|
Post by Ladorak on May 17, 2011 23:38:14 GMT -5
Caden nodded, addressing the question. "Yes, I do suppose you shall have to call me sir... as odd as that sounds. I would say no, but then it'd be showing favoritism, and we do try and avoid that here." he said, giving Ladorak a knowing look.
He was going to reach for the present that Selvis had when Spender of course had to go and ruin the occasion. Caden's face darkened, and his paws hovered in mid-reach. Stupid ferret... you think you're funny huh? Well how about this?
Pushing past Selvis, he heard Elle wish him a happy Birthday as she came out of her tent, but he merely nodded at her as he went by, his face dead set and rigid. Spender was sitting on the ground. Appropriate, as it worked right into what Caden had in mind. Lashing his arm out, he seized the ferret by his chest fur, and yanked him off the ground, letting him choose to do whatever he wanted with his legs. It would be fairly painful, as it would be something akin to getting yanked by your chest hair if you were human, but unlike chest hair, this fur wouldn't fall out so easily.
"And you" Caden spat the words, "look like a stupid ferret who's gone and lost his brain about fifty miles back down the road. Word of advice... friend. You do something like this to humiliate me in front of my friends or my crew, and I will make your life miserable, got that?" he was whisker to whisker with Spender now. "I'm your superior officer now, and I will not tolerate this behavior on the ship. However, since it is a special day, apology accepted. You just watch yourself from now on." he let Spender fall, more correctly shoved him to the ground, so that he'd land rather hard.
"And lest I forget, since you seem to fade from my mind more often than not, here." he walked back over to the present he had lain on the ground. He picked it up, and tossed it in Spender's general direction, not really caring if he managed to catch it or not. "That's for you. Happy Birthday. Now why don't you go take it and play with it somewhere? It's clear that you don't really want to be here, as it seems Peskers forced you to go." he gave her a look, but one that was pretty much unreadable. "And while I do appreciate the thought Jal Peskers, you need not trouble yourself to such an extent on my account. Thanks you for the presents, but I see no point in forcing Spender to do something he'd rather not do." Here, he softened, still looking at her. "Just let him go off where he wants. Sorry he dragged you into this, Spender." he said, looking over at the ferret now in an apologetic manner.
He was thinking of a few things though, and he was determined that Spender was definitely a ferret that he could tolerate, but no longer wished to hang around. If they ran into each other every so often, so be it. A friendly hello, a nod of the head, but that would be the extent of it, unless Spender truly wanted to make more of an effort, which the albino seriously doubted would occur. The moon had a likelier chance of losing its orbit and crashing into the earth than that, at least in Caden's mind.
Ladorak frowned, but in a thoughtful manner, and nodded his head. Caden would make a fine Midshipjack alright. Already he was showing zero tolerance for any crap. As well an officer should do. Caden might have been the lowest of the commissioned officers, but they were most certainly as respected as any other of their tier.
"I had a plan for cake at some point. It's rather difficult out here, as we don't have proper... well OK, we don't have any facilities. But I did manage to make the ten mile journey to San Fiorenzo and back, and had a cake special made. So we'll probably have some, a little later on. I'm thinking of checking the potential battery sites first though, if that's OK with you Caden." Ladorak looked directly at his ward.
"That's fine, sir. I'd like to go with you if at all possible."
"Yes, well plenty of time for that later. There's still presents to be given." Ladorak continued.
"Indeed, there is." the new Midshipjack turned to face Selvis, Elle, and Carrow. "I'm sorry that we were interrupted. Deepest apologies. I guess you were about to give me something." he said, looking at Selvis, some regret twinging his features. "And you were wishing me happy Birthday, Elliot. Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge you properly. In fact, I'm sorry you had to see me like that at all." he said, lowering his eyes a little. He detested acting like his old self, especially in front of Elle. He was secretly dreading that she'd think less of him for this, or worse, not like as much anymore.
"Let's just try and refocus on my Birthday then... or I suppose I'm the one that needs to refocus on it. Hope you guys can forgive me for... that." he closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. He still had anger issues after all, and was trying to slow his racing adrenaline, and get his heart rate back down to what would probably be a bit more normal for him. He felt embarrassed, once again more so because of Elle than anything else. He figured Selvis would probably forgive him, and Carrow as well. Elle of course, well, he constantly worried about what she thought.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on May 18, 2011 7:10:58 GMT -5
Selvis had been about to respond to Ladorak's comment when Spender put his paw in it once again. His eyebrows rose in surprise when he felt his friend push past him. He'd seen the annoyed expression on the pine marten's features, albeit just briefly, but it still gave him an indication of what the mustelid was going to do. If he had even wanted to stop Caden, the longtail couldn't have. Instead, he went over and stood a tad closer to Carrow. The pair watched the scene, both finding it as difficult as each other to keep from smiling at the treatment that Caden, who now found himself in a powerful position, meted out to Spender; not because they took pleasure in it but because it had been a while in coming. Just about managing to not betray their emotions, they realised, at that moment, that Caden didn't have to take any mistreatment from the regular crew anymore. Unlike how things had been for the last seventeen months, when they had all met and Spender and Caden soon respectively became tormentor and tormented, the albino had the power to do something about him from this point on.
They also knew that Spender couldn't reasonably stage a reprisal for this, which left both of them feeling relieved... especially Carrow. He had been driven to a breakdown by Spender almost a whole year ago. He had been prodded and bullied for months before he'd finally fallen apart, needing to gather up all his possible strength as well as draw on that of his friends to build himself again, and it hadn't even ended there. He knew all too well what it felt like to be powerless, and if the fact that Caden couldn't be harrassed in the old way anymore taught Spender a lesson, it would be appropriate for him: a case of the bully getting a taste of his own medicine.
Carrow also knew quite well that he was the weakest of the group, both physically and emotionally. Despite all the progress he'd made, there were nights when he felt incredibly fragile. Spender seemed like he always needed a target, so if he chose him as his 'new' one (as unlikely as this currently seemed, he still stood out) he was prepared to stand up for himself but knew he'd have protection from both Caden (who had the power to do something about such things now) and Selvis (who the mouse had seen just there, doing all he could to rein himself in and not take Spender down a couple of notches, and who was a very strong creature in his own right). The latter of the two knew that the most painful thing for Spender would be for him to be mocked when he was down, but he didn't believe in rubbing salt into another creature's wounds. He turned his mind to better things once again, smiling, along with Carrow, when Caden mentioned there was indeed cake.
The pair definitely could wait... though Carrow hadn't had cake in years, and never on his birthday. Archie hadn't been able to afford it before she'd had a chance to go back to work after all, and by then he had departed. The field mouse piped up. "Er, Captain, sir? Is it alright if Selvis and I accompany the two of you to the battery sites later on? You know what they say after all: many paws make light work. Maybe if Elliot wants to come with us as well, he can?," he suggested, smiling. Selvis nodded; he definitely approved. On this day in particular he wanted to spend about as much time with Caden as was possible. Even if the pine marten didn't realise it, he was very good company. All of the longtail's companions were. Carrow and Elle were a little quiet every now and then, but that was alright because that was just how they were.
Selvis shook his head when Caden apologised for the way he had reacted. "If I had been the one being mocked like that I most likely would have reacted in a similar manner, so I completely understand why you did that. To be honest, I think he needed his comeuppance," he murmured. Carrow nodded agreement. It was about time somebeast actually stood up to Spender. Selvis, out of frustration with a number of things, had verbally ripped the ferret to shreds in Florence, but Carrow hadn't been around to see it. By the time he'd actually arrived, it had all been over. That was the first time he'd seen any of his friends making a real effort to stand up to the ferret, and he was proud of Caden for it. "The way I see it, the only creature who needs to apologise has, well, already done so. If you're looking for forgiveness, even though I personally think you were well within your rights, then I forgive you."
"Me too," Carrow added, smiling. "You shouldn't let anybeast push you around like that, Caden." Sometimes I wish I were a little more like you in that respect, he was unable to keep from thinking. The rodent picked up on Caden's subject change and ran with it, nudging his weasel friend lightly. "I think you mean we were about to give you something," he playfully corrected his companion. "It's not just anything, though... it's something rather special. We're quite lucky we even found it." And even luckier it wasn't more expensive, otherwise we'd have had to let it go, he didn't add. Selvis was smiling mischievously as he stepped forward and offered Caden the wrapped gift box. "Here you are then, matey, from both of us. Happy birthday. It's something that needs to be held in both paws, so open it however you can and tell us what you think!," Carrow encouraged the marten, his own smile never faltering, excited to see what his friend thought.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on May 19, 2011 23:24:06 GMT -5
Caden received the gift from his friends, and breathed the deepest sigh of inward relief that he had ever felt. He was so fortunate to have such good friends. Friends who would forgive his slip ups, as he was still stumbling through life. He was sure he'd make mistakes bigger than this one after all, but if he learned from them, and genuinely tried to change, he could better himself as he went on.
He began opening up the wrapping, tearing it off as he sat down on the log to balance the box, it being rather large after all. "Well thanks guys! For both forgiving me and the present! I should say I'm rather lucky to have friends like you." he stated, unusually voicing his mind, for once.
He tore off the wrapping with ease, and proceeded to open the box. Red and white greeted him as he did so. A lot of red and white. "Hey... wait a minute... is this?" he asked, looking up at the two of them. "The... Santissima Trinidad?" he asked, glee crossing his face. "This is the same scale model that Ladorak got me of Agamemnon! How did you ever afford this?" he asked, looking over at them again before looking down to study the model. He was almost afraid to lift it out, and opted to keep it inside for the moment, where he could admire the shiny wood polish as it glistened in the darkness.
"Oho. Well we can ship that home for you Caden. No good keeping it on the ship." Ladorak said, speaking up as he wandered over to peer into the box. He gave out a low whistle. "Impressive detail. I was going to buy you that if we ever captured it... though what am I saying? We're allies. It's so fitting. You now have an allied ship to go along with Agamemnon, and a rather impressive one at that." he stated.
"The only four decker in the world." Caden commented. "Though as I recently learned, not the largest warship in the world. Certainly the most heavily armed though. Built in the Western Mandates she was. Cuba I think. Constructed from good, strong Havana wood. 140 guns." he breathed. "This... you guys didn't have to buy this for me." he said, choking on his own words.
"I mean the cost... wow. Thanks... A LOT. It'll look really good next to Agamemnon." he continued, giving his friends a nod and pawing the box over to Ladorak so that he could get up and rejoin them. "Thanks you guys." he might have hugged them, but he held back, still not used to that whole idea after all. Instead he opted for a large smile and a look back and forth at the two of them. "Now I'll have to start thinking on Selvis's Birthday I suppose, as it arrives soon, doesn't it?" he asked, having heard at some point in the past.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on May 20, 2011 17:40:09 GMT -5
"Oh, don't mention it, Caden," Selvis said gently, smiling at his pine marten friend. "It's really not a problem. As I said, you didn't really need to apologise in the first place." His tail swayed to and fro in a very appreciative manner as Caden said how lucky he was to have friends like himself and Selvis. He merely smiled, not needing to say anything because all three of them knew the feeling was mutual. He stood on tip-paw, on tenterhooks now as he waited for the albino marten to open his present.
Carrow was watching for his companion's response too, and the joyous reaction he received sent his heart soaring. "That's the Santíssima Trinidad, yes," he replied, the Ferlusanian name sounding more than a little bit awkward on his tongue. This was one mouse who after all had never been given the opportunity to learn another language. Sometimes he even tripped over his words when he was speaking his native tongue. By his own admission, he wasn't a good speaker, sometimes unused to the sound of his own voice, sometimes far too shy to speak up, and when he did he often stammered.
There were no such troubles with his diction now, however. The rodent spoke clearly as Caden raised the question of the mouse and weasel pair being able to afford it. "Truth be told, we're not really sure ourselves. If it had been just a little more expensive, we would have been out of luck. We split the cost, and Selvis put everything he had into buying this for you. I had some left over when I'd put in my share... you know me, more used to saving money than actually spending it," he was unable to keep himself from adding, blushing a little. What they said about old habits was true.
"It was all worth it though," Selvis chipped in, patting Carrow's shoulder, knowing that the mouse was rather sensitive about the issue of his unfortunate and impoverished upbringing. "Just to see you now and how pleased you are with it, it makes it all worth it. I'm completely broke now but I don't mind at all. You can't put a price on the happiness of your friends after all," he told Caden, smiling broadly. "Carrow... well, told me he had his own reasons for buying you this." He was about to say more but fell silent, listening to Ladorak and Caden converse amongst themselves. He couldn't help but smile as the stoat mentioned that the model had been on Ladorak's shopping list if they ever captured the vessel... even if the comment brought back a little of his current situation. He'd learned to ignore those feelings, though. Things were looking up, and he had wonderful friends to surround himself with - and that mattered more to him than anything else.
Carrow was still smiling as Caden bashfully told them that they hadn't needed to buy the model for him. He waved a paw in a dismissive manner. "Oh, come off it, mate," he said softly. "Sure, we COULD have got you something else, but knowing you, and knowing what you liked, once we saw this, we realised it'd be the perfect present. It was expensive, yes, but that honestly didn't even matter to us... and especially not to me, because, as Selvis said, I had my own reasons for picking this out.
"I didn't want you to go without a birthday present this year, you see; we were at sea last year when you celebrated your thirteenth, and part of me regretted that I hadn't had the chance to buy you something. So I wanted to make it extra special this year as I had the opportunity to do so." Caden's large smile brought Carrow closer to feeling complete than he had ever been. He was so glad that he'd been able to bring Caden such contentment on his birthday.
Selvis returned Caden's smile with a warm one of his own. His eyes glittered a little as he heard the albino make reference to his birthday. "June 7th, that's right... we're going to be on the Orion for it, aren't we?," he asked, though inwardly he knew there was a good chance that they would indeed be away on that ship. "If you want to get me something, anything you can think of is fine." He turned to look at his mouse companion. "Same goes for you, Carrow. If you can think of something, anything at all, just go for it."
What he didn't know was that the field mouse had gone for it already. Carrow said nothing in response... that is until a smile slowly spread across his features. "It won't be necessary, Selvis, because I have actually already gotten you something. I had a little left over, as said, and when I saw this I just couldn't resist. I'm all out now, but it was definitely worth it." Slowly, carefully, he withdrew the small black box from his pocket, pawing it to his friend. "Open it, matey," he encouraged, eyes sparkling. Selvis took the box from the mouse and eased it open. He smiled when the gift contained therein was revealed to him.
The rodent continued speaking. "Maybe it's because I have a fascination with shiny objects - and an appropriate nickname to go along with that," he quipped, smiling at his friends, "or maybe it was because I realised how appropriate that was for you... it is your birthstone after all!," he exclaimed. "Take it out and try it on, there's a good weasel," he coaxed, seeing that Selvis was a little reluctant to do so. The longtail withdrew it, and discovered that it was a pearl attached to a string.
His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Thanks very much, Carrow. It was inspired. I'd be careful if I were you, though... careful I don't hypnotise you with it!," he told the mouse in a playful manner. A weakness for hypnosis coupled with a fondness for things as bright as the pearl? Carrow would be asleep within moments if I ever tried to reverse roles in an induction, the mustelid thought. He put it around his neck, smiling mischievously at his idea as he turned to Caden. "As I said, if you get the chance to buy me something, it won't matter what it is. I'm sure I'll love it anyway!"
|
|
|
Post by bookity101 on May 20, 2011 22:35:45 GMT -5
Elle bit her lip at Caden's actions, hoping that the fact that Spender was still a little kit in thoughts and actions and had a tendency to forget what he did to deserve such treatment. Hopefully the repercussions would be watered down by whatever Ferry had planned for him later would blur the memory of today, that and he very apparently was still near asleep might help as well... Life around this crew was never, EVER, boring...
As she was wont to do in any circumstance, she stood back and studied the goings on around her. The Captain seemed to be enjoying the presence of his two favorite beasts, Jis Serra seemed to be enjoying watching as well. Tally... poor Tally. The small creature was still so unaware of the many intricacies to be found around her; so she found something more fascinating, in her opinion poking and prodding the grass to make it bend and watching it stand back up again. But it was still the cute... Selvis and Carrow had presented their joint gift to Caden, and he was more than thrilled with it. Hiding a smile behind her paw at Carrow's admittance to having a weakness for shiny objects... it was a wonder he didn't hypnotize himself into sleep when he inducted somebeast else.
Elle shuffled her paws slightly, knowing that though her gift had cost significantly less than the others, it would be appreciated just as much, or so she hoped. Whereas the boys gift had cost money, hers was more a time thing, but some beasts just liked the flashy gifts. She stepped up beside him, still just watching before gathering her wits. She spoke his name to get his attention, holding out a rather over large envelope.
"Happy Birthday, again." A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she did so. Elle half wondered if he had ever noticed her working on the picture contained within...
|
|
|
Post by spender on May 21, 2011 21:33:40 GMT -5
Spender stared at the dirt between his legs. He'd fallen awkwardly, on his tail, and his legs bowed to either side. He hadn't uttered so much as an annoyed "Ow!" during the entire incident, or been able to catch the box tossed to him. Apart from a small growl that had indicated he wanted to fight back at Caden, the ferret appeared to be completely shut down, a wooden tall flung aside.
Peskers bit her lip; she very dearly wanted to say something, but a glare from Spender when she moved to say it kept her still.
Eventually Spender stood up.
"Caden," he said, his voice large and strong. He unfolded himself, arms held out slightly, intimidating. He could see everyone bristle slightly, ready to come to their friends' defense.
"I said I wos sorry. That means I am. I'm sorry I'm too stupid t'know which jokes are appropriate. I din' mean nothin'. I jus'..." He shook his head. His arms, tail and whiskers sagged. "Peskers din' drag me 'ere. I been peskerin'... pesterin'... him fer weeks, t'make sure I din' forget. Again. Um... thanks. Fer th'present, an' fer, y'know, lettin' me share t'day. I din' think anyone would get me nuffin'. I jus' din' want anyone t'forget me again... That would've been enough. Not t'be... forgotten."
His lips curled, uncertainly, at a sudden thought. He wasn't sure if it was funny or not, or if he should say it. But when had that ever stopped him?
"An' maybe some cake..."
He cringed, slinking back to his spot in the grass. No doubt that was a stupid remark, too...
Molly waved at Miri. She was too busy trying to keep an eye on Tally, keeping the mousemaid from doing something too weird. Geeze, it was like she'd never seen grass before... surely she hadn't been stuck in some snooty manor and dragged through dusty Tunisian streets all her life? ... surely?
"Interesting morning," she whispered, gesturing at the crowd of striplings. "Where've you been?"
She was waiting to give Caden her own present. It would have to wait until everyone else's was sorted out. It was nothing special, just a promise. It needed peace to be heard, and the soonest moment of peace, it seemed, would be when everyone's mouths were full of cream and crumbs.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on May 22, 2011 0:04:37 GMT -5
Caden nodded, and felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer cost of his present. "Well, if I'm ever in a position to repay you, you know I will. I'll be making far more money now than I did before. I mean if I could but even cover part of the cost." he said, until he felt Ladorak's paw on his shoulder.
"You need not do so Caden. It was a gift after all. You can choose how much money to spend on their Birthdays. You'll be making more now, as you said. No need to repay a gift on your Birthday." the Captain explained, smiling down at the albino. "It's more than that after all. Today is your special day. We all have our special days, so right now, you should focus on the enjoyment of it. Speaking of which, I think Elliot has a present for you as well." he motioned with a paw to the marten he now knew to be a jill, though had still not revealed his knowledge on that just yet.
Caden looked right at her, at the marten he knew was secretly Elle. "Thank you, Elliot. Let's see what this is." he used his claws to slice open the wrapping, though was careful not to damage what was underneath, just in case. As he peeled the paper back, his breath stuck in his throat.
It was a portrait, and one that was very much in the Baroque style of artwork, which happened to be Ladorak's favorite. It was a painting of Caden, standing on the bow of a ship, with Ladorak by his side. Caden had his paws clasped behind his back, and Ladorak was resting a paw on Caden's shoulder, his free paw behind his back.
Caden ran a claw gently over the painting, not wanting to apply too much pressure after all. "Wow... Elle...iot this is... amazing." he said, catching himself at the last minute, though Ladorak of course heard it as well. He studied the picture and nodded in understanding.
"Very well done. You're quite the artist." the stoat commented.
"This is... really..." Caden was lost for words, almost breathless as he studied it. It was him and his father... his guardian who had taken him in, and given him his new home.
"Might want to ship that home too. Don't want the salt air getting to it. Though could keep it in my cabin and get some glass in front of it. That would protect it." the Captain suggested.
"Yeah... let's do that." Caden said with a nod, and he moved up to give Elle a hug, mostly because he knew who she was and felt it appropriate. "I dunno Selvis. We might be on Orion." Caden said as he pulled back. "I'm not really sure." He would have to buy Elle something special when next they went into town. It didn't even have to be for her Birthday. He just wanted to get her something.
He paused though, watching as Spender got back up, and started talking. The albino stood, straight backed, as Spender addressed him, the marten giving him only a few blinks in response as the ferret went on. Much to his surprise, he felt bad now for what he'd done, as the explanation unfolded before him. The ferret had been reminding Peskers to remind him? Well that was... a first.
He continued to blink a few times, unsure what to initially say, until a small smile curled over his lips. "I see... Well I said I accepted your apology." his tone was far less formal now. "And I do. I also want to say thanks... for making sure you didn't forget my Birthday. I'm glad we got to share it, and I got you more than one present after all, as you'll find out. I didn't want to get you just one thing."
He took in a breath, and exhaled. "I'm glad we didn't forget each other's Birthday then. It's OK... about before. I'm sorry, myself."
Ladorak listened to the exchange, looking back and forth from one to the other, but only with his eyes. "Well met." he said, at the conclusion of Caden's words. He looked behind him, to Molly. "Dear, did you wish to give him anything? I think you mentioned something to me earlier... though forgive me, all these meetings I've had with Colonel D'Aubant haven't left me with the best of memories. The creature is rather reticent after all. He may come out here yet with his troops, though I doubt that it will be little more than a parade." he said, rolling his eyes. "If you'd like to go next, feel free to do so." he motioned with his head, in case she was ready.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on May 22, 2011 15:37:24 GMT -5
Selvis smiled a little. “You see, that’s what I like about you, Caden,” he said gently, “even though you know full well you don’t owe me anything for that, you’re considering repaying me somehow. Our Captain’s right, though: don’t feel like you’re obliged to do so. Literally anything you get me for my own birthday - should you even choose to - will be greatly appreciated, no matter what it is. I leave it in your more-than-capable paws,” he told his albino companion. “Focus on the enjoyment of your special day, indeed; couldn’t have put it better m’self,” he murmured, smiling at the stoat Captain.
The longtail’s ears perked up noticeably once again when he saw Elle step forward with a large envelope in her paw. Unable to contain his curiosity, he moved forward a little so he could see what it was, and so too did Carrow. The mouse and weasel took up positions at each of Caden’s shoulders. Selvis peered over one as he watch Caden slice the wrapping open; his rodent companion, who after all was a good deal shorter, was content to lean in a little. The weasel’s blue eyes widened considerably when the beech marten’s gift to Caden was revealed, and he smiled as he realised that neither could Elle have picked out a more appropriate gift. In a word, the portrait of Ladorak and Caden was stunning.
Carrow was similarly impressed. He was no stranger to having his own portrait painted, but this was the first one he’d seen of creatures other than himself in quite a number of years, and he had no trouble admitting that what he saw before him now was easily the equal of Archie’s efforts back home. Granted, the style was a tad different to what he had become accustomed to seeing, but it was nonetheless striking. So, another one of his friends’ talents had been revealed: there was one among them who was an artist. “Quite the artist indeed!,” the wood mouse exclaimed gently, smiling at the beech marten he now knew to be Elle. “Elliot, seriously though, this is rather special. Where have you been hiding this talent all this time?,” he asked, chuckling a little and winking at her.
The Ferlusanian weasel nodded as Caden spoke to him again. “Of course, but we’ll see how things go anyway. If I weren’t looking forward to what lies ahead for us next month as much as I am, I would say that our shipping out to the Orion has been rather unfortunately timed in that respect, but oh well. I’d much rather experience something like that in any case, since I have the opportunity - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance after all.” He was about to say more, when Spender stood up and began to speak. Selvis raised an eyebrow in a curious manner. Did he think he was intimidating, looking like that? He certainly wasn’t ruffled, and if the ferret was looking for a fight, he wouldn’t get one from him, Selvis after all being a creature who didn’t resort to violence unless absolutely necessary.
Carrow didn’t buy it either, and certainly wasn’t planning to stand up to Spender in an actual physical fight. The wood mouse had principles after all and was going to try to stick to them at all costs. Those, more than the fact that, by his own admission, he would be no good in a fight, would deter him from resorting to violence, once again unless he was left with literally no other choice. The rodent, who smiled at Spender’s slip (which he found genuinely amusing) and definitely approved of his desire for cake, was a soft-hearted creature and frowned a little as he heard the ferret speak. So that’s what he wanted? Not to be forgotten? “You didn’t want us to forget you? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there was anything for us to forget. Er, you didn’t tell us the date of your birthday, or at least I don’t recall you ever doing so. Right?”
He looked across at Selvis, who shook his head. “Spender, you didn’t tell me either… but then again, why would you bother to share anything like that with me, of all creatures, when we don’t get along at the best of times? Listen, I’m sorry too… for various different things. That whole incident in Florence chief among them, actually. I didn’t set out to give you such a lashing, but I was under a lot of stress that night and I needed to get it out somehow. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I couldn’t let it go. I apologise for that, I… wasn’t myself.” Nor was I for the two months after that, not until Caden and I had our talk.
“Yeah, Spender, we didn’t go out of our way to ignore you,” Carrow backed up his friend. “Far from it in fact. If I had known that you’d actually had a birthday, I probably would have gotten something for you. I don’t really know what you like, though. Come back here and pick up the present Caden’s got you,” he suggested. “I’ll be honest and admit that I’m rather curious to find out what it is myself.” Carrow hoped he was coming across the way he hoped. He and Selvis both tolerated the ferret for the most part, and if they had any problem with him, it was that he never seemed to think about what he said or did before he acted, so never stopped to consider the repercussions of his actions. It had gotten him in serious trouble a few times, but he never seemed to care. Not even that deep down, the weasel wanted to tell Spender that he needed to change his ways, but had long since realised that this would be like talking to the wall. The sensible sides of both creatures told them that he would indeed need to change or otherwise be broken… their much more influential compassionate sides desperately hoped it would hit home sooner rather than later.
|
|
|
Post by bookity101 on May 22, 2011 22:53:13 GMT -5
Elle smiled happily behind Caden's back at his pawdling of the situation with Spender, and at Spenders proven attempt to grow up. She was glad that they seemed to be moving to the point where they could hold a conversation with one another... She heard Spender's comment about the cake, and as she pulled back from Caden, smiled and winked at the ferret. She at least found his comment slightly funny.
Elle scuffed her paws at their praise. She wasn't used to being praised for what she did when it came to her "frivolous hobby" as most of her family had termed her drawings. Like it was typical, only Janey encouraged her love of drawing, and had even paid for many notepads and pencils when they were broken or "accidentally" thrown away.
"Janey sent me the paints and more than a month ago... It took me this long to just be able to finish that one.." She wrinkled her nose a little at that thought. "I really prefer working with charcoal or pencil. I used paints because Janey forgot that."
Catching sight of Peskers and Spender again, Elle reached into her pocket, fiddling with the small sketch she had managed to do with some of the charred remains of sticks from the cooks fire. It was one of Peskers and Spender goofing off during one of their breaks. Spender had done or said something silly and she had rebuking him, one claw waving comically near his snout as his attention was drawn by something off to the left. She would have to find time to slip it to her soon, as both females knew that Ferry's time was limited when it came to the boat...
Elle stepped back a little to resume her position as watcher, quite content to enjoy this fine day and the company of her friends...
_+_+_+_+_+_
Miri nodded to Molly, whispering back to her;
"Nothing you can't pawdle Molly, you are an interesting Jill. And I was jogging along the beach, just got back." She waved a paw at the striplings,
"What did I miss?"
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on May 24, 2011 22:39:15 GMT -5
((Because I have to move this along. Sorry Spendy. )) Ladorak took note that Molly quickly became busy with Miri, who had walked up to the group. Well that was alright. If she had a present, she could present it at any time. He would let her do her thing for now, as it was good that she was able to consort with other jills, as they were a rarity in the Navy. "Alright lads! Now that presents have been completed, I'm going to go and head forward to scope out new sites for a battery. Happy Birthday once again, Caden! Those who would like to accompany me, feel free to fall in behind. We'll do cake later, once it's been properly baked." "I am of course, going with you!" Caden stated, eagerly stepping forward. His new uniform definitely made him look conspicuous, but in a good way. "Even if it's in range of enemy fire... I'm sure we'll be OK. Chances of getting hit are slim. The range is so great after all." Ladorak nodding, agreeing with his new Midshipjack ward. "Of course. The danger will be slight at best, but it will still be there. Either way, we'll be in for some thrills I'm sure. Bursting shells every now and again. Have to risk a little to feel truly alive, I always say. So, is anyone else up for coming along then?" the stoat Captain asked, looking around at the gathered group.
|
|