|
Post by Ladorak on Feb 11, 2012 14:05:45 GMT -5
Ladorak listened with reservation, nodding every so often. "I see... but Willard, while I commend your efforts and your wanting to do right... you will encounter poverty and crime in every major city on this continent. It's a fact of life... and it's best to let those that pawdle the law deal with that. As it just so happens in fact... Carrow's assailants have been caught." he informed the weasel, patting him on the shoulder now.
"So you don't have to worry about it. Justice has been pawed out." He paused here though, at the mention of a pistol. "A gun? Well... it's not illegal to carry firearms here... but it IS illegal to have a firearm in your personal possession on the ship. I'm afraid that will have to be collected from you before you board, or you could mail it home... provided you have a home." He stated, remembering what he'd found out a few months ago.
"Carrying a gun is completely against regulations, as is having one in your personal effects. I am sorry about that, as I know it probably means something to you, being your grandfather's and all, but if you want, I could hold on to it for you, and return it whenever we're in port, provided of course it's recollected upon your return to the ship." the ermine suggested. A gun... yes that simply wouldn't do.
"As for sharing your room... I guess that's up to him and what he wants. I'll certainly let him know you offered, upon his return. Also, I'm... not certain about sending someone with him. All the others are playing outside right now... and..."
"Don't sssweat it... Captain ssssir. I'll go alone. It'sss the leassst I can do, after all. I can take care of mysssself. Even my dissslike for the cold won't get in the way, bad though it issss."
"Are you positive, Jal Alleline? I COULD in fact get a certain weasel detective to accompany you, now that I think about it."
"Asss ssstated sssir... it'll be fine. I'll be back in under a half hour... probably." the goanna stated, to which Ladorak nodded. The ermine stood up now, just as Carrow approached the big lizard. Molly was off talking to Archie it seemed, and Ladorak decided to patiently await her return, not wishing to approach the jill at present.
"All square then, Willard?" Ladorak asked, looking down once more at the weasel.
"Oh uh... thanksss." the goanna hissed, caught a little off guard by the small and timid mouse who was offering him his paw. He engulfed it with his massive, meaty hand, and shook it as tenderly as he could. "I'm not entirely accussstomed to it yet, I have to admit. You're part of the crew too, are you? And who might you be?" he asked, releasing the mouse's paw now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hah! Perfect then!" Caden shouted back, barely ducking behind the tree in time as one of Zheep's balls blew up against the tree trunk. Jeez.. that little runt certainly had a lot of force behind his frame. While Caden commended that, he also felt that yes, the teams were a little unfair at the moment, and Elle should probably join them, even if Ocean was getting pummeled by snow in his exposed position.
The snowball Selvis lobbed went off like a firecracker directly in front of Constantine, having just grazed the top of his breastworks. It showered his face with snow, and he spluttered a bit, temporarily blinded with white.
"I'm looking forward to telling you about my travels... and vice versa!" Caden called over to him as he wiped his eyes.
"Yes..." Constantine said, trying to get the blurriness out of his vision. "That would be rather good! While I'm more into the army myself, I'm eager to hear about what you've seen and what actions you fight in, as I myself won't be in combat for a few years yet! You don't know how lucky you are, Caden!"
"Yep! I bet... Selvis!" he exclaimed, noticing the blood. Where had that come from? Rocks? No... probably just the ice being in the snow. It was more icy than usual, as there hadn't been snowfall in about two days, so as the snow melted and then froze again, it formed a more icy substance. "Are you all right?" the marten asked worriedly, trying to stay behind his tree. "Maybe you should get that looked at. I think Jal Kasal is inside, after all." the ruby droplets on the snow worried the marten, and made him think that perhaps the game was getting a bit out of paw.
"We can call a truce, after all."
|
|
|
Post by spender on Feb 13, 2012 12:27:39 GMT -5
Molly nodded. "You're welcome, Jis... can I call you Archie? It's stuffy enough in here... but yes, we'll make sure Caden gets the present. One way or another." She winked. If Caden turned the gift down, she'd simply re-wrap it and pass it off as her own a week or two later. Non-suspicious like.
"I've a favour to ask of you, as well... Tonight is, er... a special night for me and Laddy. At least, I would like it to be a special night. There's a little problem that might creep into our room, however—a little orange problem..."
Tally perked her ears and looked up at Molly. She was orange! But she wasn't a problem, was she?
"—so could you make sure Tally spends the night with Carrow? Laddy and I might retire early, but Tally can stay up late as she likes; or late as Carrow likes. Got that, Tally?"
The mousemaid nodded happily. Sleepover with her favourite brown mouse! A second time today! Oh golly.
Willard sniffled, but tried to be quiet about it. Crying in front of the Captain... that was no good!
"Yes, sir," he said. "All square, sir!"
It was actually rather more circular, but Willard was Willard; he'd shove that peg into a square slot no matter. He was too darn stubborn not to.
"Thank you, sir. Um..." He was about to say more, but held his tongue. The Captain didn't need to know Willard's thoughts about his Completely By Surprise Grandfather and how he felt about the pistol. Just owning the thing made part of him want to crawl in his fur. But he knew he'd need to keep good relations with what was likely his only living relative—especially for Selvis. If there was any way Grandpa Rivera could help in case things went sour with Ferlusan, Willard was going to make sure the longtail knew.
His wandering paws, meanwhile, had unwrapped his gift from Molly. Tucking the book under his arm, he carefully folded the paper away and tucked it into his holey pocket. You never knew when you might need a bit of nice paper. Shuffling the book back into his grasp, he held it under his nose. The swirly gold writing was a fine mist on the red velvet cover.
"What is this, Jis Serra?" he asked.
"Oh, that?" Molly glanced away from her conversation with Archie for a moment. "That's a book." There was a second or three while her ermine-slowed brain caught up with the circumstance of his question. "It's diagrams and things, I don't know—too technical for me. Some teachings on how ships are built..."
Willard's eyes bugged. Not as much as when he wore his glasses, but it was enough.
"I'll pay you back..." he promised, footpaws tapping a quick burst of excitable wardance.
"In time," said Molly.
Willard zheeped and calmed down, sobered by remembering that the striplings had been caught. Tomorrow, he decided, he would ask to see them, to answer his question. Maybe he would still be able to help their families. But for now, he had dodged his own bullet, and wasn't willing to try his luck again so soon. Enough grace had come out of the void to carry him one more day.
"May I retire to my room, Captain Fugate, sir?" he asked timidly.
Zheep didn't know what hit him. You would think he'd get a good idea, what with all the snow flying about, but the impact knocked him more senseless than usual—after chucking off two more balls, something had come sailing out of the dark straight between the eyes, and then he was flying...
... backwards...
... and upside-down...
He landed on his front, nose burying into the snow, having just completed two wonderful backflips due to the force of his enemy's throw combined with the slip of his blanket as Ocean pulled it along. Two fast objects going opposite directions, connecting to a stationary object in the middle...
"Phaw," he said, and swallowed the rest in his mouth. "Brrr."
He shook his head, snow clumping out of his ears, just in time to hear the word "truce" in the distance. He raised a mittened paw and shook it at the sky.
"Never surrender!" he shouted to Ocean and Constantine. "In death is the victory of the just! A true warrior never..." He felt something wet slink up his belly and looked down. Oh dear... all that excitement... It had only been a matter of time after all that juice.
Blushing furiously, the weasel once again attempted to burrow his way out of sight. He couldn't let anyone find out...
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Feb 13, 2012 19:44:20 GMT -5
"You're welcome, of course," Carrow replied softly, finding he didn't need to raise his voice that much to make himself heard, something which the rodent very much approved of - he preferred it when he could could just use his normal voice, as he was known as a soft-spoken mouse. As if something had changed within him, he relaxed visibly upon hearing the goanna's response, noting the size of his hand, and also that the monitor lizard was making an effort to be as gentle with him as possible.
"That's perfectly understandable, of course - it's only happened within the last few moments after all," he remarked, offering Alleline a smile. Now that he'd gotten over the initial shock of being in the lizard's presence, Carrow appeared to be much more easy-going around him. "You'll get used to it soon enough, once you've allowed it to sink in," he said reassuringly. "It seems to me that you carry yourself quite well, and that's a good asset to have! You'll adapt quickly, I'm sure of it."
The rodent nodded when asked if he was part of the crew. "Yes, I am indeed! I've been promoted to Quartermaster's Mate as of tonight, actually - you're the first of my peers to know, as my other friends are currently out playing in the snow. I chose not to, mainly because of certain other things that occurred tonight." The field mouse gestured to his bandage. "Before you ask: yes, I already consider you a friend," he said with a small chuckle. "First impressions are important for me, and I must say that I like you already!," he told Alleline enthusiastically.
"As for who I am: my name's Cerinusss Apodemussss," he said with a mischievous smile, imitating the lizard's hissing and winking at him. It was a wonder he had managed to keep this out of what he'd already said, as the sibilance was very easy to unconsciously mimic. "Delighted to make your acquaintance. Almost no creature calls me Cerinus though, so you can call me Carrow. It's a nickname I picked up, because my full title was a bit much for some when I was at school," he explained, still smiling.
"I've been a part of the crew since we set sail from Welkin in April of last year. I wasn't sure what exactly I was expecting from life at sea, but I couldn't have imagined it turning out like this! It's been quite an enjoyable time of things, and well, it's meant that I've got to do a lot more travelling than I ever would have if I hadn't joined up," he said with a small smile. "More than that, though, I've met a few good companions along the way. It's turned out for the best, even if I was slightly unsure about things when our voyage began."
He took a deep breath, sighing in a contented manner, his tail swaying from side to side behind him as he looked into Alleline's eyes, or rather, did his best to do so. "I've already heard some of your story, Alleline - you've led quite a life, and it sounds like this is going to be a fresh start for you. Some Christmas present you've received! Our Captain is a very friendly stoat - er, ermine, as per this time of year," he corrected himself, "and I think you're going to enjoy serving under him!"
--
"You can CERTAINLY call me Archie!," the longtail responded enthusiastically. "It's what I've been waiting to hear from either you or your mate, for the whole night! I'm never really one to stand on ceremony - 'Jis Mustela' this, and 'Jis Mustela' that." she admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I don't ask that of anybeast; my full title is almost never used, be it in a session with a client, or passing somebeast on the street." She chuckled a little - another first for her tonight. "My apprentice, Pastreus Lepora, only gets away with 'Archia' because I allow him! Very mannerly rabbit, that one. I wonder how he's getting on?," she mused aloud.
She was expecting a letter from her long-eared companion; Pastreus, of course, had been clued in on her cross-continental jaunt from the moment of the idea's inception; he had strategically written in early November to check in with her, knowing she'd more likely than not receive his letter and have time to respond before returning home. Molly was telling her about what she'd try and do with Caden's present, and the weasel nodded. "I'd appreciate that rather a lot, because... the present I got is perfect for him," she said, lowering her voice slightly.
"I saw a set of books on a topic which I know he's interested in, as he enjoys reading about military conflicts and all that, going by what Carrow's told me. As soon as I saw them, I knew he'd have to have them, and that he deserved them. They were a tad more expensive than I would have liked, but they ended up being no trouble for me, which was a relief - I only got them about two days before I left Muggidrear, you see. I'd had my eye on that gift for months, but even with the money I'm earning nowadays, it took quite a while to save up for them," she revealed.
Her fellow mustelid was asking her a favour now, and she was able to infer what the ermine jill meant with no trouble, euphemisms or not. "That's just fine. I'll take her over to see him when you two retire for the night. I am actually quite interested to see how long Carrow will last tonight, because last time he and I were in the same room together, his sleeping pattern was shot, he was a nervous wreck due to his anxiety about leaving me, and I had to use every technique at my disposal to ensure he even closed his eyes, never mind got a decent night's sleep.
"From what he's told me during the year, that's changed a lot, so we'll see," she told Molly with a small smile. She felt better now than she had at any time since her charge had been attacked. Molly had helped with that - she'd made her feel wanted, and Archie always felt some form of contentment when she could be of service. The night hadn't been too bad after all; she still had to smooth things over with Caden, but he was outside and having a good time by the sounds of things, distant though they were. She'd cross that bridge whenever she came to it - likewise, the news she needed to impart to Carrow, though she'd need to get that off her chest before she headed for home.
--
Selvis's nose continued to drip blood as he sat down, feeling slightly dazed by it all. It had happened rather quickly and left the longtail's head in a spin. He nodded haltingly when asked if he was all right, not wanting to do anything that could aggravate his injury; any sudden movements and he could make things worse. This was an odd feeling for him. He hadn't had a nosebleed in a good few years - he was lucky enough that they happened sparingly, but the downside was that he could remember each one.
The ruby droplets stained the snow as Selvis swallowed; he tasted blood in the back of his throat, and the taste made him gag. Spitting it out led to more blood spattering the snow a little ways out in front. "I... yeah. I think so at least. Just feel a little out of it right now... I think that's the shock going to work. I didn't see this coming at all," he said with a small sigh. "Have you got any pawkerchiefs on you? I left mine upstairs in my room, and they're no good there," he said, shaking his head a little, though in a careful fashion.
After a moment, he felt well enough to stand up, though now he was starting to come down from the high that the rapid pace of the game had generated, he dropped faster than he'd ever thought possible, his energy levels plummeting as he beckoned Caden over to him. "Could you... could you lend a paw please, mate?," he asked drowsily, yawning a little. "I may have been full of energy just a short while ago, but..." He trailed off momentarily before picking back up. "... But that's not the case anymore," he said with a tired smile, his nose still dripping red.
Caden then suggested that the longtail get his injury looked at, and this was met with another nod from his fellow mustelid, though Selvis was visibly weary at this point. "Oh... sure. Sure. That's fine by me. We... just need to stop the bleeding first, then Kasal can take a look at it... only a quick one, though, as I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment now," he admitted. The weasel had gained his second wind after the draining experience of the triple whammy he'd received at the start of the night, but at this stage he was completely spent
He needed Caden to keep talking, as the sound of his friend's voice was sure to keep him awake. His albino companion then suggested that they call a truce with Ocean's team, and Selvis gave that idea a thumbs-up, nodding again. He wasn't so tired as to be on the verge of passing out, but he looked more than just a little out of it as he practically sleepwalked out from behind the tree into plain sight. Surprisingly, he wasn't met with a barrage of snowballs. Zheep's efforts had suddenly ceased, and the weasel stripling wondered why.
He stopped there, waiting for Caden to catch up with him and take his paw, as he needed the support. He sounded tired, but put as much energy into his voice as he could muster, hoping Ocean and company would hear. "A truce! A truce! We're calling a truce!," he called, resting against the tree trunk's exposed side, before soon slumping against it, needing all his strength to keep his head up. He had to take a short breather before he could continue. After the night he'd had, it was little wonder Selvis was completely crashing.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Feb 14, 2012 0:01:09 GMT -5
Alleline had to admit, he hadn't really expected nor wanted the mouse's life story straight up on their first meeting. He had to get outside after all, and wanted to get that over and done with, but he politely listened all the same. So it wasn't a life story after all, but more just an explanation of how he joined, when he joined, and his recent promotion. "Well congratulationsss on the recent promotion."
He was mildly annoyed at Carrow's attempt to mimic his hissing, if only because he himself hated the fact that he did it when he spoke. "Look... I'm trying to lossse the hisss myssself." he stated, rolling his eyes, but smiling all the same. "Sssso don't imitate it. It'sss not sssomething I'm particularly proud of." the goanna explained. "Now then... if you'll excussse me... I've got busssinesss to attend to young massster. It wasss nice to meet you, and you are correct; the Captain doesss ssseem like a fine beasssst to ssserve under. Very cautiousss sssort... not sssure if you sssaw the pusssh dagger or not... but he'sss one to never underessstimate." the goanna stated, having gained respect for the Captain the moment he'd approached him.
Turning to depart, the goanna nodded, and was threading his way out of the party as best he could, most clearing the way for him as he moved. Time to get those glasses... and then get a warm bed somewhere!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was then that Ladorak approached his mate and wife. He had waited long enough, or so he figured. "I apologize for butting in." he told the two jills, nodding at Jis Mustela. "But I was getting a little eager." he said, smiling at Molly. "If you have no objections... I think I'd like to see this present of mine now." he gave her a wink, and put his arm about hers, though was not leading her away just yet.
"It seems you've been making plans... I appreciate that." he kissed his wife on the cheek, and looked over in Archie's direction. "Jis Mustela, if you'll excuse us. I hope you have a pleasant night." He gave her a little bow, and turned to his wife.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Caden said, rushing forward to support Selvis. "We need to get you inside and get that looked at. Truce!" Caden called out.
"Selvis... does not look well." Constantine muttered as he came out from behind his field works.
"He all right?" Ocean inquired, noticing that Zheep was trying to burrow into the snow after wetting himself. He smiled, and began to dig the weasel out. "Oh no you don't! No hiding!" he said, and pulled the weasel up out of the snow.
"Come on... let's get you inside... and heck, I'm perfectly fine with reading a book for the rest of the night." Caden stated, beginning to walk back toward the palace. "Oh hey! Tickle Zheep! If he's gone already, then there should be no danger!"
"Oh?" Ocean asked, grinning, as he began to tickle the weasel a tad, though not wanting to go overboard. "I think it's time to get his majesty inside!"
"Yes... fun while it lasted... we'll have to do this tomorrow." Constantine suggested.
I'm definitely up for that!" Caden eagerly agreed. "Let's get warm and just enjoy the rest of the night! Merry Christmas to all!" he exclaimed, helping Selvis up the steps to the back doors of the palace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And much later that night, Willard would have a box with his glasses and most of his money (Alleline had given up after the cold made it next to impossible to go on) delivered to his room with a red bow on it, courtesy of the lizard he'd run into in the streets of Florence earlier that night. It was the first Christmas present Alleline had given anyone in seven years, and he'd asked the servants to at least make it look presentable for the recipient that night.
After eating a hot meal, he WAS in fact put up in a room, much to his relief, and he'd never tasted such opulent luxury in his life, and doubted he ever would again, for that matter!
And with that, the evening wound down. Caden and the striplings headed inside for a quiet time of reading and swapping stories by a roaring fire and a massive window. Ladorak was getting way more than he bargained for with his upcoming Christmas present from Molly, and he didn't even know it yet. It would make for one rather pleased and thoroughly satisfied ermine Captain that night, and one in which he considered repaying in full, someday.
As it was, this would be their last Christmas in Tuscany for the foreseeable future, though none of them suspected that yet. Whirlwind events would soon be overtaking them, but that would not be until 1796. As it stood, much more was yet in store for them going into 1795, and indeed, for the next several years after that.
END
|
|