. The key now was to minimize damage to himself, and at the worst he had to draw his swords. He did not really want to resort to that, for things were still relatively tame - for Sunberth standards - and he did not want to regress into a blood bath. Furthermore, if it were a sword fight, the previous sneak attacks he suffered would not be simply destabilizing blows but actual stabs in his back that might kill him. Suddenly, he heard yelling, and the circle around him began to withdraw, but still maintaining the perimeter to prevent his escape. He turned his gaze to the source of the yelling, and it seemed that the lion had someone pinned down, possibly holding him as a hostage. The people yelling were apparently comrades of the poor guy, and they did not want the situation to degenerate. "Wait wait, don't touch any of them. That's our first mate over there," a ragged sailor hollered, his arms raised upwards in a gesture of peace. "Listen, kelvic, we have no ill-will towards you, and our buddy over there just loves to fight. Spare him, and our ship will leave you be. Sound's good?" He tried to placate the lion, his rugged voice lowering into what he thought was a soothing tone. The ruckus died down again as the various groups of pirates considered what he said, before a few of them began to argue, especially those whose compatriots were victims of the mauling. The sailor who made the speech earlier began to yell again to gather their attentions, and his fellow ship-mates helped to make his voice heard. "Look, turn back to your human form and release our first mate alright? Captain's not going to be too happy when his right hand man ain't returning in one piece. Why not talking about this like civilized men?" Eri coughed, disguising his laughter into a sputter. Civilized men? What kind of civilized men made their living by plundering other, more civilized men? He supposed that these privateers were probably adaptable in their usage of the term, and he heartily agreed, for he was not exactly in an advantageous situation himself. Honestly, he just wanted to get the damn letter to Captain Dewarky and high-tail the hell out of here. The others began to argue, their opinions clamouring to be heard in the rising sea of voices, and soon a huge broad-shouldered giant of a man harrumphed, slamming his club into a nearby barrel, splintering it and causing the fruits it held to tumble on the floor. The merchant who owned that barrel began to complain, but he was met with a glare from the huge man and he whimpered, silently picking up the fruits that were rolling on the floor. "Captain Dewarky of The Floating Peace. We like peace plenty, don't we folks?" The man boomed, the nature of his voice already making it sound threatening. "Now you folks better let my lads have their way. First Mate Jiercate is a piss-poor fighter, but that doesn't make him a worse sailor in my books. He's my best navigator to date, and if anything happens to me I can't sail until I get a better one. And when I'm on land, I'll have to proceed with my business on land, starting with you folks. Anyone get my drift?" His deep voice announced his thinly-veiled threat, and behind him a more organized group of sailors wearing the same black and green vestments spread themselves out, identifying to all they were men from The Floating Peace. Apparently the captain held some clout, for the rest of the crew began to grumble, though keeping their voices low to avoid offending the gigantic man. However the situation would proceed would entirely depend on the kelvic's reaction. Would the lion resume his human form and try to negotiate his way out of this mess? Or would he continue to fight on against overwhelming odds? Perhaps he may have another solution to get himself out of this. Either way, Eri wished for him to reach a resolution quick to defuse this stand-off. It was somehow fortunate, and too bloody damn well convenient, for the target of his delivery to suddenly appear here.

[Paul Ares]

This " Captain Dewarky" must have some pull in these ranks, to demand such respect from the others. Yet regardless of the offers of a peaceful resolution, Ares would not release his only leverage this easily. He had a different idea entirely, still pinning his hostage, he bit deep into the first mates shoulder, rending horrible screams of pain from the filth below him. He had just sunk his grip into the man, when his captain started as if to close on him. The giant man would not be an easy challenge, nevermind the mob that seemed to be mostly listening to him right now.

At the spark of movement from the captain, ares lifted the now unconcious man off the ground, so his limp legs dragged on the floor as ares used him as a shield from any advance that might ensue. Yet despite his victims limp body it was clear that he had fainted from the pain, and was not dead, as ares had merely bit into his shoulder. The crowd became restless at his decision yet made no move, doing as the captain did. He dragged his victim with him as he passed close by the warrior that regrettably had now been dragged into this mess also. Opening his stride a little, he moved towards a close point the human wall that surrounded them. The men made no attemt to move out of his way as he wished, so he crunched down a little on the flesh and bone in his mouth, baring his teeth as he did so. The unconscious man sprung back into conciousness at the heightened pain inflicted on him now, screaming for help and mercy, begging to be let go in a series of barely understandable cries, just before falling unconcious again.

Three men standing before the lion opened a gap for the feline and his hostage, but instead of moving through it, he looked back at the warrior he had dragged into this mess, almost as if to say " are you coming or what?" He lowered his hostage to ground again, and pinned the poor sot under a large stygian paw again as he took his teeth out of the man's flesh and looked snarled at the men. The snarl itself had the effect of widening the passage given to him by the pirates. He would like to drag this man around with him as a shield of sorts until him and his only ally here found safe passage. One thing he knew for sure was that he would not return to his human for again, as that would not only leave them without the psychological advantage, but would exhaust him to the point of collapse. He had already been forced to subdue his use of flux as it would probably do more harm than aid at this stage.

What was taking this guy so long? How many routes of escape would he need before they could get out of here? Leaving Eri behind had crossed Ares' mind, but then he had an obligation of honour, as he was the reason the man in this scrap in the first place. It had not crossed his mind that eri might have business to attend to, but it was too late for that now. Or was it? Ares' thoughts turned to his hostage now, who was beginning to meet consciousness now again.

And as if to hurry along the duel wielding warrior he dug his claws into the mans stomach again, forcing more outcries of pain from the sailor. The captain obviously wasn't happy with this development, as one could see his bewildered expression at the pain his first mate was going through. The captain seemed to be calm, but in his eyes fires of anger raged silently. It seemed one of the sailors could stand the torture of his mate no more, and made a mad rush at Ares ally, perhaps to take him as a hostage? Like that's going to work...

[Eridanus]

The lion seemed to consider the captain's words, but he suddenly bit into the man's shoulder, causing the man's fellow crew-mates to start rushing, their hands finding their way to whatever weapon that they had holstered to their belts. The captain raised his hand as if to stop them, for he saw that his first mate was not dead yet, and he did want to jeopardize his subordinate's safety unnecessarily. The lion had the idea of using its hostage as a human shield and a form of insurance, and it dragged the man, forcing the wall of pirates to open up allowing passage. Well they did not at first, but the kelvic's repeated torture of the first mate changed their mind for them, and they stepped aside, not wanting Dewarky's wrath be upon them if their actions caused the lion to go berserk. The lion turned around as if to ask Eri to follow him, and the surprised Vantha thought for a while before deciding to go with the kelvic. He followed in the lion's path, picking up the cloak that was left behind when the man morphed into his animal form. While passing by, he looked at the captain, whose eyes were trained on the lion's every action and movement, and he cleared his voice. "Captain Dewarky of The Floating Peace, there is a message for you," Eri addressed the huge man, and the captain raised an eyebrow at him, taking the sealed note that the word-runner offered. He broke the seal, reading the note and his face simply got blacker by the time he reached the end of the note. He looked around in rage, seemingly trying to calm down, and he asked the Vantha in a controlled voice that slightly shook with anger, "Are you related to that kelvic in any way?" Eri shrugged, and said, "Guy must have mistaken me for someone he knows. I'm just here to give you this message." The captain thought for a while, and clarified with Eri, "Tua's word-runner, right?" to which he nodded his assent. The current matter seemingly forgotten for now, the captain lowered his voice and asked Eri suddenly, "I need a discreet and reliable man who can do certain things in secret at night. I know that Tua's runners are reliable enough, but I need someone reliable enough to keep this to himself and tell no one. Not even Tua." He looked at Eri meaningfully and added, "A little compensation will be in order, of course. I appreciate talent and am willing to pay for it." Eri dithered, for events were moving too quickly for him to process the entire situation, and the Captain, realizing that they were still in a tense hostage situation quickly said, "Look for me at the same place after you're done with your job if you accept it. As a gesture of good-will, I'll believe that you have nothing to do with this." Both men eyes turned to gaze the lion as more cries of pain were heard, the lion seemingly bored of waiting for Eri to follow him. The captain glanced at Eri again and he replied with another shrug with a look that clearly said "Not me." Suddenly, one of the sailors who was probably one of Jiercate's good friends could not take the extended torture any more and he blindly rushed towards Eri, with the reasoning that if the lion hurt his friend he should hurt back the lion's friend. Eri ducked a blow, and the captain roared, "No one is to hurt the Vantha lad." The sailor protested, but the captain stared at him ferociously until he backed down, muttering silently. "Just go along and pretend that I was threatening you earlier. Go with the lion and make sure my First Mate's safe. There's something in it for you if you do," the captain whispered in a low guttural voice to Eri, then stepping back and looking at him fiercely to play along. Eri gave a half bow that represented his compliance and to the rest, his subservience to the supposed threatening, and he followed the lion, dragging the kelvic's cloak along with him. The captain barked a few more orders and the crew of The Floating Peace began to push back the rest of the sailors, with other captains beginning to appear and Dewarky engaging in some sort of negotiation with them. The path to the exit was lined by Dewarky's men who allowed them safe passage, and as Eri jogged to keep up with the lion's powerful strides, he said quietly to the kelvic, "Who are you?"

[Paul Ares]

The lion had heard the messengers question, yet was unable to respond due to his current pre occupation. He continued dragging the sailor until they would have been clear of the sea fairers, but instead to his dismay, the currs were following them. Ares was getting tired of this game and so dropped the hostage infront of him, the figure just slumped down without a move. He looked up to see the sailors had stopped and just formed a loose crowd about 20 paces away. Ares looked up at the messenger and then started walking away from the sailors slowly. To run would mean to be chased, and he was not in the mood anymore, his body was aching from the display and there was enough blood lining his stomach already. He stopped for a few seconds to allow his target to follow him? The roles had totally been reversed, he just hoped this guy didn't try and chop off his head now. Personally, or secretly rather, Ares was rather pleased with his reactions today. If all else was lost he at least learned something of intimidation today as a means of survival, even if negotiation would have been more subtle, it seemed too dangerous. He started off again slowly, taking a few glimpses over his shoulder as he and his comrade moved along. Taking a few paces more he suddenly errupted in a mirage of light as he shifted into large brawny human with black hair and proud ,solemn features. Most strange was his elongated teeth and his green feline structured gaze. The words came out deep as if he spoke with the lions chords, " Paul Ares. What's your name? call me Ares... I actually just wanted to speak to you about some sort of employment or oppertunity. I have seen you fighting before, out on the beach, near a wreckage... A man such as yourself is no simple messenger, and I am sure you know of some way for me to establish myself here... I am truly sorry about dragging you into that, but I...snap sometimes." As the two were walking Ares found himself falling down to the floor. He crashed to the floor limply unconscious. A few seconds later he re opened his eyes and rised slowly, " can we walk a bit slower please? My body is exhausted from fluxxing" he paced along, nowhere in particular to be or go to. This would be his fate for some time until he found some kind of assistance out here. This was not turning out as he suspected, " anyway I wanted a teacher also... I have coin, if that is what you seek?" Ares had been abused as a slave to a master who was a leader of a mercenary devision. They pushed him to all sorts of actions, until he became ruthless. Even at a young age he was forced tow fight with two dogs, in the bottom of a pit. He had killed fot his first time in there and as a human he had been forced to commit equally horrid tasks for his life to be spared by the mercenaries. His upbringing had made him hatefull of authority. After the girl mistress' death he had sworn an oath of no more servitude... And vengeance.

[Eridanus]

The lion did not answer him, and Eri could have smacked his forehead when he realized why. Animals could not speak, even when they were kelvic. Even if they wanted to, they would have lacked the vocal cords humans have that allowed one to utter understandable sounds that people call 'words'. The first mate's fellow comrades followed them, and the lion seemed to be tired and decided to drop the hostage in front of him, slowly moving away from Gankplank Pier gracefully as all King of the Predators they did. There was a sort of primal grace and beauty in the way they moved, as a sign of their role at the top of the food chain.

The sailors did not come closer, for Eri knew how difficult it was to approach a dangerous predator even in a group. It required the kind of courage that allowed one to face against strong and powerful beasts, and these pirates who had only fought men would not have faced such animals.

Eri sighed, and he crouched low, pushing the first mate's arm over his shoulder before grunting while he lifted the sailor in a fireman lift. The unconscious man's body slung over his shoulder, he trudged back to the gathered crowd, and that act of good-will broke the spell, the usual mumbling of the crowd starting again and the man's crew began to reach forward for their comrade.

"There you go, guys," He said, while passing the first mate's limp form carefully to the crewmen of The Floating Peace. There was a general utter of gratitude, and they returned back to their ship. After a while, the usual hustle and bustle of the area resumed as the denizens of the place continued on with their business.

Eri walked back to the kelvic, and there was another flash of light as a naked human male reappeared in that position. The Vantha handed him his cloak and waited until he clothed himself.

"Paul Ares. What's your name? call me Ares... I actually just wanted to speak to you about some sort of employment or oppertunity. I have seen you fighting before, out on the beach, near a wreckage... A man such as yourself is no simple messenger, and I am sure you know of some way for me to establish myself here... I am truly sorry about dragging you into that, but I...snap sometimes," The kelvic responded in a deep voice that sounded like what a lion would sound like if it was able to speak.

"Eridanus. Eri is fine as well if you don't feel like pronouncing so many syllables," The Vantha replied, "So that is why you reacted to me in such a familiar way. I am sorry that I did not recognize you due to the... extenuating circumstances at that time."

The brawny man suddenly stumbled, an expression of fatigue on his proud, solemn features and Eri started towards him, but was too late to stop him from collapsing to the ground. The Vantha bent down near him, and the kelvic continued, "can we walk a bit slower please? My body is exhausted from fluxxing. Anyway I wanted a teacher also... I have coin, if that is what you seek?"

So it is true, this kelvic had somehow grasped the art of flux.

It was rare that kelvics managed to learn magic, and usually it was the influence and insistence of their masters that they would pick it up. If this lion was a free kelvic, it would require extreme determination and perseverance to pick up the art, though it was possible that it used to have a master that would teach it to him.

"A piece of advice to you, Paul Ares. Never, and I repeat, never mention your ability to use flux to anyone. Sunberth do not take kindly to wizards and more than once have a careless mage found himself hung for the crime of merely existing," Eri decided to begin by giving him a piece of advice. It was evident that the kelvic was new to the city, and that made the Vantha even more curious as to how he ended up in this anarchistic city.

Eri began to help the man up, supporting the heavier kelvic's weight partially by putting his arm over his shoulder.

"You honour me, but as it happens I am but a simple messenger, trying to earn my keep in this unforgiving city. If you want employment opportunities, look for the advertisements in The Establishment, it was where I found my job. Fortunately for you, it turns out that I work for the owner and I am returning to that place now that I am done with my current task."

He would have to be slower, but it would be faster with him supporting Paul, and the duo trudged back towards the Establishment. This time he took no short cuts, but it suited him well for despite the commotion he managed to deliver his note without much hassle. The opportunities the captain offered (possibly as a result of that note) at night cheered him up, for it promised more rewards and adventures, and this thrill was like a drug that kept Eri functioning with enthusiasm. It might not be very healthy to have a perspective like that, but Eri had been addicted to another sort of drug decades ago, the drug of power and remorseless attempts to achieve it no matter of cost. It had been a dark time for him and the present substitute was much less damaging to his mental health.

"I am afraid I am not very good at teaching, nor would you find me qualified to do so. At the most, I can give you some pointers in what I know as an equal, not a teacher. If skills to make a living are what you need, quite a few merchants are looking for apprentices and you should be able to pick up said skills there. Like I said, the advertisements in Tua's place will have anything you need," He finished, waiting for the kelvic's reply.

Paul's lips were pale, and his breathing was ragged, and it was clear that he was exhausted beyond measure. They were closer to the centre of the city now, but Eri stopped before entering the Establishment.

"Wouldn't you want to grab a bite or something first? I'm sure work can always come later for you," He asked, looking at the sky as if to ascertain the time. It was not a very predictable way of seeing the time, but his centuries of life on Mizahar had helped him gain a rough estimate as to the time depending on Syna's height and position in the sky, and he decided that he had a little more time to spare.

[Paul Ares]

Ares was done for, despite Eri supporting him, he still had difficulty lifting his legs and his jaw was terribly painful. Not to mention that his hands and whole face were the dark rust color of the dried blood, " I probably don't look to fasionable right now" he said meekly. Nevertheless he agreed with his new friend, and actually wouldn't mind chewing on a fresh gazelle's throat right now, " yeah let's eat" The vey thought of food gave him some of his vigour back, and he slowly pulled his weight off Eri's shoulder. One foot after the other he focussed plainly on not falling and following Eri.

He had not even bothered to look at the name of the place they were about to enter, he actually just wanted food regardless of where they went in. Upon stepping in the low buzz of the patrons inside ended abruptly, and a particularly ugly servant girl with huge fat rolls all over her blobby figure stated in a grizzly tone " BLOODY HELL! WHAT HOLE DID YOU CRAWL OUT OF?!" Barely had the words filled the room when the low murmurs of the patrons continues as abruptly as it ended. There were round tables strewn across the room in no particular structure and the place was mostly full up, besides for two tables in the far corner, Ares suddenly decided he wouldn't eat here and turned back out of the door. What the hall was wrong with people around this dump in any case? She won't show concern, no! She has to rub it in. He eventually came to the conclusion that " This town has too many hags in it."

He was still getting dizzy here and there. " So you say this employer of yours might have something for me, and that you cannot train me?" He had no expectations of this man before him but he knew that there would be some sort of gain if he stayed in his good books, " I was a servant to unit of hired hands, where the leader had taught all off his warriors to utilize flux techniques, unfortunately, I was not allowed to join the formation of training fighters, but I still managed to pick up a thing or two. After a few growing years belonging to this unit, a duchess purchased me and charged me with protecting her daughter after her birth. Explaining that it was her race's curse to die at delivery. And true to her words, she died and left me as a guardian to her girl child. For months I merely did what the child's maids told me, yet after she gained the ability to vocalised she turned out to be exceptionally intellegent and loving. Though her fathers soldiers restrained me as he sacrificed her as a means to truce with a tribe of invading Zith. I have sworn off servitude. all I wish right now is to grow strong enough to meet out vengeance for her death." It poured out, without pause, and he had no urge to restrain the flow, " So what's your story?" They were strolling slowly up the street with ares still mostly struggling to hold up his weight. " So where are we eating Eri? I'm dying dying here..."

He wasn't totally exagerating, the shifting between forms is a very draining exercise that left Kelvics in serious need of nutrition. he looked at Eri and said" have you been in many scraps like that around here?" He would imagine so much, by the calm image Eri portrayed as he strolled along with Ares, the scene with the pirates seemed not to have affected him at all. " I have to find some way of making myself at home here..." He scowled deeply, " unfortuanately. Today had turned out unexpectedly, but not surprising, after all the stories Ares had heard about Sunberth. And strangely enough, Eri had delivered his message and Ares his. One thing fore sure, what happened at the Gangplank today had surely sent a message to any bystanders not to cross the Kelvic... Though he would steer clear of the Gangplank for a while just to be safe. His was no doubt not the only arrival at Sunberth to turn out in blood. He wondered whether the man who moved at a retarded pace, to make up for the Kelvic's own sluggish pace would view him as a worthy ally in combat?