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Post by Ladorak on Oct 20, 2011 11:07:24 GMT -5
Caden eagerly selected another card after the deck had been reshuffled. He studied it carefully, noting it to be the 2 of clubs. So double that was four... adding three was seven. Seven multiplied by five... fortunately, Caden knew his seven times tables, as seven was his favorite number. That... and he had to know math to calculate things as a Midshipjack, such as navigation.
The marten came up with thirty-five for the result. So a club was worth two.
He had his answer, and said it confidently enough. "Thirty-seven." he said. He held the card out, face down, for Selvis, wondering if he wanted him to put it back into the deck. "I assume, if you're going to tell me which card I drew, that you're... oh wait." he said, suddenly realizing that his solution was not as simple as he first thought it to be. "I was going to say, you'll just reverse the process I just did... subtracting, dividing and so forth BUT... all I told you was my number... so you can't reverse my process because you don't know how many I added, multiplied, and added again by."
The marten suddenly realized it was more complex than he had given it credit for. "So... unless each card has a specific value, and you memorized each one... which would be quite a feat, I must say, there must be something else going on here." the albino stated, placing his paws on his hips as he returned the card to the table, unable to suppress another smile as he did so.
"So tell me." he said, folding his arms across his chest now and smirking a little. "Which card did I draw?"
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Post by Carrow on Oct 20, 2011 17:53:10 GMT -5
"Thirty-seven," Selvis repeated in a soft voice, smiling a little. He already had it pegged, but he was prepared to play with Caden a little before revealing his answer. "I see. You think that might be how I do this, eh? Well, as you've said, I can't reverse anything, because all you've done is perform those operations in your head. Now, if I were somehow able to read your mind - and what a useful skill that would be! - I'd know the value of your card even before you did.
"Last time I checked, though, such a thing isn't possible." he told the marten in a playful tone of voice, winking at him. "So yes, as you say, there is in fact something else going on, but well, as before, it'd be far less fun for you if I told you how this works. So let's see... thirty-seven. Well, it's blatantly obvious to me," he revealed, noting the confident expression on Caden's features. Selvis liked it even more when things like this happened. The audience felt as though they could work out how certain tricks worked every now and then, and the longtail enjoyed leading them along.
As it happened, though, Caden was miles out. Selvis met his companion's gaze, returning the slight smirk. "It can only be the two of clubs," he said, eyes glittering as his paw moved like lightning, flipping over the card to reveal what was indeed the 2 of clubs. "Ta-dah!," he exclaimed, absolutely beaming as he wondered what sort of response this feat would receive from his companion.
He hadn't memorised the value of each deck of clubs. That would have been far too time-consuming in the first place, and besides, Selvis liked mental arithmetic; it turned out that he was rather a dab paw at it. Instead, all he needed to do for this trick was subtract the 3 that had been multiplied by 5 to make 15. He was left with 22, the first figure being the card itself, and the second being its suit. 22 was the two of clubs.
Carrow was greatly enjoying himself. It was nice that his friends could help to take his mind off the things that were bothering him. He preferred the mysteries involved in magic tricks to the ones suggested by letters sent from unknown creatures that could contain almost anything. He'd be able to solve those mysteries himself later on, but for now he was perfectly content to sit and be enthralled by the magic weasel and his tricks.
Despite the intimate surroundings, seeing Selvis perform took him back a few years and made him think about the show he had seen for his tenth birthday. It had had a similar effect on him. He'd been almost completely run down around that time, unable to sleep and also powerless to keep himself from dwelling on the deaths of his parents - it had been that time of year for him after all. Archie had taken him along to help him forget his troubles, and it had worked. He loved being entertained like this.
Selvis, meanwhile, was greatly appreciative of Caden's participation. Still holding the marten's gaze, he smiled at him. "Thanks for letting me do this again, mate - it's been a while and I've really missed it. You're one of the best volunteers I've ever worked with, in fact! Now, would you like me to show you one last trick, or shall we do something else? I don't mind either way - I'm just glad I get to spend time with you."
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Post by Ladorak on Oct 21, 2011 10:03:46 GMT -5
Shaking his head, Caden could only look at Selvis, a knowing smile on his face. "I knew you'd get it. Well done." he said, clapping a little for the magic weasel. "I don't know how you figured it out, but this one at least seems like there's a way to do it, given it's all numbers, and numbers can't technically lie if you do the math right." he explained, winking.
His eyes widened a little at Selvis's question about whether or not he should perform another trick. "Well of COURSE you should, matey!" the marten exclaimed eagerly. "Would it be another card trick? They're all well and good, but I'm sure you have plenty more acts in that kit of yours." he stated, eyes flashing for a moment as they caught the light from the gun ports.
"Do you know hypnotism?" he asked. "Not saying of course that we should try an act like that... as I may in fact be getting Carrow to practice on me later on, but just wondering if you know it." his arms were still folded over his chest, and he gave a nod as he asked his question.
"So what trick are you planning on dazzling us with last?" he inquired. "I'm really open for anything, and I'm sure you must know a plethora of them, given your training and background." he mentioned, grinning now, and giving off another wink. "Selvis the Sensational!" he declared, spreading his arms wide to emphasize his point, coming up with a stage name for the long tail on the spot.
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Post by Carrow on Oct 22, 2011 13:52:21 GMT -5
The weasel smiled in response, his tail continuing to sway behind him as he listened to Caden. The pine marten was right: there was indeed a way to do it, or at least one that was much simpler in a way than his prestidigitation trick. It took a while to build up to the level of shuffling prowess the longtail had reached - and even then he was unsure he was on the top of his game after being out of practice for so long - whereas his 'Card Calculator' trick was comparatively much more straightforward.
"You're right," he revealed, though he would of course not be drawn any further on his methods It's all to do with numbers, and I do in fact know some similar tricks. Card tricks are my strongest point, because they're what I worked with almost exclusively for a while before branching out into other forms of magic." His smile widened at his fellow mustelid's enthusiastic reply to his offer to perform another trick - it was in fact just what he had been hoping for as he was going to show his friends something very special to finish with.
"Again, you're correct: I do indeed have other acts in there, but technically speaking what I'm planning to show you next isn't in there at the moment," he responded to his companion, winking. He'd taken something else out of the kit before heading to his table and getting set up, and had been planning to use it all along. First things first, though... Caden was asking him if he knew hypnotism, and Selvis nodded in response to this, though he decided to be honest with his friend as regarded his modest talents in that field.
"In a manner of speaking, I do - being honest, though, I probably wouldn't try it with you this evening in any case because I haven't tried it in years and really wouldn't want to risk botching an induction. Besides, if you're planning on having a session with Carrow later on, that's better, because I'd much rather it be him. He actually has some amount of experience with it and knows what he's doing - even when he doesn't exactly intend to do it, isn't that right, Carrow?," he called playfully.
The mouse blushed in response, though he was unable to hide a small smile as he knew exactly what Selvis was referring to. "Hehehe, I guess so, though in all honesty I just do what I can, though it helps that I learned from the best hypnotist I have ever seen," he replied softly. "Caden, I have to admit I'd love to give you a paw getting some rest later on if you need it - haven't actually done any sessions with anyone for a week or two. I haven't seen Willard about in a while, you see - that weasel's very good at keeping to himself it seems."
Those sessions were going well, it had to be said, but getting a hold of the least weasel for them was becoming a small problem for the rodent - it was just as well he'd implanted a trigger within Willard; it was rather effective. His large ears twitched curiously as Caden enquired what kind of trick the magic weasel would be showing them next. It was the longtail's turn to blush when he was given a stage name by the marten. "Awh, you're too kind, mate. Now, I'd like you to pay attention again. Carrow, you come up here as well," he told the mouse, "I'd like you to see this too."
From his pocket, the weasel produced a shilling coin. "Rrrright then. See this?," he asked, showing the mouse and marten the shiny coin. Carrow's eyes sparkled as he spotted the bright object; 'Magpie' was of course fascinated by such things. "What you have here is an ordinary coin - it's solid metal, see," he explained, tapping the coin twice on the table to prove his point. He held it with both paws, then placed two claws on the top sides of the coin.
Then, the weasel first pushed the coin towards Caden, sliding his claws to the centre of the coin, before pushing it away, his claws once again being slid towards the coin's centre. The object was of course still solid metal, but as Selvis began to work up speed with the manoeuvre, the illusion began to take hold. The longtail 'bent' it back and forth in front of Caden a few times, before repeating the process with Carrow.
The mouse, mesmerised by the movements of Selvis's claws, watched open-mouthed as the solid metal appeared to bend before his eyes. Selvis's eyes sparkled as he tapped the coin again, before 'bending' the object again for his friends a few more times. When finished, he balanced it on the tip of his claw for a moment and letting it twirl (to the spellbound mouse's delight) before catching it and performing the illusion twice more before slamming the coin down on the table, gesturing to it and smiling.
"And there you go!," he exclaimed, letting the pair examine the coin for a moment before he took it back and pocketed it. He was too modest to bow; even Carrow's soft applause left him flustered. He had been four years out of practice, but with three simple tricks had managed to restore some of his confidence in his magical abilities. Considering the fervour with which he had thrown himself into performing all those years ago, he'd racked up an impressive repertoire, but now he felt good enough about it to display it again.
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Post by Ladorak on Oct 23, 2011 11:08:43 GMT -5
"Well that's a handy little trick you got there." Caden said, watching with interest as the coin seemed to bend before their very eyes, stretching its center almost, before of course going back to being a regular coin. Some sort of optical illusion? Or was it really magic?
Smiling, he picked it up briefly, trying to bend it, and of course failing as he suspected he would. "Incredible. Well done, mate." He said, nodding and clapping along with Carrow. "Seems you're full of surprises, and good ones at that. More than I could ever conjure up, I'm sure. And I didn't meant that your card tricks weren't impressive." he said, shaking his head. "They are very impressive. Some of my favorites, in fact."
"Well..." he paused, as he could hear five bells distantly from up above. "Aha! There we are! Well then... as we still have an hour and a half from here... I might head down below to the cockpit and see about getting some shuteye. I'll also see if Carrow can help me with that... but you have to promise to wake me up at eight bells." he said, half joking as he chuckled a little. "Don't want to miss the First Watch after all."
He helped Selvis clean up the table, and then looked over at Carrow. "Well then, my shipmate. Shall be off to try this talent of yours out?" he asked beginning to lead the way to the aft companionway, and what would hopefully promise to be a restful night's sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TIME JUMP~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The days had gone by rather uneventfully for October, with the tenth month turning into the eleventh month over time. As it went, the blockade passed by with fairly routine activities for everyone. Caden had managed to settle back into things, growing re-accustomed to life on a ship, after having spent so many months on Personza.
It was about a month since he'd witnessed that magic show by Selvis, and what a show. He'd also been pondering what to get Carrow, as Selvis's present easily surpassed anything the marten could have come up with. He figured he'd buy something once they got to Florence. It was a big enough city, and full of vendors. He'd think of SOMETHING there... even if it WOULD ultimately pale in comparison to Selvis's present. Caden really had to give the weasel credit... he'd done a hell of a job in selecting something great for Carrow, as usual.
He wasn't jealous... just feeling a bit inadequate. What could he buy for the mouse that would mean as much? He was terrible at picking out surprises, and he hated himself for it. He'd never had to do it growing up... never had to think for anyone but himself. And now... he had to do it all the time.
It was the Afternoon Watch now, right after dinner, and the days were growing shorter. Being on the larboard watch on this particular day, Caden now had leisure time. A lot of it in fact. Four hours' worth. He was quite satisfied with that. Whistling a tune to himself, he sat down on the upper gun deck, between two guns. Bright light streamed in from the gun ports and the open hatches, as well as well cold air. He didn't mind it though. He was warm in his uniform and his fur, plus he loved that autumn chill. He wondered what his comrades might be up to, but knew they'd probably run into each other at some point before the Afternoon Watch was up.
Opening up a book on seajackship and the orders to give when making and shortening sail, as well as tacking and wearing ship, the marten began to study his vocabulary and to start softly repeating the orders to himself, his lips moving as he mouthed the words, and pretended he was a Lieutenant, standing on the deck of the ship beside Ladorak, relaying his orders out to the rest of the crew.
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Corpulent. Food. Stomach. Those three words came to mind as Ladorak was staring down at the gut that sat behind that table, rubbing up against it in what must have been an uncomfortable position, but how it was even possible was anyone's guess.
The gut was attached to a capybara, an unusual animal, and the largest in the rodent family. This... is Admiral William Hotham? He had thought that Hotham was a marten! Everyone did! But why? Why was Hotham a capybara? He was regarding Ladorak with an indifferent look... or maybe a condescending one, it was hard to tell. Admiral Hyde Parker was present as well, and HE was a marten, so maybe... there was confusion here?
Samuel Hood stood in the center of the room, the room being the Admiral's cabin on the Victory. It was spacious, and Ladorak would love to have a living quarters like this someday. He figured Welkania, Hotham's ship, was probably the same. Portraits abounded, many of them being Hood's former commands. The 98 gun Barfleur was among them, having been Hood's flagship at the Battle of the Chesapeake and the Saintes, captained by Hood's brother, Alexander, at the time. it was still in service, and had been present at the Glorious First of June, earlier this year.
Blue curtains hung on the stern gallery windows, and lush red carpeting filled the room, bristling underneath Ladorak's boots. Oh he SO wanted a cabin like this someday! He had heard that that imp of a weasel, Saumarez, had not only gained himself a Knighthood, but had married one of the most attractive jills in Ferlusan! A Princess to boot! How dare a FRIGATE Captain show him up! Ladorak was not a Knight, nor was he married yet, though he was planning to hopefully rectify the latter by the end of the year. Of course, word was that Saumarez wouldn't be a frigate Captain for long, as talk was that he was slated for command of the 74 gun Orion soon, the very same they had served on at the Glorious First.
Despite the opossum's illness, he still looked regale. Sniffing a little, the marsupial ran a finger under his nose. "I'm afraid... I'm being recalled. Just a bit of the sniffles, mind you, but I'm applying for sick leave. I intend to return... and fight this, whatever it is. They've recalled me with no real explanation just yet, and recommended I take sick leave. I am doing so... against my better judgment."
Ladorak's heart sank. No... this wasn't good. Not with these two likely to succeed him. "Admiral Hotham will be my replacement, as most senior on the list." the opossum nodded over at the capybara, who nodded in return. "I expect you to all show him the same devotion that you have shown me... until I hopefully return."
"So... you're Fugate... are you? Heard a lot about you from the Admiral here." Hotham said, looking over at the stoat with a smile. It was cautious though... as if there was something more to it. "Pleasure to meet you. Hood says you're the best Captain in this fleet." his voice was softer, more reserved.
"I... well... we can all form our own opinions sir, but I thank the Admiral for thinking so highly of me." the heavily molting stoat said, nodding in deference to Hood. His coat was very peppery now, with only a very dull coat of brown barely showing on his backside.
"No need to be modest." Hotham commented, shrugging. "If Hood thinks you're good, it must be so."
"I assure you, he is. I'll be returning in the Victory to Welkin. You'll have to do without this ship until summer, I'm afraid, but it's customary to have the Admiral travel home in his flagship, after all."
Ladorak nodded. "Of course sir. None of us would think of depriving you of that honor. You deserve it after all, given your long career. Besides, I heard that the Neapolitans may be sending us a ship or to two to assist. We can survive until you return to us..." or just your ship returns he didn't finish.
Turning to the capybara, who rose from his seat, his belly scraping against the table as he did so, Hood shook his paw, and repeated the gesture with Parker. Parker looked more like a stiff tree than a marten, as he barely moved a few inches, and stood ramrod straight with a slight bend at the small of his back.
Striding forward to the stoat, the Admiral offered his paw, something that took the mustelid a little by surprise. The Admirals he could understand... but himself? A mere Captain? "This is it. The end of the trail." the opossum said. "It was an honor serving with you, Captain. If I don't see you again, may the wind always be at your back."
Ladorak took the paw slowly, circling around it in almost an affectionate manner, but feeling as if a sense of finality was laced into the motion as well. "Yes, sir. Thank you... for everything you've ever done and showed me. I owe much of my career to your tutelage sir. Just... come back to us soon, alright?" he said in a much lower voice, so as not to risk offending Hotham.
"I will try and do so, Fugate." the Admiral replied, giving a small nod, and pulling away, much to Ladorak's dismay. Coming to attention, he offered a salute, and all three followed with smart salutes of their own, Ladorak giving the best salute he'd ever given anyone, or at least he'd like to think so. "Gentlemammals... you are dismissed." Hood said, and waved his paw.
Ladorak began moving toward the door, but found himself suddenly trailed a little by the capybara. "Fugate... might I have a word with you before you depart?" Hotham asked as they moved through the Admiral's door and out onto the upper gun deck of the Victory.
"Of course sir." Ladorak said quietly, looking ahead of him down the rows of guns, and not immediately in the rodent's direction...
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Post by Carrow on Oct 23, 2011 17:21:35 GMT -5
Selvis merely smiled as Caden praised his abilities, taking it all in his stride. Modesty prevented him from saying much, and besides, he felt such euphoria from finding out his show had gone down so well with his friends that he was struggling to form any kind of words. He looked considerably flustered, but his smile said it all. Even if he found he couldn't speak, he scarcely would have needed to as it turned out. Carrow's ears twitched as he heard the bells, and he smiled too as Caden suggested they go below and see what the mouse could do as regarded helping him get some shuteye. "Of course, I'd love to! And yes, I don't need to be reminded that you need to be up in time for the First Watch," he responded with a chuckle of his own, winking at the pine marten. He'd had to give more difficult commands to his subjects already, and he'd only been doing sessions on a semi-regular basis over the last few months, so it wouldn't be a problem for him. He picked up the package and letter he had received, waiting for Selvis to depart as it seemed the longtail had something more to say. Selvis nodded at Caden, still smiling. "Thanks for your help with everything, mate. I'd be glad to do this again sometime - I've honestly never worked with any volunteer who's been as fascinated by my talents as you were, and it means a lot to me that I can do this for you," he said truthfully, folding up the table and picking up the package addressed to him. "I'll see you two later for First Watch then. Thanks for a magical afternoon," he told them, before going over to his kit and packing up. Once Carrow and Caden had departed, the eager weasel sat down and opened the package addressed to him. He pulled out the letter first - finding out about Carrow's gift could come later. He began reading, finding for once that hen he thought of his parents, he didn't feel homesick but instead felt relieved just to hear from them. Crittenden, September 6th, 1794
Dear Selvis,
We're doing well, thanks very much for asking - your mother feels stronger than she has in a few years, so she tells me. By the time you open this letter you'll probably have figured out the reason for our delay in sending it; we got that note you slipped in about Carrow's present, and since it took us a good six weeks or so to figure out what to get him, this is why our letter has arrived so late.
We're glad you enjoyed your time on the other ship, but we hope that you've managed to sort out the problems you've had with this friend of yours. You seem to be in the habit of making very good friends, and it'd be a terrible shame to lose any of them. You're resourceful, though, so we're sure that you'll work it out somehow. Hopefully, as you said, it's not an issue by this point.
To answer your question - yes, I have managed to find work in a local shop; plenty of interaction with customers is involved, and I quite like that! It's quite a different proposition to all the work I've done with the Merchant Marine, and you never know, maybe I might go back someday. It's not that I miss that life, because I don't, not terribly anyway, not now I can see your mother every day, and write to you as often as I can. What I've lost from pursuing a different career path, I've gained from knowing those I care about the most are safe and well.
Arbia's still with us, yes - she's a permanent resident here now. I don't believe I told you her occupation in my last letter - she'd taken leave from her job as a dentist when she'd started helping us, but since Briga is much more capable of looking after herself at this stage, she merely lives with us now, and works evenings in the clinic she's relocated to. I might in fact get her to write to you sometime, as I'm sure you would like that.
We'd like to apologise for not sending you a birthday gift - early June was a very taxing time for us. I had to work flat out for most of that month, and Briga and Arbia were also very busy, so I'm afraid we just didn't have the time to choose something for you. How about I make it up to you at Christmas? Actually, don't responded to that - that's what I'll do anyway, because I know you deserve it.
I believe dinner's ready, so I have to get going soon, but let me finish with this - remember that no matter how near or how far you may be from us on a map, we're right there with you in spirit wherever you go. Don't worry if you ever feel homesick, because we all know you wouldn't trade your seagoing adventures for anything.
Take care, and we all look forward to your reply.
Trelio Frenata (sent with the regards of Briga Frenata and Arbia Timidus) With the letter read, Selvis shook the package and two small figurines fell out into his waiting paw. He examined them for a moment before the significance of the pair dawned on him - he'd been filling his parents in (on smaller notes like the one he'd included in June) about Carrow's parents, and what the mouse had told him about them. From what he knew, this pair was a pretty accurate likeness of the rodent's parents. His paws trembled a little, both in excitement and nervousness - he was wondering how Carrow would react. No doubt he'd be chuffed with them, but it was getting close to that time of year for the mouse as well. He placed them back into the package and found a place in between the guns in which to curl up and get some rest. Soon he was sound asleep. -- The rest of October was rather uneventful for Carrow and Selvis. It was business as usual for the pair, but as October drew to a close, the mouse began to have a lot on his mind, as he pined for the parents he had never really known. He wasn't sure why, but the loss of Jerris and Serina had more of an impact on him this year, and even though he'd been just fine for most of the rest of the month, as October became November the rodent became more prone to bouts of sadness. They came and went infrequently, but it was now the third of November and the field mouse still wasn't himself. The loss weighed on his mind, and even though he tried to put a brave face on things, he was still hurting. He was on the lower gun deck - he'd wanted some time alone after the previous few hours' duty had finished - scanning the letter that, as it turned out, Pastreus Lepora had sent him. His fellow hypnotist had come good on his promise to write to the rodent. The other letter he had received had been opened too, and it had been from Keinruf Wright, the marten that Carrow hadn't been able to spend very much time with before he'd gone back to Welkin. He'd read it, and had been left slightly confused by it. He didn't want to go back to it until he could get a hold of Willard, as the letter concerned him. There had also been another letter there, inside the one meant for him, but as it had been addressed to Marten Pyne, (another creature he was finding it difficult to get a hold of) he'd left it well enough alone. His stomach twisted briefly into knots as he recalled how Archie and Pastreus were meant to have sent something to him, but this object had been nowhere to be found when he opened the package. Sighing deeply, he knew he'd need to tell her about it sometime. Whenever he could put pen to paper again while in a more upbeat mood, that would be the right time for him to do so. He began reading through the letter again, smiling as he thought of Pastreus. Muggidrear, August 16th, 1794
Dear Cerinus,
I know you may have been expecting Archie to write back to you, but she requested that I do so instead, because you expressed interest in getting to know me in one of your previous letters. In any case, I hope this finds you well, and Archie sends her regards. We have a nice schedule organised for our typical working day - we take turns with every session: I use methods she normally would not, and vice-versa. It's a nice system and it's suiting us well.
Since you were curious about me, however, well, here goes: My name is Pastreus Lepora, and I will be fifteen years old on the 22nd of September. I'm 5' 1", with chocolate brown fur and green eyes - I've always appreciated this contrast because it helps me immensely with using eye contact in inductions. Archie tells me you have a bit of a weakness for eye contact in most situations, so if you're ever back in Muggidrear, I'll treat you to a session if you would like it.
I lived in the midlands with my parents Timrus and Kaloa until I was twelve years old; then, when my parents realised how adept I was at hypnotism (something which does not run in the family), they urged me to go off and start getting work, so I moved down to Muggidrear. As it turned out there wasn't very much work for a creature with my talents, so I went through a number of different jobs, just trying to make some money until something more suited to me opened up.
Archie was the only hypnotist in the city that I knew of, but I didn't approach her. Moreover, she approached me... because she was getting lonely and worn-out from all the work she had to do on her own, and she missed you terribly. I calmed her down and then told her I'd only be too glad to help out with her workload, and that's how I came to be working with her.
It's easier now, but, as I'm sure must be the case with you too, she felt there was something missing after you left. She's better these days - I mean, not that she was depressed or anything, as she loved her job and that was enough to sustain her, but we both knew that she was better off with company.
She's planning on taking a few months' holiday from sometime in October until the end of the year, and I'm sure that by the time you get this she'll be almost, if not fully, set to leave, and I'll be looking after the fort here, so to speak. She doesn't know where she's going yet, but I hope she has a good time. After all the work she's put in this year, she deserves it.
I have to go for now - it's my turn for a session, you see. However, before I go, I would like to point out that you should find enclosed a birthday gift to you. Your birthday is October 2nd, and this letter, judging by what I have been told, should reach you by the middle of October at the absolute latest. I hope you like it.
I await your response. It's a pleasure to write to you and I hope you'll feel likewise.
Yours, Pastreus Lepora.The field mouse smiled, placing the letter back into the package. From there, he went over to where his hammock was usually stowed and sat down to look at the figurines Selvis had given him. They seemed to be very good representations of his deceased parents. He enjoyed studying them, but it was hard these days to hold back the tears when he read the inscriptions on the bottoms of the objects. The one of his father had 'To Carrow - just think how proud they would be of you' on it. His mother's figurine, meanwhile, bore the words, 'Carrow - hope springs eternal'. His smile became a sad one as he placed the figurines back down. Selvis had chosen well. Caden hadn't gotten anything for him, meanwhile, but the truth was that the mouse didn't mind at all. He never expected presents, as such, but really appreciated being given them. Besides, for all he knew, the marten could have had a few things in mind but have been unable to choose between them. He liked to think of it that way, in fact. He didn't see the giving and receiving of presents strictly necessary, but greatly appreciated any effort made for him. Archie had only even been able to give him gifts every two years at the most when they had lived together, after all. He was going to join Caden and Selvis later... but neither of them deserved to see him like this. He didn't like his friends seeing him upset. When he felt better, he'd go up above and see them, but not until then. -- Selvis was indeed up above, and heading towards Caden at that very moment. The weasel was back to his usual cheerful self. All was well at home, the last he'd heard anyway, and he and his companions were doing well also. He knew that Carrow was suffering, but at the same time realised that he'd hardly had time to dwell on the loss of his parents the previous year because of the excitement of the battle. At least to the longtail, all that had seemed to overshadow the anniversary of Carrow's parents. Technically, Serina hadn't died until January 2nd, but Carrow marked Jerris's passing on the same day as hers - truth be told, she had seemed to die inside once she'd lost her mate, and she'd slipped away from the infant mouse over two slow and painful months. No wonder the rodent was out of sorts these days. He decided to concentrate on more cheerful matters for the moment, noting there was no sign of the mouse up here. He wondered where he could be, though in reality it didn't take much guessing. When Carrow was off by himself, it meant he needed some solitude for a while. He found Caden sitting in between two guns, and sat down beside him with a broad smile on his face. He loved days like today, and everything seemed fine aside from his mouse friend's melancholy, so he had no reason to be anything other than enthusiastic about life. "Hi there, mate," he said gently, peering at the book which his fellow mustelid was studying. "Ah, that's what I call being sensible, heheh - taking some time out to study... which reminds me I need to do some of my own later on, but well, we have a few hours' leisure time in any case, so I'll get around to it in due course. How are you," he asked cheerfully, before remembering something. "Oh, and before you ask, no I have not seen Carrow. I'm sure he'll be along soon enough - this time of year is tough on him after all, and maybe he just needs a little time." Selvis absolutely hated seeing his friends upset after all.
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Post by Ladorak on Oct 23, 2011 19:57:06 GMT -5
"Well Fugate, I know that you consider your career to be 'in the making' so to speak, and that I'm rather going to be sandwiched between you, an intensely ambitious stoat of some talent, and my predecessor, Samuel Hood, an excellent officer with an impeccable career who's known for both his outstanding talent and hard hitting nature. Quite a sandwich, as you no doubt can see." the Admiral commented, looking dryly at Ladorak.
Ladorak merely nodded, and let the capybara continue. "Well, know this. You may be held very highly by the Admiral, but you and I have yet to establish a working relationship. Know that while I understand your ambitions... I will not tolerate insubordination, as I will be head of this fleet until the Admiralty sees fit to either replace me or promote me to a more permanent command. Do we understand each other?"
"Of course sir." the stoat, giving him a brief nod.
"We'll work together... as everyone in the fleet should." the rodent insisted. "Now then... as your first set of instructions, your ship has been rather in need of a refit as of late, has it not?" the capybara asked him.
"Admittedly... yes, sir." Ladorak said, knowing that while a fast and fine ship, Agamemnon was old, and had been built of green oak, thus leaving many flaws in her hull that often needed repair. The wood had shrunk after construction, leaving many gaps that had needed caulking and constant maintenance.
"Well then, make for Livorno for repairs... and then... stay there. The rest of the fleet will be joining you early next year or possibly by next month." The stoat's brow furrowed at these orders, and he frowned in contemplation.
"But... what do you mean, sir? The entire fleet is leaving the blockade?" he asked.
"Of course. Winter is approaching, and I see no reason to remain on station, only to be battered by storms. We were fortunate last year in that we had actually occupied Toulon, but times have changed. I'm not going to lie off an enemy coastline to be tossed about by storms, Fugate. There's no need to subject the fleet to that. We'll withdraw to Livorno and winter there."
The furrowed brow did not leave Ladorak's features. "What about Personza? What about the island we worked so hard for this year?"
"And a good job you did too." Hotham patted Ladorak's shoulder, much to the stoat's rising disgust. "But Calvi, San Fiorenzo and Bastia can't possibly accommodate the entire fleet. The Kostritzers are much better equipped to pawdle our fleet, and Livorno will make an excellent winter quarters."
"Sir... withdrawing the entire fleet will leave Personza open to attack!" Ladorak protested. "If we withdraw, the Army will be completely exposed to a counterattack from Toulon. The Rosferians would see our withdrawal as weakness and put to sea immediately!"
"Oh come, Fugate." Hotham said dismissively. "The Rosferians put to sea ONCE this year, and they ran at the first sight of Hood's approach. There was no big battle, there was no nothing in fact. The Rosferians are cowards, they'll run the minute they hear we've put to sea to intercept them."
"Sir... Admiral Pierre Martin is NOT a coward. He turned away from Hood namely because Hood had a numerical advantage and because he had more three deckers than they did. Keep in mind, we're losing the Victory today! The only other 100 gunner in this fleet will be your flagship, sir. If we withdraw, I guarantee you Admiral Martin will seize his chance, and sortie with a troop convoy that will overwhelm our boys on the island if we let them land! You shouldn't underestimate Jal Martin, sir. He fought wisely last year, avoiding battle when he was faced with a superior force."
"Oh please, Fugate." Hotham said, scoffing. "I thought you were the recklessly brave one in this fleet. I'm not underestimating anything, you understand me? If anything, it seems you're overestimating Monsieur Martin. Personza will be exposed, but I tell you now that the Rosferians will NOT put to sea in the winter. They will wait for spring, and by that point, we'll be back on station and preventing them from leaving. Now get back to your ship and take her in for repairs, as per your orders."
Ladorak's face hardened, and he glared directly into the rodent's eyes. "I will follow your orders... sir. But this is Admiral Hood's ship... and only he may dismiss me from it. If you wish to transfer your flag to Victory, you may as well go back in there and let him know that... sir." the stoat acidly hissed, and gave him a very stiff salute.
The capybara frowned, and shook his head, tsking as he did so. "Best you watch your tongue, Captain. I will soon be your superior officer. Admiral Parker feels the same way I do about you... though I was looking forward to forming a positive working relationship with you. You're off to a bad pawing here, I'd say. May you be in a better mood when next we meet."
"Apologies... sir." Ladorak said, though there was little remorse in his voice. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take my ship into Livorno, as per your orders." He threw his paw down to finish the salute, as Hotham had never bothered to return it, and began walking toward the companionway.
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Caden looked up from his book as he noticed Selvis, and nodded, closing it and closing his eyes at the same time. "Oh Selvis... it's just you. I was worried it might be Carrow at first." he said, sighing. He reopened his eyes, looking over at the weasel.
"Me? I'm... doing alright. You're right about Carrow though. This time of year he's not at his best. To be honest, neither am I. At least he had a battle last year... this year we got nothing but blockade. I um... really liked the present you got him. I could tell how much he loved it. It was really... thoughtful of you." he said, exhaling again and looking out at the gun deck.
"I... couldn't get him anything." the marten said. "Now before you panic... no, I'm not jealous or angry with you. He appreciates you as a friend, but you must've grown up differently than I did... I just... am terrible at coming up with presents and surprises for others. I try and try, but always fall flat on my snout. You probably grew up with friends and experience doing so, plus social interactions helped you read others. Me? I didn't grow up a normal life. I... lived in a slum, isolated from the world, because of others that might have killed me. I never had to get anyone presents, because my caretaker didn't care, and I was too young to wander around the city on my own. She always told me to take, and never give. I always have to ask what someone wants for their Birthday... yet everyone always seems to know just what to get me, on the flip side of that." He stated, shaking his head.
"You see... when I saw your gift, it made me realize how terrible I am at reading others. Oh I might be an OK Midshipjack so far, but can I really read my friends? With such a conscientious, caring friend like yourself, what the hell does Carrow see in me? I mean honestly?" He asked, a little angry, though not directing it at Selvis. He was careful not to look at the weasel, and reserved his wrathful look for the deck of the ship. Whenever he got angry, he usually thought of Spender. He usually thought of the day Spender had said those things about his mother... and himself, as he had lain there in the sick berth, unable to do anything about it. It made him honestly want to beat the ferret up one day. He had been dying for the ferret to step out of line, in order to give him an excuse to kick the ever living daylights out of him without fear of retaliation... for Spender would be hanged for striking an officer.
It made him smile in a not very nice manner, and though he tried to push these thoughts from his mind, he couldn't always do so. He tolerated the ferret, and genuinely tried to help him, but on days like this... sometimes old wounds reopened.
"I mean you're able to read him so well, and provide him a lot. What do I give him?" he asked, shaking his head again and looking over at the weasel in a worried fashion now. "I often wonder about that... though I guess there's gotta be SOMETHING he sees in me... right?" he asked, wringing his paws a little as he looked the weasel up and down. "Rest assured though, I don't envy you... just how you're able to read others, I guess." he said, a thin smile beginning to spread across his features.
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Post by Carrow on Oct 24, 2011 11:54:05 GMT -5
Selvis frowned slightly when Caden said that he had been 'worried' Carrow might have wanted to speak to him. "Carrow's your friend, though, right? I'm pretty certain what you're worried about. I don't know if he's said anything to you about you not getting him a present, but if he has, can you tell me honestly if he sounded like he was disappointed with what happened? I don't think he's the kind to expect gifts just like that.
"From what I know of his Dibbunhood, he lived in poverty, and something tells me that when he got anything, and I mean anything at all, for birthdays or Christmas or whatever occasion, he was thrilled with it. He doesn't strike me as the type to hold anything against his friends, particularly not something like what's happened with you, because when it comes down to it, presents are simply nice gestures - the friendship the two of you have is what really counts."
His voice softened as he continued speaking, noting the distress Caden appeared to be in, and wanting to soothe him to any extent. "I'm glad you liked the present I got for him.. truth be told I was really nervous about how he'd receive it, because I had been uncertain about the timing. I was incredibly relieved when he told me he loved it and that it meant a lot to him. I'll be straight with you, though: if I hadn't been inspired like that I most likely would have drawn a blank as well.
"It was an idea that came to me back in June, when I was feeling miserable. I really did hate myself back then, and I wasn't sure what I could possibly do to make myself feel better... so I decided to plan ahead for Carrow's birthday and get some sort of gift for him. It took me a while to think of something - all I promised myself was that I wouldn't say anything about even possibly getting him anything, like we did with your present earlier in the year.
"I wanted to surprise him, but couldn't come up with anything until I realised that he'd really appreciate something that commemorated his parents. He never knew them, but still misses them terribly, as we're seeing at the moment. I wanted to try and make him feel better about their passing. It was just a crazy idea that came to me when I was trying to think of things to cheer myself up, and I felt like I had to run with it. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing I acted on, nothing more."
The longtail shook his head resolutely as Caden continued. "I'll stop you there for a second. All I had growing up were a few friends that I kept close because I was worried about what would happen to me if I lost them. I was never too good at reading them either until I started actively trying to do so, and I got better at it. It's something that comes with experience.
"Another thing you're forgetting is that you've changed rather a lot since Ladorak took you in. Your carer - Helandria, if I'm not mistaken - raised you to be selfish and to take without ever giving in return. You've turned out the exact opposite to that, though - you care for and look out for others now, and you give everything you can for them, and get your dues in return. You only need to ask because you're not used to giving gifts; you say yourself that that was not the way you were raised.
"Now think of how Carrow grew up. He lost his parents too, but Archie took him in, cared for him and raised him properly, just like Ladorak did with you. He had eight years with her; you've only had three or so with Ladorak. All this brings me back to what I was saying earlier. I'm used to doing things like this for others, because that's how I've always tried to be. I've learned from experience and feel you can do so as well - it just takes time. Don't worry about it. You've made progress in the last few years - we all have, and we still have more to do."
He paused now as Caden put himself down and wondered what Carrow saw in him. The wrathful look on his face could be seen by Selvis, even though he was almost certain it wasn't directed at him - he'd gotten in the way and screwed things up for Caden a few times before, but this wasn't what this was about. "You're right. I do both of those things for Carrow, but sometimes I try a little too hard and go overboard. That's when I need to step back. You spoke to me about this on board the Orion, and don't think for a second I've forgotten about it, because I haven't.
"Ever since I've been able, I've always sought to try the absolute best for my friends. But there's an imbalance there too, I'll admit that. Maybe there's less of a one than there was a few months ago, I'll let you be the judge of that... but sometimes I feel like I do too much for Carrow and too little for you, and I don't like that. I need to work on changing that. I want to be as good a friend to you as I can as well, and I haven't been doing that, and yet again I feel like I should apologise. I'm not the best at reading others; experience has taught me that sometimes I don't know how much is enough."
He wasn't mad at either himself or Caden about this, but still wanted to address the issue. "You need to stop doubting your worth like this. So do I, and so does Carrow - we all have moments like this, but it does none of us any favours. I'll tell you what he sees in you: you're a creature he values highly, because he knows you care for him. You're one of the only friends he has, and don't think for a second that he doesn't think highly of you. His friends hold him together, and I know that I'm not enough for him on my own. He needs you just as much as he needs me... as much as I need you, too. Carrow's not enough for me either," he finished, sniffling a little.
He didn't like thinking of how vulnerable he'd shown himself to be this year, but the truth was that those thoughts were inescapable at times like this. Without every single one of the things he needed to keep him together, he felt like half a weasel. He patted his pine marten friend's paw. "Don't worry about the whole present issue - you'll figure something out by the time we get to Florence, I'm sure, and if you want my advice, I'm here to help - whenever you might require assistance, and whatever with. We don't need to argue or even fight - we can just try and work together instead," he told his friend, offering him a smile, desperate to see him cheer up.
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Post by Ladorak on Oct 24, 2011 23:03:49 GMT -5
Caden bit his lower lip, and crossed an arm over his chest, resting his right elbow on it as he raised his right paw up to his mouth, going into a "thoughtful" pose, though one fraught with consternation.
"I uh... suppose I have changed, haven't I, Selvis?" he asked, looking over at him, and finally deciding to stand up. He did so, taking his book in his paws, and looking down at it, drumming his claws upon the cover as he thought things over. "Yes... I have Ladorak to thank for that... but it's as you said... I've been with him for three years... Carrow's had Archie most of his life. It's just different... I've had maybe a year of 'real' domestic life... everything else was just... the slums... hiding... and brief memories of my mother... none of my father." he said, shaking his head. "Eh... he wasn't my father. What's a father anyway?" he asked. "A father's someone who raises you... at least... in my opinion that's what a father is."
He looked down at the weasel. "Still... I don't feel as if I've done something really BIG for him, you know? I mean what have I done to really show my friendship? I guess... maybe I'm getting worried over nothing, and that I don't technically HAVE to do that with him... but I'd feel better if I did. We're like a family on here... and I know we all see each other as such but shoot... never had the chance to live a real home life with Ladorak before going off to sea. I've had to grow up so fast... and I guess I'm still playing catch up in some areas." he said, drawing his lips back tightly.
"I just... I want to be there for him... like you are. And I guess you could be doing more for me... though maybe he sees it as I see our relationship. I just know you're my friend... no further explanation is required... though I do admit... that model WAS rather nice." he said, referring to the Santissima Trinidad model from earlier this year. "I feel like I need to get him something special though... something... that would mean something for a while. Something he could have with him." he motioned to the "star" around his neck. "Something like this in fact." he commented.
He looked down to the deck, slightly to his right, and then up at Selvis. "Uh say... I have to..." he hooked a claw up to the deck above him. "Uh... ahem, relieve myself. Wanna join?" he asked. "We can check out what's going on topside after all... and it's such a nice day, thought we'd walk around outside for a bit. I know we're not TECHNICALLY supposed to hang around the main deck, but two reasons why we can." he said, smiling slightly again.
"One... we're not sailing, so there won't be any crew aloft. And two... I'm a Midshipjack... I can go wherever I like, so if you're with me, you'll be fine." he said, smile growing now.
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Post by Carrow on Oct 25, 2011 17:10:14 GMT -5
Carrow stood up. He'd been sitting down for the past few moments. There was a clear difference between the mouse being depressed and pensive. Around the end of October he almost always became melancholic for a time, but he was no longer sad, as such, at least not to an extent where it was an issue for him. Instead, he'd spent the last few minutes deep in thought. Going over things in his mind often helped him, because when he had a lot to concern himself with it was best to contemplate it for a while and then put it to rest, so to speak.
He'd come out of his reverie by now, and even though the familiar dark circles beneath his brown eyes had resurfaced once again over the last few days, he was no longer losing entire nights of sleep. The old depression he'd lived with had been exacerbated because of his constant exhaustion, and while he was perhaps sleeping about half as much as had become normal for him, this was no longer something he had to carry around with him the whole time.
The rodent reckoned he was able to join his companions, and even managed a small smile, a clear indicator of his readiness to rejoin his friends. He started off towards the stairs to the upper gun deck, realising that in spite of the fact that he had lost his parents before he ever knew how much they meant to him, in the long run he had gained a lot more. He was fond of the life he had made for himself, even if he was still learning to deal with growing up an orphan. Things were balancing out. Every year, it seemed to get a little easier.
--
"You don't need to suppose anything, mate," Selvis responded softly, "you definitely have changed. From what you told me of what you used to be like, well, I can see nothing of that particular pine marten in you anymore. You've come so far in three years that your eleven-year-old self would barely recognise you. You've made great progress. I agree, though - Ladorak's been a better father to you than I think your biological father ever could have been," he said honestly, still smiling. "He's perfect for you."
He nodded vigorously as Caden mentioned that he was maybe getting worried over nothing. "We both know Carrow, and from what I've seen of him, he appreciates even the smallest gesture of friendship. Big things are all well and good, yes, but I've always thought that it's the smaller stuff that matters the most in a friendship, because those small things can add up and become something much greater. I want to do more of these things for you, as well.
"As for you wanting to be there for him, I can understand that. I do my best, but I overstep the line sometimes. He needs the both of us, and we all need each other, so I think this is where I step back and observe. I don't always need to be there for him, not when I know you can be. He likes it when anybeast can support him, and I believe he's safe in the knowledge that you're his friend no matter what. You don't need to show it but it's nice when you do. That's the way I see it at least."
His eyes sparkled a little when Caden suggested getting Carrow something he thought would mean as much to him as the star (given him by Ladorak last year) meant to Caden. "Once again, if you would like my advice on that, I would be glad to help. That star has quite a lot of sentimental value to you, after all, and he would really like something that meant the same to him. I'm sure you can figure out what that is," he said confidently.
The longtail's eyes widened slightly as Caden suggested they go topside and see how things looked. "We can get away with that so long as there's nobeast aloft and we're with you? Well, isn't this convenient! And yes, it's a rather nice day, so I think we should take advantage of that and make the most of it while we can. Days like this are just made for that sort of thing, of course. Shall we head off, then?," he asked. He paused for a moment, ears twitching. "Ah wait... I know those pawsteps!"
He turned and saw Carrow approaching them. The mouse blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck and offering the weasel and pine marten a sheepish smile. "Awh... was hoping to take the two of you by surprise, because I saw you were deep in conversation and wanted to have a bit of fun, but I don't think my pawsteps were soft enough somehow."
He winked at them. "Hello, you two. If I look tired, it's because I am, but it's nothing for either of you to worry about. I might sleep a while later on. But for now: Caden, I'm noticing that the pair of you seem ready to go somewhere, so where are you off to, and can I tag along, please?," he asked eagerly, smiling warmly at the albino mustelid. He was in quite a chipper mood now, his earlier disappointment over Archie's 'disappeared' present having left as soon as it had come upon him; the same with his pensive mood. He'd deal with those later if he could. For the moment, he was just going to enjoy himself.
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