melodiesoflife | November in a Pirate's Life

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November in a Pirate's Life - OPEN

Who: Mary Read and OPEN
Where: Aqures Ixen, Aerilon
When: Throughout November when not otherwise occupied with Shadows
Summary: Mary mulls things over in Aqures Ixen and then goes to check on things in Aerilon
Warnings: N/A

Ever since the spree of mind control murders and the death of Zelda, Mary had been laying low in her own particular way. She'd mostly done her work through contacts and mostly had kept her time around as James Kidd to a minimum. After all, he was the one implicated in some of the murders and kept an eye on by the police. Mary Read had a minimum of heat on her by comparison. The incident of the Night of Thirteen Moogles hadn't helped that much, but at least that was a clearer case of unique circumstances.

But something had to be done, and she had to get back to work. She had Bonnie deliver some letters to members of the Assassin's Guild to organize a meeting. She'd want to speak with them before she went back to Aerilon.

1) Out and About - Early November - Around Aqures Ixen - (OPEN) - Both Mary and Bonnie could be found as they went about their business prior to the meeting. Mary was visiting her usual contacts around the pubs and airports, trying to gather what information she could about the state of things now that the Crystalization was receding. It would be easier to get about once more and she no longer needed to make plans to evacuate Aerilon, but that didn't mean that the world was back to the way it was. People needed protection, even if the threat was from monsters more than the Empire now. She'd need information if they were to do their part.

Bonnie on the other hand was busy with her letter deliveries, and as usual she decided to mix her own Assassin Training into it. The little hooded fluffball ran the rooftops, slid under market stands, stabbed a few melons and otherwise made a cute nuisance of herself as she puttered her way around town.

2) A Meeting - Early November - House A-05 - (Semi closed to Assassin Guild members, but others can stumble in with good cause) - It was convenient that Saori and Mary were living together now. They could use their home as a place to hold meetings and discuss plans freely. This meeting was one that was long overdue, thanks in part to everything that had been going on. Mary frowned as she sat on the couch, fingers clasped against her lips. "Thank you all for coming. I want to discuss the future of the guild as it is in this world. I fear I perhaps haven't been the best leader I could be. I was hoping Malik would have remained her longer than he did. The world is in crisis and we've not had as much chance to help as we'd all like thanks to our own involvement in all of this."

She sighed and sat back, looking around the room at those she considered among her most trusted friends and allies. "I don't plan to step down unless it would better for me to do so. The question is what do we do now. Where do we turn our focus?" The point of establishing the Brotherhood in this world had been intended to battle Kalki and Palitutu as necessary, but that had changed. There was little difference between the goals of the Heroes and the Assassins, and when it came to the roaming monsters and the Calamity, the methods were something of a moot point as well.

3) Back to work - November throughout - The trip to Aerilon and Aerilon itself - (OPEN) - After speaking to her circle, Mary went back to Aerilon. With her personal airship repaired she'd be able to travel freely once more, and so when she was not needed or present in Aqures Ixen for the remainder of the month and for the foreseeable future barring the next inevitable crisis, she'd be making her presence in Aerilon and at the Assassin's Bureau. She hit the streets with fervor, making up for lost time and presence. It wasn't entirely her fault that she hadn't been present, but she didn't want to use that as an excuse either. She couldn't be lazy and let things linger, not right now. But as she worked, as she met with people, as she patrolled the streets, her eyes were as of a woman haunted by something.

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"We should..." Ales began, then moved to looking down as he rotated the mug of cider in his hands. He had been quieter than usual since the day he met his Shadow. There had been too much to think about from the aftermath. What Lydia meant to him, what his past meant, what his future should be. He had a plan, and everything was now fit for questioning.

Downopolis came to mind, and he shrugged. "We can continue exploring Mysidia, check on the local temples and legends, you know, information gathering."

Ira was here? Reno uncrossed then recrossed his legs where he sat. It was strange, seeing the boy here -- and being civil. But if Saori invited him, Reno could play nice, too. There were bigger issues at hand, anyway, than petty squabbles.

"On the bright side, I think I have the meeting place covered," he spoke up with a smile. "I been goin' stir-crazy in Palitutu's lab for awhile. Wanted t' do somethin' a little more hands-on."

Ales could likely attest to the fact that Reno was more the type for action than scholarly pursuits. He'd done his best, of course, to study the crystallization process and help the research along. But at this point... well, honestly, he'd rather given up on de-crystallizing people. Kyo, in particular. His mind made up, he thought his talents would be best used elsewhere.

"Got approval just the other day t' open up a new business," he announced proudly. "Gonna be a host club. Hold yer judgment -- it's a perfect set up for gathering info and gossip. The building's the old occult store an' it's got a sweet basement layout, I figure we can renovate it and have meetings there. Guild members can use the staff entrance and go right down."

Mary's eyes lingered on Ira from time to time from the start of the meeting. While she was unsure who to expect to make it, and what new potential might be brought along, the fact that Saori herself invited the young man to the gathering left her a little off balance. She didn't doubt he was capable, but she knew from experience the toll that such a life could take on someone his age. But she supposed his circumstances were his own, and if Saori thought it right to let him here she'd trust in her. It was something they could discuss later, to be sure.

Sighing, Mary tapped her fingers to her lips, "With the Calamity receding we have new and more dangers, but at least the pathways are clear. And with my airship repaired I can see to Aerilon and start to make up for my absence." She glanced at Saori and Ira again. The part they played in that was not lost upon her either, though the memories were a bit more vivid than she liked some nights.

She nodded at Ales' suggestion. It certainly was a place to begin. These were the unknowns they were dealing with and the Sage certainly remained an untrustworthy ally thanks alone to his own secrecy and condemnation of the Heroes.

Judgement was held at Reno's words. The term was unfamiliar to her though her mind did go to a Brothel, and having seen Reno's previous world it seemed fitting. And it wasn't out of sorts for an Assassin front either.

"Aye...that could work if you're willing. And I'd still prefer to have someone active at the lab so we can keep abreast of things there." Her gaze once again swung back around to Ira, "I've been fairly open about what me and mine did back home as I've grown to trust everyone, but I need to be sure. The Brotherhood is more than just information gathering. Did you have any of our number in your old world?" She paused, taking a moment to recall those who might have been there based upon their own presence in Crystallis' previous cycle.

"Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ratonhnhaké:ton. Desmond Miles...Edward Kenway..." She paused and her lip curled for a moment, "Haytham Kenway. Are any of these names familiar to you?

Edited 2016-12-02 03:32 (UTC)

Ira, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow at the idea of a host club. Though, it was what he'd suggested. Sort of.

He shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not. Not even in that Tower had I heard of anyone by those names, and I would have had that woman taken an interest in any timeline of yours." It was more than he would have otherwise said about the subject of the world he was previously from. Though perhaps that was because of the five of them, he trusted three. One of which had seen it with her own eyes.

Saori smirked at Reno's suggestion. "A host club huh? To be honest, I'm surprised no one else has opened one or anything like it until now. I'll get the gil I've saved up when we're done. It might not be much but any amount helps, right?"

She looked at Mary next. "I did ask the Librarian back home if she could look those names up but given how vast the Archive of Souls is, she's probably still looking into it as far as I know." After all, as the title hinted, it contained the written history of every life since the dawn of creation. While humanity maybe be a small blip in the greater timeline, it was an daunting scale no human library could ever dream to contain.

"Never heard of them," Ales replied and crossed his arms. "That's more of a human history thing, I'm afraid."

He was indifferent to Reno's idea. It helped with gathering information, it didn't actively seek to harm society, and it was none of his business. There were more urgent matters to speak of.

"I can keep an ear out during my flights, but I spend most of my free time in the lab. My appearance doesn't help with undercover operations, to no one's surprise."

Reno tensed for a moment, thinking of Malik. Knowing that Mary was doing everything she could, and Malik wasn't there because of him.

So of course he was willing.

"It's no trouble at all. An' like Ales said, he's still at the lab, too. Let's be honest, he's better at that than I am." His smile returned with Saori's approval. "Anything helps. But I'm hoping it'll be fun work, too. Motivation increases productivity."

His gaze fell back on Mary. And Ira. "If there's anythin' else I can do... just lemme know."

Mary simply nodded at Ira's words. It would make things easier to explain if he'd met them before, and perhaps it was a shame he hadn't. On the other hand she was glad that his fellows never spent time in that tower, at least to his recollection. It was a cold comfort, but one nonetheless.

Her expression turned to a smile at Saori's words. Of course this Host Club would be an idea she thought well of. She had some guesses at the name as what it meant, and if Saori approved it possibly meant that it wasn't a brothel, but at the least it was something she knew how to help take charge of.

"I'm not too troubled if your worlds are unfamiliar with the names of mine. It might mean ours were stricken from history, but it could just as likely mean that history had no need of them. I can at least hope that our little war has troubled a minimum of worlds." She wrung her hands together. Speaking like this about the Brotherhood wasn't something she was used to. But being in this world had given her a different sort of perspective than her life as an Assassin. Neither was "correct", but rather enriched each other as much as it sometimes made her feel small and insignificant.

Listening to Reno in turn and encouraged by his support she took a deep breath before continuing, "As I said, I've debated stepping down from my position as head of this guild. In part it's because I've felt a bit overwhelmed considering what this world has thrown at us. The Assassins are an organization founded in helping to guide and aid humanity with a minimal touch. We work in the dark to serve the light. Our actions were meant to take down those who abuse the power they have over others and allow people to live their lives and make their choices freely." She looked up at a window, gesturing vaguely outside.

"This world seemed to have those same curtains and layers when we arrived, and I had hoped to do something to hobble the Empire and Kalki, and Palitutu in turn when the players shifted. And sometimes I worry my actions have done more to aid our enemies and endanger those of this world than aught is." She stood up, restless now, "And now the curtain is drawn completely. Our enemy may not be visible, but there are fewer still places for us to hide and work."

She turned about, smiling at the small gathered group, "Which is why I'm glad you have all remained supportive of our gathering and purpose. Reno, Saori, if you wish to open a bureau of your own then you have my sanction. Even if Malik had not formally granted me the rank and right to do so, I'd still approve. And considering the turn of the seasons I suppose our new focus should begin with the Starlight Celebration. We should have our Crystallian recruits aid in the festivities and the protection of the people, helping to keep spirits high considering what is likely to come down on us in the coming year. What say you all?"

Ales let out a small noise, frowning. Mary had done plenty to help the people. It may have been because his success was connected to this guild of hers, and anyone speaking ill of the Assassins was speaking ill of him. There was no way that Ales was going to let attacks on his honor stand.

At least she wasn't dissolving the organization.

"Security is good no matter how you look into it, but shouldn't we be diverting our attentions elsewhere? Enemies might be taking this opportunity to strike while we're distracted by the bright lights, here or any other city."

"Every world has it's own war. Even mine wasn't as fortunate to escape it, different though the circumstances might be." He crossed his arms as he listened, a frown forming across his face as Mary explained. Worked in the dark to serve the light? Heh... That was almost too familiar to him. Like hell was he going to say why though.

"Ales is right," he agreed with a nod. "No doubt there will be others keeping guard--those of us in the military especially. They'll be focused on the visible threats. Not only that, but Kalki is still out there. Mograma confirmed as much a couple weeks ago."

Mary quickly glanced at Reno and Saori. She knew they'd agree with her on this so she focused on Ira and Ales' dissent.

"You're both right. Those who wish us harm will continue to plot against us, and the Calamity remains an ongoing threat as well." She paused a beat, chewing over how to phrase the next words. "We've been lucky enough to track down and subdue a number of enemies as of late, but not without a great deal of loss and pain. I'd like to know what Kalki is up to as well, but first we need to know where she is. We and our agents will have to remain vigilant and gather rumors, explore new avenues, but there's not much else we can do right now."

Her hand started to move, stopped, and then with resolve placed it gently on Ira's shoulder. He may not be a child, but he looked like one and he acted like one at times. She could at least offer him the chance to pretend to be one. "We've all earned a break. If we work ourselves to exhaustion we won't be able to do what we need to when the time comes. Prepare if you want, but I encourage you all to enjoy the holiday."

Reno's brow furrowed with worry. "That doesn't mean yer steppin' down as Guildmaster, though, right? I mean... I figured we'd want a base in Aqures Ixen anyway in case Aerilon got crystallized... not that we really have to worry about that now."

He rubbed his nose and leaned forward. "Look, I know things 're hard and we all wish Malik was here, but you have the most real experience of all of us. I can't..." He stopped and shook his head. "I'm happy ta' build a place for us, I'm happy to play support, but I can't lead a branch."

Even back home, he wasn't leading his own operations within his first year as a Turk.

Mary bit her lip at Reno's question. She held off in answering in case anyone wanted to speak up, but when nobody did she finally answered.

"I've thought about it, clearly, but you all seem to still think me capable of it and I have to honor that. I just hope our native fellows think the same. Thanks to Palitutu I've been absent from Aerilon for a goodly time." Thanks to Palitutu and Mary's own crashing of her airship into the Ultima Weapon. Of course the Calamity didn't help either.

"I guess we'll all have to keep helping each other out in all of this. But if you think I'm doing poorly I want you all to tell me. It's one thing for me to second guess myself, but if I am actually acting in detriment to our cause then I want to you know I don't want you to keep it quiet. Just try to come to me first." She didn't think any of them would go behind her back. They were all capable of it, but the trust was that they wouldn't.

"But until that day, we do what we can to keep the people of this world safe while the Heroes do what they must. And I hope it doesn't come down to us needing to scurry out the bad numbers in our company." The Sage's vision and Haytham's hunting of the Assassins in the previous cycle were still strong in her mind. She didn't want the Heroes to turn on each other, but she'd be a fool not to expect it as a possibility even now.

"If anything," Saori finally chimed in, "I can help manage what we have in Aqures Ixen. Granted, running a branch may not exactly be like what I did back home but it's worth a shot. That is, if no one here objects to that. In the meantime, we might have to strengthen or create new branches for Mysidia and any other cities that still exist if we want more information coming our way."

She had been hesitant to speak up since she wasn't exactly the most subtle when it came to what her relationship to Mary was. Anyone could easily say she was defending Mary on those grounds. On the other hand though, when had she let what others thought keep her quiet for long? "You would've heard something by now if you did something wrong. We're doing alright considering what's been thrown at us lately if you ask me."

"You've been doing a better job than anyone else here could." It wasn't exactly praise, but it made sense to Ales. "You got this whole thing started. There's a world of difference between starting up a legitimate company and creating an underground broker ring."

He respected her, not because he considered her a friend, but because she did her job well. That was something to be proud of more.

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November in a Pirate's Life - OPEN

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