Featuring: Dussadhyan, Nix, Sebastian, Valens, and Zea
NPCs: Burke and Caerlyn
Date: April 10, 2005
IC Date: July 22, 3931
Summary: The Captain of the Defiant comes aboard the Amarada to discuss what caused the confusion and to renew old pacts that her father and Captain Demetrius had held when both were alive.

Amarada - Open Ocean

She might be a small cargo ship, but she's clearly built for speed and maneuverability - a ship able to sail the high seas but also able to move along smaller inlets and waterways if need be. Sleek lines and a proud cutting prow mark this elegant ship, which is obviously well kept and tended to meticulously. 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 mast 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. What marks her most to the layman's eye is the unusual figure upon her bow. Unlike the common maiden or mermaid, the Amarada bears upon her breast an Empyrean woman, her white wings unfurled and extending back along each side of the bow. Her face is a vision of beauty, exquisitely carved with long blonde tresses streaming back from her features as if blown by the sea winds. She smiles, serene and confident ... and there is something about her that is strangely familiar to certain eyes that rest upon her visage.

Night clouds glow, limned by the light of the full moon, sailors now sleeping off the great not-quite battle of the previous day, but for the watch. Hyan wanders up from the depths of the deck, apparently unable to sleep, despite the gently lull of the sea. He goes to the rail and looks outward, commiserating with the chill breeze drifting off the waves.

Dussadhyan shivers slightly, a spare coat over his form, a faint limp to his step. Perhaps it is the artful slashes in the legs of his pants that cause the problem.

Valens is in a relatively empty part of the ship, a few onlookers of the current shift at a safe distance, as he works his swordsmanship, with a certain reliability in his timing on the Amarada - at night when few sailors can get in his way in the relatively larger of the two ships. Wielding two swords at once, he's a gleaming frenzy of black steel and sweat, perhaps acting out what would've been in the rather anticlimactic battle. Silent, calculating, and forceful are his movements, except for the singing of his blades slashing through the air.

The night has been on fraught with a variety of emotions that the Empyrean woman is having some difficulty working through. A mixture of excitement, resentment, jealously, exhilaration, anger and confusion have all plagued Zea's mind at different times of the night and the constant warring in her mind keeps the woman up, as does the excess adrenaline that still flows in her. Having retreated below to speak with Lexa for a while, she emerges back on deck with her cloak tugged around her for warmth. She's unbound her hair and seems content to let the wind have its way with it, though under the moonlight the normally golden strands seem to almost glow silver.

Many of the Amarada's crew have gone down below to sleep and rest. Others remain up on deck, watching The Defiant with a wary eye. The mood in the air is mixed. Many are confused, others are unphased by the chaos, and a few are angry or frustrated. Sebastian, after making sure that his crew was all taken care of, has been waiting up on deck and watching, his face introspective and thoughtful as he stares at The Defiant. Mister Burke stands at his side, his features quizzical but calm. "Och, laddie, so ye made a mistake. It 'appens... and t'be fair most in the case would -not- 'ave been mistaken. Afta all, she -is- a piratin' vessel. Good mannered, t'be sure, but still a piratin' vessel she be. Now, we 'as a pact with 'er, or at least we 'ad one wi er father... and I be sure that she dinnae be thinkin' to betray it. Why, she could 'ave been me own flesh and blood, that she could 'ave. And she -know- that I be servin the Amarada. So tell me, laddie, do it make a crab's leg worth of sense that she be breakin' the Code? It's -Caerlyn- we be talkin of ere!" But to his First Mate the Captain says nothing. He simply stands and stares, arms folded. Waiting.

Upon a glance all about the ship, Hyan notes the violent activity of swinging swords even he notes that Zea has proved to be equally unable to sleep. He smiles suddenly, not fully though, and reaches a hand up to a scratched chin. He waits and ponders, musing in whisper, "A full moon. Lessons in literature from Zea. Lessons in knife work from Valens." A passing sailor on watch grants him a look of puzzlement upon hearing a snatch of words. He nods to himself and drifts ponderously over the deck, not quite silently, giving a wave of acknowledgement to Mr. Burke and his captain. He is obviously unconcerned about mistakes, having also glanced over at the Defiant and shrugging slightly, fatalistically. He stops, well out of swords' reach and makes a rasping noise in the back of his throat. Thus introducing his presence he says laconically, "Perhaps it is well my knife work remains on an amateur level." One can read nothing, nothing in his face or voice other than mere statement of fact.

Over on the Defiant, the Captain has come up on deck and also now stares across the gap between the two ships, though her expression is far more fair, if you can call it that, than Sebastian's. Her lips are curved in a wry smile and espying Sebastian she cocks her head and then folds her arms over her chest, mimicking his pose for a minute. Mocking him, most likely to anyone looking. After a moment she smiles and unfolds her arms, hands lifting to cup either side of her mouth as she calls out, "Ahoy! Amarada! May I come aboard and parlay with you, Captain Xaverius? We have ale to offer for your trouble and for troubling you!" Hands settle back on her hips as she gives the Empyrean a saucy look. She seems to be the sort of girl who lives for trouble - both being it and being in it.

Valens doesn't seem to notice anyone, caught in his own little world as his practice draws to a close. He lets out a loud growl, driving his sword deep into what is probably an imaginary opponent's neck. A few offer applause while others are already distracted by the shouting of the red-headed Captain of the Defiant. Wiping some beads of sweat off his brow, he sheathes his swords without any fanfare, abruptly ending what many late night sailors have considered to be a sort of visual 'entertainment.' Walking towards Dussadhyan, he gives a terse nod, not hostile, but with a martial and professional quality to it. "'Evening Imphadi. Do refrain from interrupting me next time when I'm playing with my swords - I might imagine you to be a surprise opponent."

The sound of Valens' practice draws Zea's attention like a startled rabbit; it was not a sound she was expecting. She glances upwards, though the sails and past the masts where light from the full moon filters down to the deck. There she stands silently for a moment or two, her lips moving in a quiet prayer, "Guardian of the night sky, gentle light in the darkness, watch over us." The reason for the prayer seems unknown, for now there appears to be no danger. There is only an Empyrean far from home who finds some comfort in a familiar deity in the skies. That gaze drops, however, when the mongrel captain's voice calls out over the ocean. Her pale eyes watch the female captain for a long moment with out moving, studying her with a severe glare. She walks over towards where Sebastian and Mister Burke stand, eyes ever on the Defiant. Whatever calm and peacefulness that overcame her with her prayer to an Empyrean goddess seems to have disappeared.

Sebastian's gaze lifts to the Captain of the Defiant, his expression disgruntled at first. But when she calls out to him and then gives him a saucy look, his features relax, a wry and youthful smile touching upon his lips as he shakes his head and calls back, "You -are- trouble Caerlyn! But you're welcome to come aboard anyway!" He turns, noticing that Zea has joined them as well as catching the dark expression on her features. Even Mister Burke seems to think better of saying anything more than, "Evenin' Mistress Zea." Gesturing to one of the sailors, Sebastian instructs for a boarding plank to be dropped between the two ships and crossing down to the main center deck awaits his incoming guest.

Nix is playing crow, perched in the 'nest above the crowding deck. The girl's visible by profile alone, shoulder propped against the centered mast, and her hair snarling in the wind. Less visible, a small, furry body is perched on her shoulder, the young cat's claws digging into Nix's tunic to keep herself in place, and her gold eyes seconding Nix's brown, focused on the crewmembers below. "Bring the nobles onboard, and along comes th' Gods forsaken drama..." Words that drift on the wind.

Dussadhyan bows slightly, hands behind back, unhostile on his own behalf and says, "But this could have been directed to any beside me, and note," he adds in the same laconic tone, indicating his neighboring crewmates with a wave of one hand to each side. "I did not interrupt you in any real sense of the word. I would have been unwise to do so, and chose to refrain from entering your circle of practice." Argumentative, perhaps, or simply finding another Empyrean to split verbs with? He smiles slightly. "Do you think I should refrain as well from knife work? Perhaps a club would suit me better? I would obviously be quite talented with a battering ram." He tilts his head quizzically at Valens now, brows raised politely, waiting for Valens' professional opinion. He turns a moment to view incoming, and faces the large Empyrean again without an apparent qualm. Nix is not quite near enough for her words to waft to Hyan, but a nearer sailor makes a sign of assent and waits for the fireworks to begin.

Making her way across the plank, Captain Caerlyn Neath is followed by two burly sailor carrying two barrels of ale over with them. The barrels are placed down on the deck as Caerlyn stands before Sebastian, this time a genuine smile on her face. Reaching up she touches his cheek, murmuring, "Tian ... damn it's good to see you again. Sorry to hear about your father." Her arms slip about his neck and she hugs the Empyrean Captain, though the gesture this time is far more friendly than flirtatious.

Valens raises a brow at the Varati's words and replies, "Well, is that what you prefer?" There's no hint of anger or even sarcasm, just a simple, mind numbingly dumb and perhaps a little confused response. He's still sort of in his own world as he stifles a yawn, reaching for an earthenware mug with some steaming tea under the lid. "I still think a sword would be more fitting for someone of your size, but if you insist, a knife will work..." Taking a sip of his tea, he looks about his surroundings before he continues to Dussadhyan, "You didn't really interrupt me, no, but I do ask for near silence when I practice. Just something to keep in mind the next time we meet under similar circumstances."

Zea gives Mister Burke a nod to return his greeting, and even manages to work out a smile through her stormy stare, but he is not the red-haired mongrel she is quite so concerned with at the moment. The familiarity between the two captains is not lost, and while she does her best to restrain her emotions and keep her pale face smooth and unbothered, the slight bristling in her wings betrays her. For a moment or two there is a flash of longing in her eyes before it disappears and she simply watches the red-haired woman warily. Apologies over Demetrius' death can certainly be forgiven and are somewhat expected, from what he overheard Mister Burke saying.

Sebastian stiffens at first when the curly red-head embraces him, but after a moment his frame softens and he returns her hug, though he does keep it brief. Drawing back he gives her a smile, though his expression is still puzzled, gaze shifting from her to her ship and back again. "And what of your father?" he asks in return, guessing the answer but wondering of the details of when and why. "And what the hell is going on? You were looking for us, following us, that much is certain, but we're still under the pact, right? Or have the recent changes within the Triumvirate changed all of that?" he asks warily. As the two Captains speak, Burke holds back a few steps, letting the pair become reacquainted before bringing himself into the conversation. His bright blue eyes turn from mongrel and Empyrean to the Empyrean woman at his side, noting her flickering expression and leaning slightly in toward her. "Och, lassie," he murmurs low, "Dinnae ye concern ye'self wi young Caerlyn 'ere. She's a chit of a girl and she and Tian 'ave been practically brother and sister since 'e first took to the sea. Children o Captain's ave a bond."

Dussadhyan nods in agreement at Valens' plea for silence the next time Hyan thinks to intrude. "Heard and understood, Dominus." He pauses again, hands behind back. "As a vaisya, I did not handle any but knives or staves or some other weapon of that nature. Kshatri are the swordsmen, so I did not think of it as an addition to my arsenal. By your leave. Do you indeed think it wise for me to learn the sword?" He ignores any other potential altercations or conversations should they become audible.

"If you want to fight offensively, you'd be better off with a sword. Someone of your size is too easy of a target with just a knife. Even I wouldn't work with a knife except as a last resort," Valens replies, his mind seemingly clearing from the feral turbidity as wisps of hot vapor from his tea disappear into the chilly night air. He turns his form a little, still at Dussadhyan's side, but now at a position to observe the mini-drama between the Captains, Mister Burke, and Zea a little better than just from the corner of his eye.

Her face grows a little more sober, but only a little as she notes brusquely, "He's dead. Like your own. Murdered too, like yer own. Took your side of the matter he did. Naturally. One of the few pirates left it seems that's still true to the Code. A man of honor he was ... but then ye knew that." She takes a deep breath, looking out to sea for a moment, making the glance as casual as possible though anyone close might see how often and rapidly she blinks before bringing her gaze back to Sebastian. "Some of the other pirates didn't take to that ... so they took him on." She shrugs as she leaves off, murmuring, "Ye can guess the rest." She slaps his arm lightly and chides him, noting, "And of course we're still bound by the pact. Am I not my father's daughter? I missed ye in Raven's Cove. Was gonna drop by and say hello, but ye left before I got the chance. So I just figured we come follow you up and see if there was any loaded scuppers along the way." Her shoulders lift and fall in a shrug as she adds, "And if not? Well, yer not the only ones that have trade agreements with the Aesir, y'know."

Zea shifts her gaze from Caerlyn to Mister Burke and her gaze softens a touch. The older mongrel seems to have that effect on her for some reason. But she's not entirely calmed by his reassurances, as she leans over and murmurs a response to him. "Well, I have two brother Mister Burke, two brother who, until short while ago I was extremely close to, and I've never kissed them the way she kissed him, so forgive me if I was a bit put off by her rather forward greeting." She works hard to keep the resentment out of her voice, for while Mister Burke is trying to calm her fears, he is still an officer on the ship. She sighs softly and leans in again to the ginger-haired man and asks, "Or is this just another custom of the seas?"

"I dinnae say they -were- brother and sister," Burke corrects softly with a laugh. "Just that they grew up -like- brother and sister ... as much as one can when you live on different ships that meet up infrequently at sea. And Caerlyn? Well if I dinnae know er father to be er father and never bedded er mother, I'd think she was my own child. She was made fer trouble, that she was, and she likes her waters rough and wild. She be playin' with Sebastian, maybe hopin' is feelins fer 'ave changed, but mostly she just like messin' wi 'is 'ead. S'fun!"

As Caerlyn tells Sebastian her story his face grows hard and regretful, on hand coming to rest upon her shoulder. "It means a lot ... knowing that he stood up for what he knew was right to the end. I regret it meant his life though." He manages to crack a smile for her though, knowing that she doesn't like to dwell on pain for long. Caerlyn's always been more about being straightforward and strong. "Glad to see you're carrying on in his name, that the crew stands with you. Damn, but you gave us a fright. Totally thought you were some pirates coming to attack us on our way out of Raven's Cove. Why the hell didn't you send a bird or some sort of word?"

Dussadhyan murmurs, "A new path, perhaps? God is wise. Should I deny this? Or accept what is cast my way." The latter sentence is more statement than question. "Very well, Dominus. If you would suggest such a thing then perhaps it would be wise. You are the warrior, and I..." He shrugs. "Am a tailor. Once...a merchant." He doesn't elaborate, but most of the sailors in the vicinity are not surprised. Some of them heard the bargaining in Raven's Cove between their Varati cargomaster and the suppliers (one would use the term very loosely in fact). Those supplies were untainted, such as they were.

Valens takes another sip of his tea as he tilts his head and looks at Dussadhyan again, "I should have a spare sword somewhere that I could let you borrow until we get to port. Not exactly a Varati sword, but its form and balance is similar to one. I swear I'm some sort of walking armory..." He replies with a slight chuckle, "And you've never wielded a sword before in your life?" He asks. His attentions tilt slowly back towards the Captain of the Defiant, and the tension that stands between the captains, Zea, and Mister Burke stuck in the middle. "Glad I'm not in the middle of *that* mess..." He mutters to himself.

"Well she certainly knows how to find trouble," Zea murmurs back to Mister Burke, eyes again flickering back to the red-haired woman. Granted, Caerlyn couldn't have known anything about her and something logical in Zea's mind is telling her that, but her heart and her head do not always work in tandem. But if the woman did know, would she care? Zea gives her head a little shake as if to clear it and stands up straighter while pulling her misbehaving wings in against her.

Smiling at Sebastian, her gaze meeting his evenly as she is nearly as tall as he is, she chuckles and shrugs. "He wouldn't have had it any other way, ad ye know that. And the crew was loyal to them and so theys loyal to me. Besides," she gibes, ribbing him sharply, "they know I love gold and gems just as much as the next woman, so I'll keep 'em good and happy with as much money in their pockets as they can manage to spend!" She crooks her head, turning to notice the attention that they are gaining and winking at Valens before adding, "And send a bird? Send word? What fun is there in that? I was planning to take you on, scare the bezezus out of you and then go, "Surprise!" But the jokes on me it seems, even if it wasn't a joke on you." She leans forward and gives him a buss on the cheek before noticing Burke standing just beyond. She nearly shoves Sebastian out of the way calling out, "As I live and breathe, it's Mister Burke! What the hell are ye doing working for a wet-behind the ears boy like Tian when ye could be running yer -own- ship?!" Her eyes rest upon Zea for a moment, one brow arching appraisingly as she looks the Empyrean woman slowly up and down. It's the sort of look that one tends to get more from men than other women. She then turns to Sebastian, winks, and gives him a thumbs up.

Dussadhyan sends the gaze of his single eye their way and shrugs again before answering Valens' first question. "No, I have not ever used a sword. There are times I wish very much I had, but one is ruled by the rules of one's caste, not, perhaps by logic or necessity...and the past is past, unchangeable. I have found myself on the verge of becoming...an atypical Varati." He rumbles a rasping chuckle as he overhears snatches of the conversation between nobles and noble pirates, leaning slightly in Valens' direction and dropping his voice. "And I very much agree to your latter comment, though I think we may not see the renewal of battle this night. I might be wrong." He seems rather skeptical about the entire thing.

Valens shrugs quietly, "Naw, I don't think there's going to be any particular fight or whatnot happening as of late. Anyway, I'd rather not have any blood shed in the near future. It's one thing to know how to fight, and it's another to desire seeing blood being spilled..." He gives a grin and a nod back to Caerlyn, ever the charming soldier, before he goes back to enjoying his tea. He's a simple man with simple dreams. Just because he could buy small towns with his personal wealth doesn't mean he can't enjoy a nice cup of steaming tea after a long hour or two of practice.

Caerlyn doesn't receive the same approving and studious once over that she has given Zea. Mostly because Zea's gotten more than an eyeful of the mongrel captain already. She doesn't smile at the woman's approval but does give her a stiff little nod to acknowledge the woman's attention. Overall, she does not seem quite as amused as Caerlyn and is doing her best to remain calm, though her wings tense and twitch at the thumbs up. Zea even provides the woman with an introduction, since one has not yet come. "Do ... Zea Justinus, Captain." Years of formal introductions has her stumbling over a title she no longer uses, at least not in this company. Her tone is pleasant enough, given the look in her eyes. "I am ..." Momentarily her gaze shifts to Sebastian, then back to Caerlyn, "the Makara's wind mage." She gives a small gesture towards the second ship traveling with the Amarada.

Burke smiles at Caerlyn and gives the girl a huge hug, murmuring, "Och, lassie, I'm an old salty seadog and ye know what they say about dogs, dinnae ye? Ye cannae teach old salty seadogs new tricks. Best to just give 'em a dram of ale and a fine woman and be done wi 'em!" He cannot help but notice Caerlyn's assessment of Zea and poor Sebastian nearly chokes when she gives him a thumbs up, suddenly bursting into a coughing fit. "Ahh, lemme introduce ye t'one another," he murmurs, taking a step back in case Zea is thinking about trying to tear Caerlyn's eyes out or something, but then Zea introduces herself, leaving Mister Burke out of the loop. His turquoise eyes shift between the two women and coughing into his fist he mumbles, "Och, I think, if ye dinnae mind, that I'll be tryin' a spot of that fine ale ye brought aboard, lassie."

The sailor hanging in the rigging near Nix and the crow's-nest seems rather depressed. No bloodshed? No cat fights? No women wet from spray, clothes clinging artfully to their body? Well, he has seen numerous naked Atlanteans, but still...and no betting on the outcome, even worse. Lucky for him he is quite hidden from sight due to his height, or maybe that his face is hidden from Nix's sight.

Laughing, Caerlyn smooches Burke's cheek fondly. "Aye, and you're my very favorite old salty seadog. See? I even brought you ale!" Eyeing the Empyrean woman beneath lowered lids, the look Caerlyn gives Zea is rather heated, and not in the angry sort of way. She extends her hand to the Empyrean woman and murmurs low, "Wind mage? Like Tian? How .... cozy ....," she drawls, flashing Sebastian another quick glance. "I'm Captain Caerlyn Neath, but you can call me Caerlyn." Her eyes shift back to Zea as she notes, "So nice to meet the competition .... for most powerful wind mage, that is." Or is not, by the gleam in Caerlyn's eyes. "But then, Tian is very ... generous I find. Don't you? I'm sure he's willing to share ... in the power and responsibility." She's also fairly certain that by this point Sebastian is most likely swallowing his tongue. Her gaze flickers toward Valens and she gives him another wink as he smiles and nods in her direction. "So many Empyreans on board. I must say it makes me rather flustered." She turns her gaze back to Zea and bats her eyes teasingly. "How do you like life on the sea?"

An eyebrow over Hyan's missing eye rises at Burke's statement. "I sincerely hope this old dog can learn new tricks. Maybe I am able if I am not salty enough yet? Or pickled perhaps?" Again the raspy murmur is low and surely that is not a note of amusement in it. Surely not. The sailors hanging on near Valens and the Varati seem to find it amusing at least, though they dare not chuckle lest the sound draw unwarranted attention to them. Broad smiles suffice. He then notes Caerlyn's attempt at provocative speech and shakes his head. He leans again in Valens' direction. "I am not sure you are the only one with an arsenal, Dominus. But perhaps you should be happy I have no bad habits to unlearn. A rather small blessing but there, nonetheless." He looks at the steaming tea in Valens' cup and pointedly considers the pattern as if to make some sense of it, waiting for Zea to explode...or not.

As Mister Burke moves off to sample the ale and get out of the center of the storm Zea takes a couple steps closer to Sebastian. The subtlety of the other woman is not at all lost on Zea; in fact she responds with a rather forced smile and engages in the game. She even goes so far as to take the other woman's hand, albeit briefly. "Yes, like the captain," she responds, tugging in her wings again as they prepare a response of their own. The gleam in her eyes is not playful but dark. "I believe you are mistaken, Caerlyn, was it? There is no competition here, we both know exactly where we stand." She keeps her focus on the other woman, though it is not entirely possible to block out Sebastian's coughing fit. She straightens her shoulders and plays the part as she was raised, and the image of the noblewoman comes shining through. "I will, however, agree with you that the Captain can be extremely generous, but even generosity has its limits, don't you agree? Not everything can be shared, but then again I am not as generous as others." She does not respond to the comment about the number of Empyreans on board, but her lips to pull into a small smirk. "I have found it to be quite a challenge to be sure, but I believe some things are worth the challenge and sacrifice." It seems the onlookers will be disappointed for now; there are no explosions from the Empyrean woman, at least none that can be seen.

Ye Gods! Sebastian nearly does swallow his tongue, drawing close to the women and taking Caerlyn's arm in a tight grip, squeezing it hard in a less than subtle hint. "Well, I'm glad we've straightened all that out, and if all you wanted was to catch me to stop and say hello, well, you've managed that task well enough. We should probably be on our separate ways then, yes?"

Valens chuckles, "I don't expect miracles Imphadi, but hard work and dedication will most likely get you far. I'll just have to train you harder than what I'm used to in normal circumstances." Broad shoulders shrug as he continues to observe the two women, close enough perhaps to not hear their words, but certainly able to see the tension between the Defiant's Captain and Zea. He simply chuckles, "Ahh women and their little fits. If a fellow soldier and I had a little tiff to deal with, we'd slug it out 'till both of us can't stand anymore, and then mend things with a bottle or two of good whiskey." He stifles a yawn. Unlike everyone else, he's good for a long night of sleep.

Grinning at Zea, Caerlyn is unphased by her cool response and high mannered ways. Perhaps, like Mister Burke said, she lives to get a rise out of people. Even if that rise is hidden beneath cool refinement and fine manners. "Well I'm pleased to hear that ye and Tian don't have any problems, both being wind mages and all. I know how competitive and stubborn he can be sometimes." Her hand grips Zea's firmly. Very firmly. But she is not so rude as to try and crush the ex-noblewoman's fingers. "As for Sebastian's generosity? Why it's as deep as the ocean itself. I don't think there is a bottom to it. But perhaps we'll find out?" As Sebastian takes her arm, her gaze flickers down to where he grips her, knowing that there'll be bruises come morning. Oh yes, this is definitely a volatile topic. Tossing her hair back over her shoulder she laughs and nods, murmuring, "Oh, darling, forgive me... I know how you like your beauty sleep." Leaning in she gives him a quick peck on the cheek whilst prying his fingers from her arm. "We'll stay anchored for the night, but if you're in a hurry to leave, I won't mind. It wouldn't be the first time I woke to find you gone in the morning." Giving Zea a little wave, she quips lightly, "Ta ta" before crossing over to Burke and giving him a big hug and another kiss on the cheek. She jauntily waves to Valens as she departs, crossing over the boarding plank to her own ship.

Zea draws her hand back and holds it behind her back where it clenches into a fist. She watches the mongrel captain make her way back to her own ship. If the comments about being gone in the morning bother her, she doesn't say so but again her wings twitch. She cannot control what Sebastian did before she met him, so why be angry over it? "Ta ta" she says under her breath in a voice far too sweet to be genuine. Only when Caerlyn is safely back on her ship does she let out a deep breath and allow her spine to slacken a bit.

Dussadhyan glances at Valens. "I am somewhat familiar with both so I hope not to displease you in that respect. Equally broad shoulders do not shrug, but the Varati sends a look of quiet pride in Zea's direction at her response to the provocative Caerlyn before adding, "Well, indeed, although," he looks around, "A slugging match between two women would probably not be observed without a certain...interest, I am sure." He considers the scene as Caerlyn leaves and Zea's stiffness relaxes, adding, "I would not mind a certain addition in that sense of training, when you think I might be ready for it. I am a bit more...skilled in that, since weapon skills are limited for vaisya." He bows again to Valens, and says, "Dominus. When you have time and we are both rested." He then walks carefully to below decks.

Valens nods quietly towards Dussadhyan, "Vale Imphadi. The sword is an entirely different creature, you'll find however..." With that, he stifles another yawn as he walks towards the Captain, Mister Burke, and Zea, now that the rather flirtatious red-head of a captain departs for her ship. He's ready to go to bed, but might as well offer the night's greetings first, "Ave Captain, Mister Burke, Domina..." He says, now well practiced in addressing people by order of rank, not the usual left-to-right he's accustomed to in casual greetings.

His gaze is torn between watching Caerlyn depart and looking at Zea's wings, the snow white appendages being a fine barometer for her inner temperature. He would guess that at about this point she's just about to boil. Pursing his lips Sebastian stretches his wings and murmurs, "Ahhh, think I could do with a short stretch before calling it a night. Mister Burke? Command is yours till you're ready to retire." His gaze flickers to Zea and in a voice that is calm and assured he inquires, "Care to give your wings a stretch as well?" Not too bad - he's showing rather impressive control and confidence for a man who would rather be facing a dozen swordsmen alone than one angry Empyrean noblewoman. Not that he's afraid of her of course. Of course not! He turns to Valens and nods, lifting his hand in farewell. "Good rest to you..."

Zea addresses Valens first, her fisted hand still behind her back. Now that Caerlyn has left she appears a little more as she usually is. "Vale Dominus," she offers in return, grateful for a bit of familiar civility. Sebastian's question frankly takes her by surprise, but the offer is one she does not refuse. "I think stretching my wings would be the perfect ending to this night, Captain. I would appreciate the company." She is not completely relieved and comfortable again, but her inner temperature has dropped a bit. At least she's not looking as if she might shoot lightning bolts from her eyes.

With her acceptance of his invitation, Sebastian simply nods once before opening his wings and taking to the air, certain that Zea will be close behind him.

Valens gives a nod to the two Empyreans, who obviously have a lot to sort out. "Vale then, Captain, Mister Burke, Domina. Take care." With that, he goes back to his hammock in the Makara, although what he wouldn't do for a nice hot bath.