melodiesoflife | November in a Pirate's Life

Entry tags:

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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It was probably a good thing that Bonnie had help in keeping on top of her deliveries as Mary Read put feelers back out into the general state of the populace once more. Whenever Sephiroth were rotated into Aqures on duty, it meant mess work for Spencer and therefore he'd often keep a beady eye out for the tiny fluffy assassin as she went about her work.

Catching her about to slide down from rooftop to market stall levels once more Spencer tried to head her off. He had a good idea, through mognet, of how much work she were taking on and...well, it turned out that he didn't want her to struggle with it on her own.

"Kupo-!"

The latest stabbed melon had just so happened to be the one to the direct left of Spencer, who startled nearly enough for his glasses to be jolted from his button nose. A yell from the merchant followed, following the discovery of another ruined melon, but Spencer quickly flitted around and pulled Bonnie out of the way and around the bottom of a stall a few units away.

"-you really are crazy, kupo."

The little patter running noises from the hooded moogle halted abruptly as as Spencer jumped out into her path. A bright pink blush filled her cheeks followed by a look of horror as she nearly hit him. Fortunately Spencer's quicker reaction dragged her off before she could get caught.

Huddled in the shadows under the stall she was now back into Action Bonnie mode, to concerned with hiding from the now irate merchant to think about her close proximity to the other moogle.

"I'm crazy?! Why did you jump out in front of me like that, kupo!" She kept her voice to a tight high pitched whisper, "I nearly hit you, kupo!"

At the airship docks at Aqures Ixen, Natalia and one of the airship captains both had their heads bent over a map held in the princess's hands. From a distance it was clear to see the distress written all over Natalia's face, and the creases of worry inscribed into the captain's brow. Moving closer would easily allow anyone to overhear their conversation as it was hardly meant to be confidential.

"...to Aerilon?"

"I'm afraid not." He shook his grizzled head. "Even before the Calamity moved in, airships just didn't go there. Ya had to board a boat, usually from Flence."

"And Flence has been overtaken as well," Natalia mused, knuckling her chin as she frowned. "I understand it was evacuated some time ago. But Aerilon never was?"

"Not to my reckoning," he said, reaching up beneath his hat to scratch at his head. "You might find someone plucky enough in Balicea to take ya there, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. The waters ain't safe. Nowhere is if it's been touched by the Calamity."

"I see..." Natalia was disappointed, but she wasn't about to risk civilian lives just so she could run about and check on the welfare of the people. It would defeat the very purpose of such a visit to begin with. "Perhaps I'll have to satisfy myself with a letter, assuming Mognet still delivers to such places."

"I believe it does, ma'am."

"Pray, who would I write to in Aerilon? Surely they must have a lord, or mayor...some governing official?"

Saori brought in some mulled non-alcoholic cider for their guests. The booze can wait until later. "Hmm, that is tough. At least we don't mind bloodying our hands to get a job done if necessary unlike other groups." She took a seat right from Mary.

"Well, so far, I've been focusing on getting funds for a Bureau here in case something should happen to the one in Aerilon. I rather not have in the Space Saloon since it wouldn't feel right to do that to an establishment I didn't create. I did scout potential locations and keeping tabs on what's available. As you can see though, I'm actually tied up on my side so if anyone has a good idea for a front and is willing to manage it, I'm happy to invest in it."

It wouldn't do either of them any good to be caught out by the irate stall-holder and so keeping closer than they would usually, as well as keeping their voices lower would be the way to play things out until it sounded as if the ruckus going on in the market above had returned to normal.

"How else was I to get your attention, kupo! Always being...the way that you are!?"

Once upon not-so-much of a time ago, Spencer had been always there to scold Bonnie from trying to mirror her Hero of Light. Moogles aren't cut-out to be assassins, and her role was supposed to be one of support and companionship; not of trying to copy. Yet Bonnie's dedication had proven something quite unshakable and, well, she hadn't hit him!

"You are...getting good, though."

Ira wasn't a member, but he'd been invited by Saori to join in on the meeting after his shadow confrontation (admittedly, with the promise of free food). Thus he did his best to stay on his "best" behavior, which really wasn't much different than the facade he used all that time ago, in the old Alliance meetings. At least it didn't include outright lies or twisted truths. Just trying not to start throwing shade at a certain member who had yet to speak up.

"...Could always be a storefront or something that caters to local and Hero alike. A general shop, or a cafe of some sorts--something that would be good for those of all ages." He shrugged. "Of course, that's only if you want another source for rumor and information mongering."

He also might be really wanting to get away from the whole 'doll store' thing after everything.

"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."

"Aerilon did do some evacuation, but a good many of the folk were too stubborn to leave." Mary smiled as she wandered up, having overheard the conversation. "As I hear it there were ships getting folk out but most didn't oblige those who wanted to overcharge them for it. A few were working to make sure people did get out though, but coordination got harder as the Calamity spread and all."

That and between her airship being out of commission for a few months and the different murders and machinations by their enemies it made it difficult to make trips over. She wasn't thrilled with this and it was a good deal of the weight presently sitting on her shoulders. But for the moment she was still in charge of the Assassins and had to do what she could.

"There's not so much a real leader in Aerilon so much as different factions and groups who control different parts of town and the economy there. A Free City, if you like. The folks keep themselves in check." She leaned back on her heel, making a show of looking the Princess up and down. Poor girl would be eaten alive there. "You looking to make a trip over?"

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."

"Well you could have..." He had a good point, "I don't know, kupo. Waved? Or made owl noises, kupo." Her little brow was furrowed as she hush-shouted at him. She knew what she was doing and she didn't want to be scolded again. Not when she was on an important mission!

"And what do you mean 'the way I am', kupo? I'm working hard to help my Hero kupo! And I'm not going to let her do everything by-...wait, kupo...what did you say?" Her eyes got wide as his words filtered in, her cheeks flushing a bright pink.

Owl noises? Spencer could have rolled his eyes at that one but he ends up shaking his head instead, the slightly over-sized pom he has jostling from side to side with the motion. He knows she's not that naive, and once she finally catches up with what he just said inwardly Spencer takes a sigh of relief; he didn't want this to turn into a discussion on how best they help each others Hero and why that is ~~again~~.

"I think you did hear me, kupo." He'll extend a paw and put it on Bonnie's shoulder if she'll let him.

"I never thought that a mog might make an assassin on the level that your Ms. Read is, but-

"I know that you're doing all you can. I know that you take it seriously and that's commendable in it's own right, kupo."

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."

Bonnie flinched slightly as that paw came down on her shoulder. She wasn't trying to get away from him, but it was more the shock of the moment and the next level of physical closeness involved.

"Ku-kupo...Spencer I...I don't know what to say. I didn't know you were actually watching, kupo." Her cheeks were so red right now! "I mean, I know the stuff the Heroes do is dangerous, kupo. I know their enemies are too big for us to fight, but I don't want to just hide behind them either, kupo. That's why I've been trying so hard. It's our world too, kupo."

"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."

Spencer flinched when Bonnie did, but not quite enough to remove his paw from it's resting place. In hindsight, he might regret it later, he's very aware that such body language from mogs or from humans isn't necessarily something to be ignored. He can only hope Bonnie hasn't thought him a creep or something.

"It's...very hard to miss you, kupo" He spoke blunt honesty, as was Spencer way but he did then shrug and remove his paw from her shoulder. He felt his own cheeks begin to flush with some awkward that still hung in the moment but as Bonnie continued it turned more into a kind of pride. Indeed, Spencer was proud of Bonnie and her efforts thus far, and it's hard to hide that particular shine when glasses already made his beady eyes look a bit bigger than they would without.

"You're right, it is." She's helping, really helping much more than Spencer is. It dimmed the mood a little as the bespectacled moogle thought back to his own Hero. He refused to write Sephiroth off as a lost cause but, well, Spencer doesn't feel like he could do much about it anymore since he'd inadvertently had a hand in his Heroes recent pain.

"I- I wanted to offer to help, kupo. With some of the deliveries, maybe."

Natalia's head jerked up, as did the other man's, at the sound of Mary's voice. She was surprised to see the woman, but pleasantly so. Mary had been instrumental in helping Natalia's efforts (and continued existence) afloat in Trano Golsaucia. She also had her own airship, which meant the voyage could be possible.

She was familiar with free cities, like Chesedonia. It meant more effort on her part, as there would be far more influential people she'd need to speak with, but she was prepared to do whatever it took to make sure the citizens remained safe.

"I am," she said, unable to keep the relief and hope from her voice. "At my current level of experience, there's little more I can do for Trano Golsaucia until I've grown stronger. I'd like to check on the other major areas as well to see how they're faring. What brings you to the docks this day?"

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."

The body language was being very thoroughly accounted for and Bonnie wasn't opposed at all. It was just the shock of it happening at all that had made her tense up before. Her little heart was pitterpatting away hard enough that it might give away their position to that shopkeep. When he did finally take it away she was too wrapped up in the loss of the sensation to be offended by his words.

"I'd like that...if you're up to it." A sly smile spread across her lips, and she was just shy of giggling, "We'll have to whip you into shape if you want to keep up with me." It may still be November, but having Spencer as a partner both in adventure and mail delivery was just the Starlight present she was hoping for. And maybe...just maybe...

She couldn't help herself, shutting her eyes tight and giggling with glee, loud enough to call attention to their hiding spot.

Spencer nods twice in quick succession but his slightly oversized pom ghosts it many more times than that as he smiles widely at Bonnie. He's glad that this has paid off, he'll feel much better about himself and maybe even...maybe he'll be able to figure out how best to be a companion to his own Hero by taking a step away every now and again to do other things. Sephiroth had never stopped Spencer from taking on additional work at the Mognet before, after all.

"That's great, kupo!"

Spencer also called out a little too happily and in the next second the front tarpaulin of the stall they were hiding out underneath was pulled up sharply. The angry, red-faced merchant from earlier peering sideways into their hiding place!

"-go, kupo! I'll catch up-"

And so the moogles split up to lose their enemy for today.

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.

Bonnie darted from their hiding spot, the merchant shouting as he turned towards her and gave chase. She ducked and weaved away from his grasp with more skill than most moogles would have. Her practice really had paid off to the point that she didn't even think about it as she was doing it.

The main continued to shout at her as she flew low to fly between legs and under a cart. She looked back, not at him, but to the moogle still in hiding, safe for now as the crowd's attention was on her.

Her blush continued to pink her cheeks as she fluttered along as fast as she could before bouncing off of one awning and then another to vault herself back onto the rooftops and to relative safety.

Mary chuckled a little at the Princess's suggestion, "Well, I'd say we have a fair few aspiring diplomats in our company, but I don't suppose it hurts to let someone new have a try at it. Just remember most of the folk in Aerilon won't be willing to do something merely out of the kindness of their hearts. They'll want something in exchange. O'aka's a merchant who has been helping us Heroes out. He might be the first you want to talk to."

There were the Assassins too of course, and they were more willing to help for 'free', but Mary wasn't simply going to hand her fellows over to Natalia's aims either. Besides, she had to make sure she was still in their good graces herself. It'd work out, she reassured herself. She was devoted to the cause, even if busy by circumstance.

"My ship. The Sky Pirate Job granted it to me, but it still needs repairs and care just like any other. I was actually about to make my way to Aerilon on my own business. You're welcome to come if you'd like."

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.

"Aerilon! My, but your timing couldn't possibly be better!" By now she was smiling without reservation, beyond pleased at their good fortune as well as the friendliness being exhibited. There weren't too many Heroes who seemed eager to accept Natalia as one of their own just yet. She still had a great deal to prove, and time could ill afford her the opportunities as she might have wished.

Nodding her thanks to the captain, she rolled up the map and tucked it away. "Perhaps I might be of use with the repairs. I confess that I know little of machinery, but if you tell me what needs to be done, I can follow instructions well enough." She had no intention of lounging idly aboard the ship until they reached their destination if there was work to be done.

"Tell me more of O'aka. Do you think he would object to the title of 'Merchant Prince?' I've found that most men are susceptible to at least some small degree of flattery so long as it is respectfully delivered."

Mary wasn't unfamiliar with the opinions that had begun to float around about Natalia, but she was opting to judge her on her own. They were in a difficult situation in this world, both between the Calamity and being displaced from home. This didn't give the Princess absolution in the Assassin's eyes, but it was at least cause enough to wait until she had a better sight on her true character.

After all, if Kenway could become a good man, anyone could.

"I appreciate it. It took me some time to grow accustomed to these airships myself. I'm more used to them remaining in the ocean back home. But Spizaetus has been a kind and proud companion. I owe it much." As they talked Mary lead Natalia back to her own ship. If they were to get on with their journey they best not dally. It wouldn't take long to get underway once they got to work.

"Ahaha! I think he'd be more than flattered by the name, but I worry he'd let it get to his head and keep using it. He's already calling himself Merchant Extraordinaire. Still, he's had the goods to back up the name, even if his prices are a bit outrageous."

"Surely there's no harm if he wishes to keep it," Natalia smiled. "Negotiations suing for the safety of the people will go more smoothly if he's kindly disposed toward us from the beginning. I've managed to collect some funds from battling the monsters near Trano Golsaucia, but most of what I earned was funneled back toward the further construction of defenses for the city."

Which meant she couldn't butter him up with any expensive purchases, unfortunately. If pushed, she might be able to afford an experience orb, but that would put her in a tight spot financially.

"What else can you tell me of Aerilon and the surrounding region? Is there any gear I should purchase before we make the journey?"

"Aye, that's true. And offering to help him out with things works well as well. I've done a few deliveries for him and such and it's worked out well for all of us." She was still a little concerned about his dealings with Palitutu a long while back but it didn't seem that he was complicit in any of her darker machinations.

"I think you'll be fine for a short visit but mind your purse. There's a lot of merchants there, and a fair few won't have any qualms about raising their prices if they think they can get away with it. And then there are those who might just try to make you a coinpurse lighter entirely." She smirked, stroking her chin.

"That's not to say the place is lawless. There's no proper police force there, but the city watches itself for the most part. Folks can't live free if they spend all their time watching for knives in the dark after all. And that's what they appreciate there. And it seems there are a few there who try to help keep the peace without mandating how people go about it."

Natalia found herself growing more and more fascinated by this free city. It sounded exotic, and very exciting! Perhaps someday, once the matter of the Calamity was dealt with, she might become one of these rogue peacekeepers defending the weak from the opportunistic.

"I see!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide and shining. "Yes, I shall be watchful, then. What of these peacekeepers?" she pressed, obviously interested in learning more about them. "Is it an organized team, or does each person serve something of a vigilante role?"

A chuckle managed to escape Kidd's lips, and a coy smile like she knew something about them but seemed disinclined to say much more. "I expect they're organized considering they dress the same. White cloaks and hoods. They look a bit scary but I've only ever seen them attack criminals and the corrupt."

Smirking she tugged on her own coat's lapel, "As a pirate I do my best to steer clear of them."

Damn it felt good to keep secrets again.

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November in a Pirate's Life - OPEN

1) Bonnie & Spencer

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