Featuring: Minowa, Sebastian and Zea (Mister Burke and sailors NPCed by Sebastian)
Date: September 8, 2004
IC Date: June 27, 3930
Summary: The first night aboard the Amarada as it sails from Parnassus to Stygios. Its crew is reaquainted with an old crewmate and is introduced to one of the nobles traveling with them.
Copyrights: Two songs are quoted within this log. The song "The Scolding Wife" is copyright Great Big Sea 2002. The song "Falling Into You" is copyright Kasey Chambers 2001.
Amarada - Coastal Waters - Ocean
The Amarada is kept tidy and clean, her rails and deck well tended and oiled, her sails trim and whole. There seem to be a plethora of additional lines trailing down from her masts, ostensibly to facilitate movement about the ship during storms and rough seas. She sports three masts, two main and one half to provide her with greater speed when the winds will allow for it. high above upon the center forward mast there is a crow's nest. She flies the flag of an independent ship, each such vessel having their own crest or symbol. The flag of the Amarada is a red heart framed by white wings on either side. To show her affiliation with the Buccaneers, she flies upon a field of black. There is a winch and a pair of doors built into the deck to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo. Both the bow and the aft of the ship are raised to provide greater space below deck, a door upon the aft end leading down the hatch to the rooms below.
The first day of smooth sailing has gone by without a hitch, and thanks to Sebastian's encouragement, the sails were full of wind and the ship made excellent time. The sun sets now upon the waters, nearly out of sight, only visible by the bleeding tendrils of color it infuses into the night sky, the clouds along the horizon rich in gold, amber, and amethyst. Dinner was served in the galley below and in the charter room for the officers and the guests on board. The night crew has come up to man the rudder, sails, and wheel, but the day crew are still awake and ready to celebrate their first day out at sea again. Drinks have been served and they hang out in a small grouping on the deck, telling raucous stories and laughing amongst themselves. Sebastian leans against the port railing, watching the sun set quietly with a smile upon his lips. He spent most of the day in his post, up in the crows nest, with a few breaks now and then for meals and recreation. He feels pleasantly worn after a good hard day's worth of work. His head cocks back slightly to listen to the men share tales from their time off.
Not accustomed completely to the constant rocking of the seas, even ones as calm as have been seen today, Zea has spent a good deal of time below deck, claiming to be arranging her things and making sure everything is just right. But now as the sun sets and the night air drifts through the ship, it calls to her with a silent song, beckoning her to come on deck just as the first bright stars are beginning to sparkle in the sky. Her steps are hesitant; a noble's grace is not quite as evident on a ship as it is on solid land, and more than once her wings flare behind her to maintain her balance. She pauses at the top of the stairs, allowing her eyes to adjust to the fading light and the hearty conversation of the crew catches her attention for a moment, but her gaze drifts, settling on the winged sailor who stands apart from them. Slowly she smiles and with even slower steps makes her way towards him. Now that she's changed into far more appropriate attire than that she wore on arrival, she begins to feel a bit more confident.
There is nothing quite like sailing as a crew member. Minowa had almost forgotten; it has been several years since she's sailed and near a decade since she was aboard the Amarada. She has taken a seat in one of the small groups of men, picking a cluster of sailors who were with Demetrius ten years ago and recall her still. The men drink heartily from their ale, and the halfbreed holds a tankard herself though it does little more than rest in her webbed hands. She pauses in watching the men to lift her gaze to the darkening sky, the light from the sun nearly gone. First day at sea, so this will be their first night. For whatever reason, a faint frown creases Minowa's brow before it vanishes again and she turns back in time to hear the end of a rather bawdy tale. "How about you, Min?" one of the sailor's asks. A red-haired mongrel whose locks are beginning to sport streaks of gray. "We been hearin' word of a green-skinned gel all about the map, sellin' her goods and the like. What you been up to, lass?" Minowa leans back, setting her mug down. "Well," she begins, "I've been here and there. Doing this and that." There's a collection of groans and muttering from the men at this unsatisfactory answer, but then the little group grows silent. And then another group of chatting men stops speaking. And then, one by one, the rest. And they are all staring at her, especially the new crewmen: the ones who've never met her before. The sun is down. The sky is dark, and the green-skinned halfbreed is glowing softly from head to toe. With a faint sigh, Minowa lifts her tankard and takes a long gulp. She bloody well hates the first night.
Coming up behind Minowa, Mister Burke leans over and gives her cheek a friendly peck, crowing, "Och, there -there's- the pretty wee glowing lassie I know and love!" His bright blue eyes lift to the rest of the men growling pleasantly, "Och! Whot you be starin' at, eh? Mark my words, laddies, this lassie will save our bacon come breakfast time at Styg'os!" There are a few chuckles and those that know Minowa give a hearty, "Aye, aye, Mister Burke!" Taking up a tankard for himself, the ruddy mongrel First Mate takes a seat amongst his fellow crewmen. On most ships the Captain and the officers keep a steady respectful distance from the crew. Better for the running of the ship, they say, keeping the line of command clean and the respect of the men. But the crew of the Amarada are loyal to her Captain, but they love her First Mate. Somehow Mister Burke does the impossible - is a friend to every man and woman on board and yet holds complete power and respect at the same time. It's quite the feat for a ruddy faced, ginger-haired, portly mongrel man. "Min, it's good to 'ave you on board again, lassie. This old sea-dog for one 'as missed ye." He raises his tankard and calls out, "To Minowa, the damn prettiest glowin' 'ealer 'n' shaper that ever sailed the high seas!" Of course it doesn't hurt that Minowa is the -only- glowing, healer, shaper to sail the high seas. The men lift their tankards, even those that don't know the woman yet and call out, "Minowa!"
Ructions laughter and cheers pause the noblewoman from her destination, especially when she takes notice of the faint glow coming from the strange-looking woman among the crewmember. She squints in their direction, but the oncoming darkness makes identification difficult. It is only when the ginger-haired mongrel approaches her and sends out a cheer that seems to carry over the waters does Zea show any kind of recognition. Her wings, already unfurled to embrace the evening's breezes, bristle slightly though that might be caused by a passing crosswind for her long unbound locks swirl around her features and are left scattered over her wings and shoulders. Shaking her head she turns from the joyful celebration and continues towards where Sebastian watches the sunset. She stops a few steps from him, watching him with mixed emotions; concern mingles with delight as she watches him and ever so gently a few tendrils of breeze tickle at his wings, carrying her scent along with that of the ship and the sea. "Sebastian," she says hesitantly, taking a few more steps to approach him, to look out over the water and get something to hold on to. "You've done a lot today," there is a quick gesture towards the sails. "You're feeling well?"
Turning in surprise at the sound of his name, the familiar ring of her voice, Sebastian's peaceful features crack into a small smile as he pats the railing beside him and nods. "Yeah, sure I'm feeling fine. How about you? Still a little queasy, or are you getting your sea legs yet?" The wind ruffles his hair slightly as he turns to face her. "You might find when you're not feeling so well that being up on deck is better than being below. You body tells you that you're moving, but your eyes say you aren't. Get the brain and the belly all confused. Come up on deck, you can see the water going by ... sets things right again. Fresh air helps too ... and believe me if you're going to be sick, better to do it outside over the rail than in your quarters," he teases lightly.
Minowa lifts her head, glum expression melting at Mister Burke's quick peck on the cheek. Like the rest of the men, Minowa has wholly been won over by the first mate's charm, and cannot help but smile softly at the toast, strange and silly as it may be. "If you're staring now," she says with a wry chuckle, "just wait until I get in the water." The men familiar with the fact that no self-respecting Atlantean (or half-Atlantean) would swim with clothes on chuckle, the one nearest giving Minowa's arm a nudge in more of guy-to-guy manner than anything flirtatious. The others simply look on with mild confusion. Minowa tilts her head up and back to peer at Mister Burke, albeit, upside down. "And you're just saying that to make up for the fact that the last time we were in quiet waters, to sent me sixty paces out and used me for the men's target practice." Never mind that the arrows had their points removed. Never mind that she was laughing right along with them at the game. It's still an easy guilt card to pull. As the groups return to their chatter, the glowing girl forgotten, her own gaze drifts over to the railing, and the two Empyreans that stand there.
"Och, dahlin' would -I- do a nasty thing like that to ye? Nay, I dinnae dare get the slightest scrape upon ye ... yer guiding swims are the very highlight o' the voyage! I dinnae miss them, or risk ye not bein fit fer 'em, for all the silver fish in all the silver seas." A frank appreciation gleams within the First Mate's eyes, but he knows that when it comes to crew, its all strictly business. Course, no one ever got hurt mixing a little pleasure in with their business ... especially if it's all about the looking but not the touching. Sighing softly, Burke makes a space for himself amongst the group, pressing his shoulder against Minowa's glowing green one. "Nay, that be ... that be the Cap'n who did that to ye!" Oh, what a terrible liar!
Zea takes hold of the railing thankfully, especially when the ship pitches slightly beneath her feet. Not enough to bother seasoned crew, but for one such as her, the shift beneath her feet is still something to get used to. "I'm ... I'm getting better," she admits, turning her quick smile out towards the sea where only a faint glow along the western horizon marks where the sun has descended. She watches the curls of the small waves that dance across the surface and slowly her attention is focused skyward where more stars begin to show themselves. Her smile deepens. "You were right," she says after a long moment of silence, "it is beautiful out here, even if it has made me queasy." More laughter draws her attention over her shoulder for a moment, towards the gathered crew members, though she cannot make out everything they say. "Why are you here alone, Sebastian? It sounds as if the crew is having a wonderful evening. A bit rough perhaps, but you warned me of that as well." Zea's smile falters a touch and with a tilt of her head she asks, "Is something troubling you?"
The halfbreed scoots over to allow Burke to squeeze in and tilts her head to rest it lightly on the first-mate's shoulder. Who says, after all, that there was only looking and no touching? Neither of Minowa's two heritages are particularly prudish about relationships. The pair's flirtation was something that had kept the crew guessing on every voyage Minowa joined. Only the pair themselves know what truth lay in the rumors that inevitably spread throughout the crew. Minowa lifts her gaze to stare up at Burke's chin. "Don't you start accusing me of a poor memory. I recall quite well that the Captain was below-deck when that brilliant idea was voiced. I also recall he was none too pleased when he came above deck, and for all your silver fish and silver seas, you, Mister Burke, were laughing fit to burst."
Indeed Sebastian's weight shifts without thought as the ship moves beneath him, completely at ease on either land or sea. His hand reaches out though, cupping Zea's elbow lightly in additional support. Shaking his head at her concern, Sebastian chuckles softly, "Nay, nothing is troubling me. You have to understand that I've been raised as much by Mister Burke," he notes, his chin swinging in that direction just as the First Mate bursts into bright laughter at some joke or other, "as I have by my father. As such I walk on both sides." He gestures up toward the bow of the ship where the dim light of newly lit lanterns makes visible a pair of powerful white wings. "He likes the peace and solitude that can be found aboard a ship, and I find that I come to crave it from time to time. You'll soon realize we're packed in pretty tight, and if you can't find the time to get away to yourself for a little while, well, it can wind you pretty tight as well. So I take some time," his head dipping as he pats the railing lightly, "like now, to just enjoy the sound of the waves against the hull, watch the water go by, and study the skies. Later I'll join the rest of the crew for a drink and stories." A man from the group barks, "Ahoy! Sebastian! Where the devil are ye?" The Empyrean's eyes roll slightly as he murmurs with a smile, "Perhaps now?"
Laughing brightly, the ruddy mongrel grins at the halfbreed and cajoles, "But of -course- I was laughing, lassie. 'Twas funny! Dinnae mean I was the scurvy dog behind all the shennanigans, now does it lads?" A loud chorus of "Aye!"s rings out, along with the clanking of tankards rings out. Chuckling softly, Burke downs his tankard in nary a gulp, passing it over to a mongrel standing by the keg to dispense another tankard full. "Och, lassie, ye wound me t'the 'eart wi' your accusations. Sooch be'avior would be most unsuitable for a First Officer of such a fine ship as this. Nay, lassie, ye must 'ave confused me wi some -other- blue eyed, red 'aired, strapping mongrel of thirty and two years."
Zea had opened her mouth to say something as a smile teased her lips, but whatever she was about to say is overridden by the powerful voice bellowing for Sebastian. Her mouth quickly closes and the hint of a playful smile quickly vanishes. Tentatively her hand lifts from the rail and her fingers lightly settle against his larger hand, not to stop or stall him, bit for nothing more than simple contact, a tactile greeting, a momentary touch. "No doubt they've got some teasing in store for you," she says quietly, forcing some humor into her voice. In the few times she's lingered on the deck this afternoon she's gained her share of good-natured jests (or what she has hoped are good-natured jests) at her own expense and likely it is something Sebastian will experience as well, if he has not already. "Perhaps I should retire for the evening?" It is more a question than a statement, for she is a stranger on the Amarada and she is still not quite sure her place in such a foreign environment. Is she expected to join in with the stories or are refined guests tucked away when the sun falls and the crew has their moments of fun.
Eyeing Zea quietly, Sebastian drops a hand on top of her own and murmurs, "Zea, you're welcome to come over if you like, or not if it discomfits you." And oh is he ever certain the idea of hanging out with half of the crew likely makes Zea -most- uncomfortable. But he's not going to drag her into the fray unwilling or make her feel obligated to do so. This is ground she is going to have to feel out for herself, much as she is slowly learning the layout of the ship and adjusting the shifting deck beneath her feet. He holds for a moment, waiting for her decision, ready to accompany her over if she feels bold enough to meet the challenge.
Minowa ahs, nodding sagely, her smirk almost lost in the glow that surrounds her. "Surely that must have been it. It was the other blue-eyed, red-haired mongrel. That one we lost on the voyage to the unknown islands. The one we, sadly, shall never see again. We can only hope your own fate will be much more pleasant, and that your end involves far less screaming, Mister Burke." She straightens, removing her head from the first mate's shoulders and taking another gulp of her ale.
Laughing loud and long, Burke is unphased by the gruesome end she paints for him, countering, "Aye, that be the truth, if ever it be spoken! Nyah, ye know the way that I plan to go? Surrounded by a bevy of beauties that accident'ly smother me with kisses an' lovin'." His smile grows round and beautific at the very thought. "Aye, that would be the way fer me to go. Fer there tis nothin' more worth dyin fer than love and beauty ..." One of the men barks out sardonically, "Aye, Mister Burke, and just which one would you be confessin' yer love to then?" The red-haired mongrel snorts and counters, "Are you daft, lad? All of 'em, of course!" The men burst into laughter once again, raising their tankards high and clanking them together.
There is a long moment of contemplation from the noblewoman. She looks towards the rambunctious group, some of who are either quite near drunk or already in that state, and then she looks back to Sebastian with an expression so intent, so serious that she might be considering the fate of the world, not just her decision on where to go. She even glances outwards, looking over the sea and listening to the winds, sensing what is coming. Zea's movements, when she finally does make them, come slowly as she half-expects the ship to shift again beneath her feet, but the shift doesn't come. "I'll join, for a short while," she says to Sebastian, looking him directly in the eyes and giving him an assured nod of her head. Nerved steeled, she prepared to dive into the fray. "I didn't come along to hide in my quarters the entire trip," she adds, trying to assure herself more than anything or anyone else.
Sebastian gives Zea a broad reassuring smile, his hand dropping down to link with hers as he turns and calls back, "Aye, I'm coming, I'm coming!" The pair of them cross over the deck toward the grouping, coming in on mid joke it would seem as the crew bursts into laughter, some of them lifting their eyes to Sebastian with smiles upon their faces. Zea, however, gets a somewhat uncertain study and greeting, a few men grunting, "Domina ..." at her arrival, clearly uncertain what is or is not appropriate now that there is a proper lady in their midst. One of the men rises up, dark skinned with black hair and black eyes, perhaps a Varati or perhaps a heavily blooded mongrel. He pushes a tankard into Sebastian's hand and then, after a moment of consideration, shoves one to Zea, his eyes daring her to take it. Glancing up Burke smiles, greeting, "Och, Tian good o' you t' join us. Come laddie, care to grace us wi' a song or two? We need some music, dinnae you think?"
Minowa laughs. "You confess your love to all of them at once, and you're likely to feel a round of slaps instead of kisses," the halfbreed replies, and then she turns more towards the group as a whole. "Come lads, how about a story or a song? I've missed the stories and the songs. They're different on the land, somehow." She puts her tankard on the ground, leaving the mostly-full vessel to rest between her bare feet. "What do you say, then? What should we tell? What should we sing?" It is then that Sebastian and Zea arrive, and Minowa turns to smile up at them both. "We do indeed need some music," she agrees. "Move over, lads. Make room for another two bodies."
This is going to be a lot harder than she thought, even with Sebastian's reassuring smile. She makes a hasty glance around the circle, her gaze not lingering on any one person for too long, especially once the tankard is shoved towards her from the man with the uncertain bloodline. She falters; looking a bit more pale than usual even in the firelight as she quickly contemplates the social niceties of such a situation, if such even exist. She is, however, a guest and a guest accepts an offering of food or drink, even if she doesn't intend to drink it. She takes the offered tankard and looks for an open space to sit. Her gaze, nervous and uncertain, passes over the halfbreed and she starts at the unexpected smile. With lips as unsteady as her legs she attempts a smile in return. At least there's another somewhat familiar face that doesn't seem to want her gone.
Burke sighs wistfully, gazing at Minowa as he murmurs, "Aye, ain't that the sad truth? My cheeks -still- hurt just at the memory of it. After all, ain't I man enough fer all o them? I ask ye, ain't I man enough??" The men roar in laughter, one of them calling out, "Aye, Mister Burke, ye definitely big enough to be -two- men!" Upon Minowa's command the men shift accordingly and Sebastian snorts playfully, muttering, "A song, eh? Well I won't be singing alone. Bandy! Get yer squeeze box y'rascal. And Davi, where is your fiddle, neh? You expecting me to sing by m'self?" The men laugh and a few of them rise up, heading out to fetch instruments and the like. Into Sebastian's hand is pressed a bhodran and laughing he studies the flat drum in one hand and the tankard in the other and mutters, "Well, this dinnae gonna work, less it's a drinkin' song we be starting with?" The men laugh and as one of them offers him a tipper. Sebastian studies the stick and then with a chuckle passes Zea his tankard, warning her playfully, "Don't drink all of it now ..." He takes the tipper and slips his hand behind the drum, testing the head of it with a quick flurry of strokes, the tipper batting back and forth with a practiced flick of his wrist, the drum rising and falling in tone with the pressure of his fingers. The other men return and begin to tune their instruments - a fiddle, a tin flute, the bhodran, and the squeezebox. "What are with starting with?" he asks curiously, to which a number of the men whisper to one another, glancing at Sebastian and then Zea and then whispering to themselves. "Scolding Wife!" a number of them call out in unison, the rest of the crew laughing at the familiar and favored song. rolling his eyes, Sebastian waves them down, muttering, "Aye aye ... fine, you bilge rats, Scolding Wife it is ..." The dark eyed sailor continues to stare at Zea, eyes darting now from the tankard to her face, daring her to take a sip of the heady brew in her hands.
Minowa readjusts herself as everyone shuffles about and instruments appear. She herself doesn't reach for anything, instead choosing to prop her elbow on her knee and then her chin in the palm of her hand. She shakes her head with a faint smile at the song requested, and then her gaze moves along the men gathered, settling on the dark-skinned lad with the dare in his eyes. For the moment she says nothing and does nothing, though her eyes do not stray far from him before returning. Body stays loose, smile says in place, and her toes wriggle against the wood of the deck as the others tune their instruments.
As if she could even attempt to drink one whole tankard, let alone two. She takes Sebastian's tankard and balances one on each knee, knowing how amazingly foolish she must look right now. She does her best to ignore the dark-eyed man and his unspoken dare. She may be polite enough to accept the drink, but unless someone wants to clean the deck in a few minutes, she's not yet prepared to sample the strong stuff. Her cheeks redden considerably as the crew seems to shout out as one for the same song, for she cannot help but notice the glances and whispers right before the call for it. Instead she turns her focus on Sebastian, watching him prepare to sing, though on her gaze is confusion and uncertainly as her fingers constantly play against the sides of the tankards in her hands.
The musicians stand amongst the crowd and once the instruments are passably tuned, they turn their gaze to Sebastian who starts them off with a spritely beat, the accordion droning lightly as he starts to sing ...
Well, I came into a scolding wife a few short years ago.
And ever since I lead a life of misery and woe.
My wife she is a tyrant, she's sure to do me in.
I should sell her to the devil for a glass or two of gin.
And with that the entire assembled crew bursts into the chorus, the rest of the musicians coming in as well. Their voices sing out with lusty enthusiasm, which makes up for their occasional wavering in pitch ...
And if the devil will take her, I'll take him for his pain.
I swear to the Gods I'll hang me'self if I get married again.
And if the devil will take her, I'll thank him for his pain!
Oh I swear to the Gods I'll hang me'self if I get married again!
Minowa taps her foot to the beat as the song begins and then picks up when the chorus rolls around. She sings as well, hand slapping on her knee as she joins in, her gaze still drifting along from face to face. Despite the tapping feet, the rolling boat, and the slapping knee, Minowa's own tankard manages to stay precisely where she placed it. As she sings, her eyes happen to momentarily meet Zea's and glowing lips curl up into a wider smile as she sings. It's not a smirk, or an expression that has anything to do with grinning at an object of harassment. Rather it's another one of those cheerful expressions, as if including Zea in some strange little joke she and the rest of the crew are sharing.
Zea is probably the only one not joining in with the singing; certainly it is no tune she's ever heard at any event she's attended. Her gaze drifts from Sebastian to the tankards balanced on her knee as if keeping them from spilling is what is stopping her from joining in. Out of the corner of her eye she catches the halfbreed's grin, but this time she's unable to return it. Quickly she looks away, back to Sebastian who again receives not a usual smile or jovial glint, but a look of confusion and discomfort. The nobility are well known for being able to take a well-placed word and fashion it into a weapon, that nothing is ever as it seems and as she absorbs the lyrics of the song her expression grows more and more uncomfortable until she's forced to look away. Without thinking she takes a drink from her tankard (or maybe it's Sebastian's, the both look alike) which quickly causes her to nearly choke on the powerful ale.
It's no wonder they ask Sebastian for a song, for he has a fine singing voice - strong, melodious, and on pitch. Better than many can claim. His hand flickers against the drum in his hand as he rocks back and forth with the melody, oblivious to Zea's discomfit, so taken is he with the energy of the sailors and the playful mocking of the song. Burke wraps an arm about Minowa's shoulder, rocking back and forth in time with the song, his feet tapping and hands slapping against his thigh as he sings loudly upon each chorus and swallows a dram of his tankard between each one. Sebastian winks at Minowa as he comes in again after the chorus ...
When I get up at breakfast time, she'll tap me on the head.
When I come home at dinner time I'll find her drunk in bed.
When I come home at supper time with patience I must stop,
Cause she drinks what's in the teapot, and I must drink the slops.
The crew comes in again raucously at that point on the chorus once more, some of the night crew chiming in from their workplaces and then Sebastian comes in again once more ...
Well once I asked my scolding wife if I could go to bed.
She scarce gave me an hour on the pillow to lay me head.
When like a roaring lion she came busting down the door,
She caught me round the middle and threw me naked on the floor!
Sebastian winks at Zea upon the very last line just as the crew bursts into a cheer before chanting out the chorus jovially. Hands clap to keep the beat along with Sebastian's drumming as the song shifts into a reel, several of the sailors jumping up to their feet and linking arms, dancing in circles, tankards swinging in the air, ale splashing like a benediction upon any that happen to be close.
And if the devil will take her, I'll take him for his pain.
I swear to the Gods I'll hang me'self if I get married again.
And if the devil will take her, I'll thank him for his pain!
Oh I swear to the Gods I'll hang me'self if I get married again!
Minowa allows, and perhaps even enjoys the arm slung over her shoulder, and her own hands begin clapping to the rhythm as the energy and the merriment of the crew escalates with each new verse. She closes her eyes to further enjoy the breeze off the ocean and the cheer of the men as she's caught up in the rocking and swaying and singing.
The first splash of ale that hits Zea takes her by surprise and she flinches backwards. The second time, however, she's got her guard up and a sharp burst of wind sends it reeling back towards the man who unknowingly spilled it. With Sebastian's wink she gives a half-hearted smile in return, all the while trying to dodge the men growing more and more drunk as she grows more and more desperate for some gracious way to get herself out of this mess. Finding none that wouldn't get her laughed off the deck she takes another drink from the tankard, perhaps them she might be able to forget the evening completely.
The song comes to a close with a cheerful roar of approval and much clapping. Sebastian takes a small bow, smiling broadly at his fellow crewmates. "Tian! Another! Another!" But the Empyrean waves off the request, croaking in mock feebleness, "What, give a man a break, I haven't had so much as a sip yet, you drunken louts!" He turns and reaches down to relieve Zea of his tankard, his eyes meeting hers for a moment with a touch of apprehension. Her displeasure is clearly etched upon her features and his lips twist in disappointment? Regret? Hard to say for sure. Burke frees Minowa once again to applaud, rising up and peering at her tankard questioningly, "Gettin' another, lassie. Ye need a refill?"
Minowa claps along with the rest of the crew as the song comes to a close, settling herself more comfortably into her seat. At Burke's request, Minowa shakes her head. "Fine here, Mister Burke. You just see to yourself," and then she turns her head back in time to hear Sebastian's polite refusal of an encore. Minowa leans forward and speaks softly enough that what she says next is only heard by a few, instead of the entire gathered group. From the direction of her gaze, the question is intended primarily for Sebastian. "What about your guest?" she asks. "Perhaps the domina would care to grace us with a tune more to her own liking?"
Zea catches Sebastian's glance and quickly looks away, unable to bear an expression that painfully mirrors her own. She takes another sip of her ale, not out of any favor found in the taste, but it helps to distract her. She's lifted the tankard a second time when Minowa's question greets her ears and she freezes with the ale halfway to her lips. "Oh ... oh no, I ..." She's already shaking her head, pushing aside the suggestion. "I don't ... I do not know any songs that would ... I mean, no one would want to hear any songs that I would know." Is the other woman trying to make her more comfortable to seeking a path to embarrass her? Zea's not sure.
Lifting his tankard from her hand, Sebastian straightens back up, for at the very least it means he doesn't have to look directly into Zea's face. He hides his concern behind the ale, taking a deep draught of it, feeling the powerful alcohol burn along the length of this throat, creating a warm center in the pit of his stomach, a soft sigh of relief escaping him at the familiar sensation and sharp flavor of the ale. Never be it said that the Amarada carries second rate ale on board. Mister Burke wouldn't stand for it ... he wants the best in his tankard, yet another reason likely that the crew loves him so. Flattery, and fine liquor, will get you anywhere. The crew, more inebriated now and thus less judgmental toward the fine lady give an assortment of encouragement, calling out, "Sing a song, Domina! C'mon, we don' bite! Least not hard!" There is laughter and a low din of conversation, and instruments being re-tuned or lightly playing a melody in the lull.
Minowa clasps her hands lightly in her lap, one cupped over the other. "Why wouldn't we want to hear any songs you know?" Minowa asks in that same low voice, even as others in the crowd begin to shout for her to sing. "Would it be too much to ask if, for only tonight, you attempt to look at us not as some force of 'other', but just as people? Rather drunken people for the most part, aye. A little loud, a little crude. But we have feelings, we have wants and hopes. If you know a tune that moved you, that made you want or made you smile, share it. We're a better audience then you may think."
Zea sets the tankard down on the deck, likely as not it won't be upright when she next reaches for it, but for now that isn't her greatest concern. She gets to her feet, slowly, and looks again over the Sebastian who has his face buried in his ale and then to the halfbreed urging her to sing. "It isn't that," she says quickly in response, trying not to sound pained. "I just don't know any songs like ... well, like the one that was just sung. I don't know a lot of songs that make you want to get up and dance, but if you really want me to sing..." She waves off the accompaniment; likely they would be unfamiliar with the song as well and clears her throat as she nervously looks around at all the expectant faces. Taking in a deep breath, she begins a soft and tender song that carries easily across the deck by a voice obviously trained for such talents.
I've been crushed like paper
I've been washed like rain
I've been scared of sleeping
In case I wake up the same
I've been broken and battered
I've been lost in my home
I've been crying a river
I've been cold as a stoneBut falling into you
It carries me far enough away
And everything you do
It lightens up my darker side of day
I just hope that the wind
Doesn't blow you awayI've been left unattended
I've been thrown like a ball
I've been rolled with the punches
I didn't feel a thing at all
I've been crossed by the liars
I've been blinded by the light
I've been burned by the fire
I've been kept out of sightBut falling into you
It carries me far enough away
And everything you do
It lightens up my darker side of day
I just hope that the wind
Doesn't blow you away
The rowdy group quiets down as Zea's voice lifts into the air, a soft as a dove's song, and as sweet as a siren's call. Despite the fact that she waves off the musicians, they join in slowly, crafting a melody about her songline, likely not the original tune, but gently weaving lines of harmony that blend and meld with the tune she presents them, supporting it like gentle breezes. For loud and raucous sailors, they sit quietly, entranced at the skill and beauty of her voice, and though the words miss as often as they hit, the sadness, the bitter sweetness come across clearly, understood by each in their own way. When she finishes the musicians let their lines of song fall away gently, dissipating like the mist and for a moment there is only the soft sound of the sea and the gentle creaking of the ship.
Minowa listens in companionable silence, her eyes closing for this song as well, though simply to better hear and enjoy its somber melody. It meets the murmur of the waves lapping against the boat and the longing sighs of the sailors as they let the melody call forth their own sweet aches. When the song ends, and the silence stretches, it is Minowa who first opens her eyes and then brings her hands together, softly at first, then louder, in applause for a song well sung.
The sailors applaud the strange song, though the mood amongst them is a little more confused and scattered now, some of them slapping shoulders and conjuring up laughter as if to chase away the sad ghosts that sat amongst them for a while there, uninvited though not entirely unwelcome. Sebastian holds his tankard in his two hands, a gentle smile curling his lips as his gaze drops to Zea. "Very lovely - you sing as sweet as a siren, Zea," and to that comment many of the sailors lift their tankards and a low chorus of "aye's" ring out somberly.
Zea drops her head in appreciation and meets Sebastian's praise with a small and struggling smile, though she cannot help but notice the drastic change in mood of those around her. She gives a second nod to the halfbreed, a silent thanks for the applause, but the smile shakes a bit as she looks over the rest of the group. "I suppose I should learn something more appropriate," she says to no one in particular as she suddenly looks uncomfortable and out of place.
Minowa says, as she rises with a stretch. "Well, you're stuck with us now. I'm sure we'll share more songs with you before this trip is done. I'm off for some sleep myself. A good night to everyone," she calls a bit more loudly, and then begins to pick her way through the seated group to reach the stairs below decks. Her tankard remains on the groud, resting exactly where it was. A little too perfectly, and in fact, if anyone looks closely at the wooden mug, they will notice that the bottom of it has melded with the wood of the deck. Bloody shapers.
The men rise up from their seats and stretch, the sky stretching out dark and star-dotted above them. "Nay, lassie," Burke reassures lightly, "Tis time we called it a night, fer there is hard work ahead come daybreak." Each man nods and murmurs much the same, packing it in for the night by finishing whatever was left in their tankard, collecting themselves and their things, or packing up their instruments. Within a few moments the group breaks apart into small clumps, some of them wandering over the ship, not ready yet for sleep, others heading down for the night.
