inbox.

[staysail]

Comments

[hassaran]

Of course not. But perhaps you're finished, for the moment? Or in need of supplies?

[staysail]

As long as I'm not being encouraged down a wayward path. I've got to watch out for that, y'know.

Aye, I'd say we could do with supplies. We'd make it, but if there's a chance to stop in a friendly port, it ought to be taken--and the crew could do with a night. I'd be doing it for them.

[hassaran]

A captain must look after his men.

[ But. An awkward pause. ]

Friendly may be a stretch. Do you have Riftwatch colors you could put up? I never put the Fancy on their list but I can't swear no one else did.

[staysail]

Really?

[hassaran]

Which part are you finding difficult to believe?

[staysail]

S'ppose it's the part where you didn't think of that detail until just this moment.

[hassaran]

[ That does seem like a thing that she would have thought of sooner, doesn't it? Unfortunately her foresight is limited by her player's. ]

I was attempting to be spontaneous. You see now why I don't.

[staysail]

[no shade very enjoyable oversight by both cee and darras

To wit--]

I love it. I love you, come to think of it. And you're in luck, 'cos I do happen to have Riftwatch colors that I can fly. Your spontaneity won't be wasted.

[hassaran]

Come to think of it. [ She repeats as if offended, despite the obvious smile in her voice. ]

Good. Let me know when you arrive. We can meet at the Harp & Harpoon, it's a tavern on Sail Street a few blocks north of the harbor.

[staysail]

And is that where we'll be staying as well, or do we have accommodations elsewhere? While I'm, y'know. Thinking of it.

[hassaran]

No, we have accommodations elsewhere.

[staysail]

Surprise accommodations, or is the guess I've got in my head going t' be correct?

[hassaran]

I would guess your guess is correct. That's a bit of a surprise, isn't it?

[staysail]

It is. And I'll not ask anything more about it, or else I might ruin the rest of the surprise.

[hassaran]

Good.

[ In the meantime, ]

Does your crew know about me, now?

[staysail]

They know enough. I couldn't find a way to tell them I was named vice-admiral of Riftwatch, and, as vice-admiral, was going t'be signing us up to work with Riftwatch, and living in the Gallows without also mentioning you.

[The background noise has changed throughout that response, from exterior (open air, voices in the distance, the sift of the ocean against the ship and the snapping of the sails) to interior, further limited by the sound of the cabin door closing.]

D'you hate that?

[hassaran]

A little, [ she admits, but she sounds more like she's rolling her eyes at herself than anything. ] I assumed you might have to tell them something to explain it.

[ Her background noise is minimal, the occasional voice or clop of hooves loud enough to sneak, muffled, through a window. ]

Now they might understand you turning down other women in port. I don't hate that.

[staysail]

Oh, now, I always got out of that easily enough. After a certain hour of the night, no one's paying any mind to anyone but themselves and whatever they've found as their amusement. And that's the perfect time to leave the tavern.

Though I admit, this way's a bit more straightforward. Involves less walking through alleyways.

[hassaran]

Mmm. [ The tone of this sound in the back of her throat hasn't forgotten that for a number of years he did not always get out of that, but is willing to otherwise let it go. ]

Cleaner boots. How far out are you? Should I make plans for dinner?

[staysail]

[babe pls that was so eight years ago]

We'll make Hercinia before nightfall if the wind holds. Too late for dinner?

[hassaran]

[ eight, five (four?), what are numbers anyway ]

Not at all. Would you rather eat in or out? How badly do you need a bath?

[staysail]

Well, now, would we be eating at the surprise location that'll be revealed to me once I'm ashore? 'Cos if so, I'd have to say in. As for baths, I could stand one, but I'm not horrible. Yet.

[hassaran]

Alright. In then, at the surprise location that remains a complete and total mystery.

There are a few places nearby I like. I can put in an order on my way to meet you so we don't have to suffer my cooking. Are you in the mood for anything in specific?

[staysail]

[He sighs, wistfully.]

Not fish. Squid or shellfish, something of that sort, that'd be fine, but no fish. Nothing dried. Hot food, lots of flavor and spices--not the sort that covers up how there's no taste to what's underneath, but proper spice, all the way through--do they have that in Herencia?

[hassaran]

[ She laughs a little, surprised by such a detailed answer. She'd half expected him to say he didn't care. ]

Yes, we can do that. It sounds good on such a dreary evening, though I am fond of the fish.

I need to run a few errands before you arrive. I'll see you in an hour or two?