RP:Mo Muscle
Part of the Tales from the Row Arc
Synopsis: Finn procures some muscle in the Chartsend port to replace the manpower losses absorbed by Grot’s rampage.
Characters: Finn. Hanan, Ruana, Npc labor for hire.
Location: Venturil; Chartsend Docks.
Finn had spent most of the day trawling for muscle. Reliable, semi intelligent labor was not nearly as easy to find as it might seem to be. Especially not when you were essentially asking a man to relocate. Most of Chartsend’s day labor in ‘the business’ were local boys, earning a bit extra on the side. That had proven to be the case with the lot who haunted the tavern. They might run..but only out of the rich port town. Suggestion that they give up Venturil’s relative prosperity and security for the rows of Rynvale had been met in a manner that left the runner feeling far less secure that this objective of his mission in heading north would be met at all. And then inspiration had struck. He’d gone too far..too far inland to where roots had been plated deep. What he needed were the wanderers..the homeless, for whom one port was as good as another, provided pay was present, and so he’d headed back to the docks. At the moment he was standing, fists dug into the pockets of his coat against the chill, once again in the midst of those gathered around the container fire that had sprung up on the docks. Already, two promising prospects had agreed to make the journey west and south when his party hauled anchor.
Ruana shows up. She had been dictated to come by Hanan, not that she'll complain. Indeed, she's cozied up with the Captain, though if anyone asks she'll say it's 'cause of the cold. She's still in those silk clothes of hers, after all. Finn and his two new recruits are eyed as they come into view, and it's the new faces that has her hesitating for a moment. She hasn't exactly had positive reactions from strange people for the last two days.
Hanan wandered down the docks toward Red... toward her ship. Alright, it was still floating. One down, one to go. She was raising her arm to wave to the runner when her shoulder was clipped by a tall, lanky fellow with a seabag, who reared on her--"Watch your damn steps, wench!"--with one-eyed anger. Fellow was completely bald with an eyepatch. Hanan grinned at him. "It's my depth perception, made me all disoriented--" and ducked around him. Of course that meant the lanky bastard was eying her even more intently as she made her way to Red and the two prospects, Ruana at her side. "Any luck? All I've seen are whores and idiots, and I don't think the whores wanna leave their corners long enough for you to turn an ear." Talk of idiots made the younger prospect--a blond babyface--laugh, while the older one, the one with the salt and pepper beard, gave her the hairy eyeball. Both turned their heads at Ruana, especially the kid, who let out a low whistle.
Finn wouldn’t have been able to miss the arrival of the duo if he’d tried. The approach of the pair, women first, of exotic foreign hue second, and evidently ‘together’ if that unsubtle vibe was accurate, was enough to set the ribald fantasies of every red blooded sailor who’d fancied a threesome, off the radar. The resultant shift in the energy of life on the dock had been enough to have auburn head turning toward the source of the disturbance. Gold flecked gaze took on an amused, if slightly exasperated light. “Joined at the hip already cat?..” a murmur, so low as to almost be missed by any not directly before him. He’d nod however, and nudge head toward the pair. “Some..and with more comin’ if these boys hold true to their word. Mentioned a ship due in today, that should have five or six aboard who’ll be lookin’ for work and willin’ to travel.. hopin’ to rustle up ten or so to come back with us. Reckon we’ll have berthin’ for that many? Figure they can sleep on deck..just need blankets, if it comes to that.” Ruana was offered little more than a nod in greeting, and another one of those skittering looks that saw too much. Until. “Need a coat lass..those silks are good for nothin’ but takin’ off in this weather.” Blunt, but true. And if it was a comment set to make her uncomforatable..or the captain..or both. Why it really wasn’t intentional.
Ruana doesn't miss the looks of just about every pair of eyes about. One can't be certain, but it almost seems like she makes a point to show a bit more leg through that great slit in her skirt as she walks, a smirk on her lips. The older man is given a simple eying, not really one of interest, but the younger man...oh, the look on his face is priceless. She winks at him, teasing him with a flashed thigh and a grin before Finn's question is heard. "A coat would be nice, yes." She looks at Hanan then, giving a soft chuckle and another playful tug on that jacket of hers. Then she jumps, and gives a little startled yelp. Someone had just grabbed her rear, and it wasn't Hanan. Who, though, isn't so easy to tell. Seems the arrival of the women has a number of men coming over, some even muttering about possibly wanting to sign on if a pair as lovely as they are going to be there.
Hanan was, for her part, -highly- exasperated. "What'd you have me do, Red? Leave the recent assasination victim on her own while Yasmine might be out prowlin'?" Though she hadn't smelled Yasmine anywhere... yet. "You know my crew's small, anyway. I've got hammocks. Your boys just have to play nice, right? I don't want more brawls... at least, not when I can't watch." Small smirk there, while she looked the two new hires over... but Ruana's antics had her own head turning. Damn her if the desert girl wasn't attracting guys with a show of leg. "Easy on the ones already hired," she whispered. "You don't want 'em knockin' at your door." But she was smirking anyway--until she noted the arse squeeze, which had a hand lowering to her hilt and she eying the crowd with a sudden care. "Hey, Red... better start the pitch. Before they think you're just putting on a show." Were some of the guys there to look at her? She at least seemed oblivious.. standing so close to Ruana, she assumed the looks were for the woman in the silk and not the one thoroughly dressed. Gods damn her, no, the greybeard was definately looking at her, she couldn't deny that. He got a raised brow. "Or I start chargin' admission."
Finn leveled a look on the hellcat, a direct, almost speaking stare. One that warned of the troubles that had already come from hasty bonds, bonds that had ended with would be assassins provoking scenes that put his interests at risk. They were here to work, and shenanigans, as it were..could likewise put their interests at risk. “Nay lass..I’d not have you leave her alone..in a strange port no one knows we’re comin to..hundreds of miles from the row,” he drawled easily, eyes flickering over the Ruana’s form again. Trouble. That’s what uncontrolled sexuality spelled in the row. Yasmine was evidence of that. In their world it was only ever used consciously, to obtain outcome-preferably one that served the greater interest. Carelessly used, it was a weapon on self destruct. Whisky gaze came to rest on Ruana’s face. The question remained..which kind of operative was the Halfling? When he spoke, his voice was low and husky. “Pitch’s already been made cap’n.. I’m figurin’ anybody who didn’t want in before..isn’t somebody we’ll want on board after seein’ her- if her protection is what you’re after.” Like hell he’d spend the rest of the trip looking over his shoulder to make sure some ass hadn’t attempted at forcing the wench. He’d turn then to the ingathered men. “Nothin’ to see here mates..show’s over..” he called, with a touch more authority to his tones. He’d feel more comfortable working with the inbound crewmen, who’d not been here to get ideas in their heads.
Ruana is hiding in her hair by this point, and nestling her head on Hanan's shoulder. Suffice to say, Hanan would feel the grin on Ruana's lips, rather than the expression be seen. Oh, she knows what she's doing alright. Indeed, those that hadn't been interested at the initial pitch do leave, grumbling about the lack of 'entertainment', but there are a few that just look at the group of them curiously. "Oi, what's this pitch she be talkin' 'bout?" asks one man, a lanky sort that looks like he's more accustomed to flight than fight. And with knives lining all up and down the outsides of his legs. Throwing knives, no less. Two others stand to either side of him, if just behind him, one big and burly and the other somewhere in between with a bow slung over his shoulder. "Ye're lookin' fer men?" Emphasis on men. In fact, he's giving a snide look at Ru and Hanan. And there's spit. The other two just roll their eyes, the one with the bow giving the pair of women an apologetic look for the man who looks more rat than human.
Hanan ::"...yeah." Hanan's lips moved to the side. He was right. Hanan didn't want some bastard on board getting handsy. Only handsy bastards that Ruana actually liked. Eyes glanced back to Ruana, who'd put on the display and now had her head on her shoulder. Gods damn me, Hanan thought, I sure can pick 'em. At least this one didn't look all clingy, this one was fun, hell, this one had been practically maidenish. Then again, she was clearly used to using her body to attract attention. Hell, Hanan had been a 'victim.' "Easy, Red... you know there's a place for it." The Kraken, that whorehouse. That thought brought a grin onto her face. Good thing Ruana didn't hear it, Hanan had accused her of being a whore when first they'd met. She turned her head slightly, cheek brushing the halfling's hair, by accient surely. "That's for the taverns, right?" Not dockside, not where the boys were neither properly liquored or properly sexed yet. What ws this about looking for men? Hanan glared at the fellow who'd said it, then spit--a flick of her thumb loosened the sword she always wore, a stern look given. Look who'd be ordering him up the rigging if he came along for the voyage. "Like I said. Sluts and idiots."
Finn spared Hanan another narrow eyed look, though this one was touched with the warmth of humor. It was enough, the captain had been warned and what she would do with it would be up to her. Twas to be hoped that the hellion learned her lessons in life quickly. Nothing further would be offered to the female, his attention being drawn by the men who’d voiced question to the small group. “ Aye..lookin’ for keepers though.. need to relocate to the south port. Be willin’ to keep your mouth closed, work on demand.. do what needs doin..” his eyes drifted to the knives on the thrower, “No questions asked.. Set you up with room and board for a coupla months till you know your way around. Interested?..”
Ruana still has her head on Hanan's shoulder even as she stares at the trio of men. The ratty one, he has her face contorting in a sneer. "Women aren't useless," she grumbles. Hell, Hanan captain's the ship and Finn saw the havoc she, herself, can unleash. But that just earns her a snide look from the thrower. "Only if a man's wantin' a quick lay." Then his attention's back on Finn. "Ye're runnin' this show, right?" The archer slaps him upside the head, rolling his eyes. "Myself and the big man here are," he says, motioning towards the bear of a man next to him. "I ain't followin' no damned woman!" the ratty man shouts, turning on his companions. But Ru starts to sing then, softly and muffling herself on Hanan's jacket. The ratty one swats at the air, as though a bug is bothering him. "We need work," the archer says, his burly companion giving a grunt of agreement. "Then ye can go without me brains!" Brains. Ha. He goes to storm off, but that spell the bard is singing finally takes hold. Oh, the look of confusion on the throwers face as he suddenly takes a turn...and promptly falls into the water of the dock. She has more than just her body to coerce people with, this woman.
Hanan scratched casually at her nape, eyeing the ratty one. "I know Red here's got a ponytail but he's not a woman besides," which elicited a laugh from someone behind her, at least. She was fighting the urge to slug the two talking about quick lays. She could probably win any lays they'd had lately with a hand behind her back, if said lays swung certain directions. But she had Ruana on her shoulder, it'd interfere with Red's work... And whatever the hell it was Ruana was doing. Singing into her jacket? Nearly all the assembled group watched that rutter fall into the ocean, Hanan blinking, then looking down at the bard again. "Godsdamn, Siren." Which was a mistake, because now the blond boy was whistling again. Right. Siren. That was too sexy a nickname. Hanan cast Red an annoyed look as she took a polite step back from Ruana, flicked her sword just another inch out of her scabbard, and glowered at rest. "Anyone has a problem with women commanders, don't ruttin' bother. I'm captaining the ship that'll take you there. Name's Hanan. Maybe you've heard of me." Well, one had, the burly one--he nodded.Gods knew if he were actually impressed, though. Only him. Great. Her name had failed to procede her. Probably for the best. She huffed.
Finn nodded to the two males then, sparing a curious look to the man walking off the pier and the seeming connection to the female on Hanan’s arm. Interesting. Now that, was an entirely more useful ability to have. Legs came a dine a dozen on the row. “Right. If you’re in, go ahead and get your stuff aboard. Captain will show you where to bunk down.” A sweep of his eyes caught the pair who had committed earlier. “You too.. reckon we’ll be leavin’ in a few days, but you might as well get familiar with the crew and the ship.” Speaking of which. “Think that’ll do it Cap’n. With the six bodies we’ve got comin’ in tomorrow, we’ll have our load. Then we’ll be headin’ inland for the city proper. Our marks lurkin’ about at an Inn there.. The Fallen Star. We’ll need a guide through the bad lands..”
Ruana : The pair of men nod. "Name's Jerod, by the way," the archer says before he starts to move, "and the big one's Barsky. He's a mute; no tongue, but he listens to orders as good as any talkin' man." As Jerod heads aboard, Barsky salutes Finn, nods again at Hanan, and then at Ruana, and he's off. The rat...well...he's off at the other end of the dock, as far away from the women as he can, even if he is shouting back insults. That can't be heard, which is good for his own sake, as more than garbled mush. Ru, herself, doesn't bother attaching herself to Hanan again, instead heading back towards the ship herself. "I'm going to go make sure Pete's not ruining anymore food," she says by way of reason. She also pointedly ignores the stare the blonde has settled on her, except for rolling her eyes. It was cute at first, but now...Bah. There's food to be prepared.
Hanan planted her hands on her hips, watched Ruana walk by, watched the men stomp aboard, telling them, "When you go aboard, look for Harry, the big hairy guy orderin' the others around. That's my first mate. He'll assign you hammocks." Her eyes still lingered on Ruana, though, up until she was on the gangplank, then aboard. She then turned on Red, huffed light through her nose again, and shook her head. "You sure know how to attract the morons." Yes, she was ticked off at the man who'd been knocked off the dock, even if he were presently being punished enough. "Ruana... don't know what to do about her. Someone's goin' to sneak a hand up her skirt and half my ship'll explode. Your parlor... it alright?" She inhaled, stepped a bit closer. "Yasmine didn't seem the crazy sort, at first. She seemed just fun and loose. Didn't mean to drag that sort to your doorstep without a muzzle. I'm handlin' it. Just..." She pointed her chin at the ship. "If you attracted anyone too much a bastard he'll arrive in Rynvale dead. So you know."
Finn was walking toward the ship now, strolling next to the captain in a manner at once comfortable and familiar. It was becoming a habit. Wasn’t Kirikae supposed to be his partner on the water? Fingers were buried into his coat pocket and the auburn head glanced over and down at the petite hellcat. Lips curved slightly at the sight, hidden in the darkness. What was it about the female that could drive a lover to extremes? He’d not think too long about that. “It’s fine..” came the husky drawl, “ fire went out when she took an arrow in the shoulder..” This was repeated as carelessly as if he’d been talking about the weather. “And no need to apologize..” He dug his fists deeper into his pockets. “Just..’ eyes lifted, drifting along the lines of the hull. “Be careful..” with Yasmine..with Ruana..with Grot.. Hell, with him. Back to business. “ Reckon the lot we’ve got will survive the journey.” He’d pause at the foot of the gangplank, seeming intent on boarding. And then, surprisingly he’d turn away, a look offered over his shoulder. “Think I’ll take a walk.. See you in the mornin’..” And he’d be moving, without waiting for her response, a shadow against the shadows, until he disappeared at the end of the dock
Hanan glanced up at Red, who was... warning her? Who the hell warned her about things? Terra, maybe, but there was always a sort of boozy bemusement in her words. Huh. "You don't have to warn me, Red." She laid her palm over the pommel of her blade and pushed it securely back in the scabbard. No, she wouldn't be needing it. "I'm always careful." A wry curve of the lips. "I'm never around bitches or bastards unarmed." And, damn it to hell, it felt safer with the runner around, or at least his schemes around. Safe. There's something she just about never felt. And now she was another one choosing not to think too hard on something. Rutter didn't even have fangs. "'Night, Red. I'll let you know if I've killed anyone." Up the ramp, onto the deck--a nod sent Olivey's way, it was his watch; Harry must have been down with the new guys. The burly one looked interesting. Mute? That could be useful. Of course he could always sketch out secrets. Down the hatch, down the hall, she swung Ruana's door open without even asking, a small swagger in her step. "Hey, cook, got anythi--" She blinked. Were those... katars? Push daggers? She eyed those blades with the same lust she'd experienced when Red had shown her those weapons crates in that hideout. Neat. "Aren't you full of surprises?"