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Post by Shinonome Morgan on Oct 12, 2014 22:36:16 GMT -6
my name is shinonome morgan, hydra of the- yawwnnn She woke up. It was another morning in Hyrst, just another day for Shinonome Morgan. The smell of wine eternally wafted in her house, and the gross taste of morning greeted her senses as she arose from her bed. A burning headache soon introduced itself, not unlike other nights, but she tiredly grabbed a bottle of whiskey on her nightstand and chugged it down. The pain dulled and she was able to focus her eyesight better. No sooner than five minutes of realizing it's morning, the captain's morning rituals began.
She donned her uniform after showering and brushing her teeth, and went on to go brush her hair. Being that she lived among sailors, she never had the chance to really pay attention to her hair on the seas, but lately, since she'd spent her time assisting land forces, she'd become more self-conscious of her hair. However, this also made brushing it into a right bitch; every strange was tangled, so it'd sting with every movement she'd make. But she got through it. Surprisingly.
She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her belongings, such as her keys and money. Leather boots were about to walk out the door... until she realized she was unarmed. It felt naked. Grumbling, Shinonome took to go find Ave Maria, where ever the blasted cutlass may be. Under the sheets were nothing but stains, and in the closet was nothing but cobwebs. Finally, she found the damn sword embedded in her living room ceiling. It's sheath was underneath as well. ...What happened last night, again? No matter. The captain yanked it out of the concrete and sheathed it, attaching it to her belt once more.
Breakfast sounded pretty good right now. What was it, ten? eleven? Maybe nine, if she really didn't drink last night. (Though, judging by the sword, it was at least ten.) And so Shinonome Morgan opened the door out of her house, eager to go eat something or other. Lazily turning around, her hands moved to lock the door behind her. And then she turned around. |
MADE BY TOASTY OF GANGNAM STYLE! |
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Post by NPC2 on Oct 13, 2014 19:31:12 GMT -6
The streets were a hard place, of this there was no doubt. The harder the street, the harder the sun and the harder the sun, the drier the heart. But there on this street was a lovely young flower who's clothing told truth of her experience and job. And none would yet face her and none would walk near who had any respect for themselves. Lillette had nothing to her name but the clothes on her back and the simple skills of her trade... And even as she tried to peddle her services, no coins were there to be made. Slowly she'd made her way back to the place she'd heard that a captain did dwell. In hopes that perhaps he would find favor in her face and ask of her to share her one skill. Though she could have sought refuge at one of the missions, she had another secret to hide. For though she was the youngest of flowers, a bud of her own was growing safe far away and so she traveled to make ends meet for both of them, no shoes on her feet, no pack on her back. Never asking for more than her night's work, she had no delusions, but still walked with pride. Many had stopped and glanced her over as she made her way over the streets, but it was bright daylight and none chanced to greet her for fear of what her reputation might do unto theirs. As she reached the place she'd heard of in passing conversation she looked up the hill to find the door opening and a young woman stepping out. She moved then to hide herself inside the shadows, for it would be awkward if this were the captain's daughter or wife... But looking at the person as she walked down the road, Lillette spotted the blade at her hip and made a connection in her head. Stepping slowly out of the shadows, flaxen hair shining brightly in the mid-morning sun, she bowed in greeting to the young woman. "Captain Morgan... I assume?" Her voice was soft and gentle as a breeze but her eyes were strangely distant and cool. Her heart beat was sluggish as if this were another day and her job was just being a tool. "...My name is Lillette. I wondered if you were occupied this evening." |
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Post by Shinonome Morgan on Oct 13, 2014 20:24:57 GMT -6
begin quest And suddenly, the good captain was stopped in her tracks by a rather peculiar person. She seemed to be a combination of poor and rich. Her clothes pertained to good quality, but Shinonome knew the difference between an aristocrat and a commoner; it was too easy to distinguish within the walls of Hyrst. This woman held herself lower yet stronger than an aristocrat would. An exemplary find? Maybe a seamstress. Either way, she'd stopped her for a reason.
Now, what would get her here at this ungodly hour of late morning? Maybe she had a mission to report to? Or her taxes were due again? No, she'd known if she had either to attend to. Asking for her business that evening probably didn't contribute to either possibility, as well. A beat passed by since the last sound as Shinonome assessed the lady. Maybe... something personal? A fan? She did ask if she was busy that night. Inwardly, the captain preened at the thought of being asked so briskly. But outside, she just burst into a friendly smile. Well, let's not keep the girl waiting, shall we?
"Aye, that's me! Captain Shinonome Morgan, Hydra of the Hyrst Navy!" She exclaimed as she normally did, taking pride in her trademark introduction. "Nice to meet you!" She tipped her bonnet her direction, flashing pearly whites before expressing a bit of curiosity, leading to the next phrase. "I must say, a bit quick to ask, aren't you? I just got up, see." And so she kept yapping on, being the extroverted person that she duly was. "But I digress. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Lilette." Feeling a bit stiff, the sailor rolled her shoulders, trying to get the crink in her spine, then she spoke once more. "So, what business do you have with my evening? I mean, I'm free as far as I know, but still." |
MADE BY TOASTY OF GANGNAM STYLE! |
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Post by NPC2 on Oct 13, 2014 22:44:38 GMT -6
The woman seemed unflappable and didn't seem to put together Lillette's lack of shoes with her lovely dress as any specific sort of meaning. But that was fine with her. It made the rest of her job quite simple. The questions came soon after that would make a lesser girl blush. An unprofessional or new girl would have been embarrassed by such questions, but Lillette knew she had to do this; there was more at stake than her own wants and needs. She painted on a shining smile and gave a soft breath of a laugh. "What have I to do with your evening? Why... my job is to please those of higher stations than my own. I am but a humble handmaiden of the night. But I assure you, I will not leave you for want of entertainment. I will make your night well worth the efforts."The carrot was laid out before the captain, and though the young Lillette didn't appear to know of her too deeply, she knew sailors well enough. Booze. Women. Full bellies. It really wasn't that difficult. Even if the captain refused... No. Maintain a positive energy, she thought to herself. Do not weaken your smile... invite her in... make her want to go. "For my escort services I do not charge up front. You may keep your coin until you are satisfied with my abilities."Her eyes were tender but flat in her head as if this were something she had said many times before. It was unfortunate but... things being as they are, this was life. Young bastards and lilies with no garden box had to learn to bloom on their own... And grow their own thorns to protect themselves. "You seem the sort that would like the adventurous evening I can offer. But you can't have a fun night without a pleasant meal to start it off and a flower to pour the wine."Then Lillette's eyes seemed to focus for a moment on the sunlight colored ones opposite of her and something deep and dark lingered there. For a moment, she didn't seem like she was being completely honest with the captain... but then the shadow flickered away and she was smiling pristine and lovely again. "In fact... here." She pulled from a small pocket hidden in her dress a handkerchief and unfolded it, revealing a bit of lavender from the sands to keep her pocket and clothes smelling fresh and then a small handful of berries. She carefully picked up the tiny sweets and walked toward her captain and placed them into her hand. "It's a meager breakfast, bit it will help with that headache of yours."Her fingers were delicate and soft as they stroked along Shinonome's palm, delivering each berry. "...Forgive my forwardness... But I must have work for tonight if I'm to make it through tomorrow... that is why I seek it out during the day, even though my work is at night." |
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Post by Shinonome Morgan on Oct 14, 2014 0:21:30 GMT -6
i... is she a hooker, a drugger, or a quest giver? er... Something was really weird here. First off, there was that twenty-five percent chance that this lady was some sorta concubine, judging on that whole 'handmaiden of the night' thingy. Would explain her clothing and posture of a lower-class citizen. Despite her tendencies, Shinonome would like to point out that she was flirty, not a homewrecker. And the compliments being thrown out...
Oh. "Escort". Yeah, she seemed like the concubine type. Pretty enough to play the part, at least. Shinonome's foot slid a few inches backwards out of habit. She had a 'fight or flight' tendency with her body when something was up, and this was no exception. There was a jig, and she WOULD find it. She'd lived in the ghetto, she knew these types of people. 'Wait... adventurous? That's not an adjective that I'd expect...' She thought about it before returning to the conversation.
And then their eyes met. There was a flash, just the smallest flash of wrongness behind those eyes, but the captain didn't consciously catch it. No, she caught it in the back of her head, and the rest of the time, she felt even more weird around this Lilette. But, being a respectful human being, Shinonome did open her hand so as to receive the berries- wait, headache? How did she know she drunk last night? Waitwaitwaitwait. WAIT.
The Hydra of the Hyrst Navy was famous, that much was certain. She knew this fact. She was famous for drinking, she was famous for ripping apart ships, she was famous for a lot of things. Now, this Lilette, she addressed her with a 'Captain Morgan, I assume?'. That's forgivable! Maybe she was from out of Aster, or even out of Hyrst. But then she knew about her hangover, which was forgivable if a) you at least knew her on the fame level or b) she didn't do a good job of hiding it with more alcohol. But both criteria wouldn't met, so warning bells tolled within the blonde locks that framed her head. In deducing all this, the woman accidentally tuned out the last few sentences that the suspicious lady said.
'Alright, Nome. There's this concubine lady that's acting like she could backstab you within the hour. It's happened before, you probably just drank the memories away.' She assured herself. 'Play it cool, Hydra, play it cool.' Meanwhile, she didn't know that her smile had turned into a neutral expression of listening, so Shinonome made to fix that. She gave a smaller smile, more polite this time, and she toned herself down. But inside, she was watching the woman carefully. "I... you're being rather vague, madam, I will admit. I'm a simple kinda person, you know?" She chuckled amiably, as if talking to a friend. "But if you're sayin' what I think you're sayin', then I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I don't really... employ 'handmaidens of the night', it ain't in my beliefs." Her grin was apologetic now, but to her ignorance, it seemed like the apologetic smile that passerbys gave beggars. "I've lived in the hard lane, I know exactly what it's like. But I'm afraid I must decline, Miss Lilette. I don't mean to antagonize you."
Meanwhile, her hands were toying with the berries in her hand. They would get sticky if they stayed in one place, so she made to keep them aloft a few centimeters using pressure. She didn't really mean to focus her abilities like that, it was a trait that she'd developed after so many years of doing so. After she spoke, Shinonome stopped levitating the berries, and made to put one on her fingers. She almost was going to eat it, but narrowly caught herself mid-feed. |
MADE BY TOASTY OF GANGNAM STYLE! |
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Post by NPC2 on Oct 14, 2014 19:07:03 GMT -6
Lillette listened to the refusal gently, neither a smile nor a frown on her face. As the captain finished explaining herself, she bowed softly, returning the handkerchief to her pocket. Something slipped out and landed at Shinonome's feet. She couldn't stand around trying to convince her if it was not her way. Lillette was no beggar and certainly no saleswoman. She was of only one skill, and that skill was all she had. The young woman would have to find some other way. Surely this neighborhood was full of young naval officers and important people who would pay for her company... and it would be unseemly if she were arrested for harassment of this person... She couldn't afford that either. "I apologize, Good madam... for coming on so strong..." The eyes staring up at Shinonome were of a young girl and the photo was fairly new. 
Smiling up with mother's hair and eyes was a picture of the most innocent face you'd ever hope to see. On the back of the picture was a short but sweet message.
To Mommy, I am with you always. Love, Camilla.
Lillette, not seeming to notice the picture that had fallen, turned to make her way down the road with empty eyes. She would have to find another before sunset... meaning she'd have to go stand at the docks and listen for names and places again. The berries were forgotten.
She had to find someone by sunset... had to have some kind of offering by morning or ...
No. Positive thoughts. Keep going forward. You will find a mark. A good mark. Camilla will not suffer.
She began humming a soft song as she walked, her eyes not focused. Had to find someone... had to find someone...
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Post by Shinonome Morgan on Oct 14, 2014 19:34:26 GMT -6
feels vs suspicion? maybe a bit of both Handmaiden of the night... what a weird job title. As Shinonome held the berries in her hand, she reflected on the retreating woman. She seemed suspicious, but if so, then why resort to retreat? Were there others associated with her? Maybe the many days on the sea had made her paranoid, and she really was just somebody looking for cash. She sighed, and looked at berries in her hand. But then she also saw the ground, and on the ground was a picture. Rough digits picked the picture up. Did the woman drop it?
And Shinonome's heart cringed. "To Mommy, I am with you always. Love, Camillia." And the girl had blonde hair and innocent, innocent eyes. She looked to be about the age when she first... boarded the Ophelia. All those years ago. Shinonome betrayed no motion as she kept staring at the picture, remembering her last words to her own mother. 'Mother! Mother, I'll be back, and you'll be okay! I love you!' But she didn't come back. All her hopes and dreams were lost on the Ophelia, and she had neglected her mother completely. The captain swore she didn't feel anything of it, that she was doomed to die, but... this lady wasn't comatose. She wasn't dead yet. Not yet. And in the back of her head, she imagined this very girl growing up to become her own Hydra.
A Hydra. A monster. A monster with many faces, with long forked tongues to tempt, with fangs to kill, with mouths to swallow all the booze in the world. A Hydra of the Hyrst Navy... with red eyes, instead of gold. All because a terrible fate befell her mother, right? THAT'S how a Hydra such as her was made. The berries were forgotten in Shinonome's hands as she sprinted to find the woman once more, their fruit being cast unto the ground. If... if she were to give attention to one beggar in her life, no matter how shady they were, she'd give it to this one! Because there could only be one Hydra in this world, and her name was Morgan, not Camillia!
Moving through the crowd, the blonde hollered for the handmaiden. "MISS LILLETTE! MISS LILLETTE, YA FORGOT SOMETHING! MISS LILLEEEEETTTTEEE!" She pushed and shoved through the busy streets, holding the photo firm in her hand. After a moment, the captain found the woman, and promptly stepped in front of her. "Hoo... hoo..." She panted, though only lightly winded. It was melodramatic, but hey, that's how she was when there was the urgent need to stop another Shinonome from spawning. "M-Miss Lilette! Sorry about that! You, uh... You forgot your photo of your daughter! Camillia, right?" She presented the paper. "I... look, take back everything I said before. I was being real dull, is all. Thinking about it now, I'd be willing to hire you!" An she flashed that shining grin once more, the one that said 'everything's okay, I got this.' "I'll have you for the night, alright? Just... yeah, sorry. ...Oh!" She held forward the photo. "Take the picture. It probably means a lot to you." |
MADE BY TOASTY OF GANGNAM STYLE! |
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Post by NPC2 on Oct 14, 2014 20:52:05 GMT -6
 Lillette's head turned quickly when she heard her name being called loudly. She was about to head into a tavern near the docks. She stopped and stepped outside, uncertain as to what would cause someone to call out to her so openly. Then she saw the captain running toward her. Unexpected... usually no meant no in these situations... but Lillette couldn't help but feel a little glad in the prospect. It would save considerable effort if the woman had changed her mind... but what would cause her to change her beliefs so suddenly...?
She stood quietly and at ease, a small wind kicking up her skirt around her ankles as she waited for the Captain to approach and speak her mind.
"You forgot the photo of your daughter... Camilla right?"
Lillette's eyes widened and she reached for the picture eagerly before looking around to see who'd heard. No one seemed to be paying her any attention, thankfully... She checked the picture to see that it was alright before sticking it quickly back into her pocket with her kerchief and her lavender piece.
She bowed then to the Captain. "Thank you for returning my property... I'm such a clumsy fool... I'm sorry..."
Before she could continue, the young woman before her began retracting her previous statements without much explanation at all and stated she'd have her for the evening. Lillette didn't let her relief show on her face. It was unbecoming of any lady, even a lady of the night, to show relief in what she was planning.
"I thank you, kind madam. Might I have the day to rest then? We shall meet just before sunset, if that is to your liking. I know a place that is quite nice. We will meet here at the tavern and I will take you there. Is that satisfactory?"
Her hands trembled only slightly. She was getting used to this. Her words were polite but inside she knew what she was saying. It still bothered her a little. But what choice did she have? Poor Camilla... frightened and alone... safe, of course... but... for how long?
Lillette bowed again. "...I appreciate this more than you'll know..."
~*~*~*~ That Evening ~*~*~*~
Lillette stood before the tavern once more, still with no shoes, still in her rose colored dress. Her wavy hair shown in the moonlight as she awaited the Captain. She seemed like she had rested, but not enough. Still, she was what she was...
Holding in her hand a small compact mirror with a lovely and intricate design on the top, she rouged her lips and checked her reflection. She seemed to have no smile for it and closed it softly. ...would her reflection ever make her smile again? She didn't know if she could ever find joy in her face or appearance again after this life... |
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Post by Shinonome Morgan on Oct 16, 2014 11:40:38 GMT -6
IM LOSING A LEG TODAYYYY! And probably my other limbs, too. Moving right along, the captain went to the tavern where she was to meet the handmaiden or whatever. Blonde hair flowed under the midnight wind, and she didn't look too worse for wear after the long day. Vermilion eyes glowed brightly, as bright as the stars above, as she prowled the streets towards her destination. Deep in her mind, however, lied a choice to be made.
She was irrational, before. Triggered by the thought of another monster arising. Now that she had time to think about it, was this woman to be trusted? The woman was unsure, so she came prepared. Shinonome fingered the grip of her blade instinctively, the Ave Maria's hollow inside having been filled to the maximum capacity of five metal shards. She also put on her more battle-based clothes; the same, but made of thicker cloth and had more pockets for booze and tools in them. In all honesty, Shinonome could opt out right there, right then. She could run back home, not fearing what could await her.
Fuck that. Just because some girl came up really enigmatically, doesn't mean she was helpless. She'd been kidnapped before, and emerged sinking the enemy's entire ship! If this went the good way, then she'd save a girl from becoming her. If this went the bad way, then she was ever so prepared to fight for her life, armed and everything. Her suspicions and her curiosity were mixed now; there was no turning back, no running. She'd participate honorably and die a warrior's death. Oh, and probably leave scathing evidence if the woman did anything bad, that too.
And so Shinonome Morgan turned the corner, and found herself at the tavern. She then approached Lilette, but her smile wasn't as amiable and her demeanor wasn't as bright. No, she had a smirk as she approached the woman, hand rested on her blade. "Good evenin', Miss Lilette." She said, showing the politeness a sailor could muster. The captain tipped her hat at her. |
MADE BY TOASTY OF GANGNAM STYLE! |
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