Aboard the DreamCatcher

Archive One







Aarin stumbled a little and Idre laughed, but his hand caught the rung of the ladder and he carefully pulled himself to climb. He'd climbed the ladder in the library back home so many times that this was nothing to him, despite that he was pulling himself dozens of feet above the ground. He didnt look down, keeping his eyes on the gradually approaching portside of the ship. He could feel the ladder swaying with the weight of Aveda and Idre below him, and once he reached the top, he smiled at Iswe and used her help to come aboard. He then turned to help the others up, but had to pause at all of the people he saw workingon the ship. They were dressed like pirates he imagined, wearing bandanas and scarves, bright colors, loose clothing that was easy to move in, and many of them had scars and battle wounds... though none of them looked as dirty as he thought they'd be. The captain was not yet in sight.

Climbing swiftly up the ladder after Aarin, Aveda nimbly hopped over the rail to stand on the deck. Her eyes quickly scanned the people working around her as if looking for someone in particular but when she couldn't seem to find them she couldn't help but sigh lightly. I had been so sure.. She thought before taking a breath and placing a smile on her face. "This is incredible.." She said as she set her bag down then peeled back her hood, shaking out her blonde curls. She turned her mismatched eyes on Aarin and grinned. "I could get used to this.." She said before chuckling and moving to the rail where she leaned over to see how high they actually were, turning her back on everyone around her.

Idre came up last, Ihara still cradled in one hand, and she nodded at a couple men to pull the ladder up. She moved to stand between Iswe and Aarin. "Welcome aboard the DreamCatcher guys." she boasted, motioning to all of the hardened sailors in front of them. She looked around a little, then grinned. "Ah! There you are! Odi!" she called, waving and then disappearing into the crowd, grabbing for a petite, dark-skinned girl and pulling her forward.

Aarin was a little astonished by her appearance. She had no hair, and had a single stripe of golden yellow paint that brushed under her eyes, over her cheek bones, and all the way around the back of her head. Her eyes were big and brown, and she was short... even shorter than him. Thin too. But still pretty. She kept her hands folded in front of her skirt. Unlike the others on the ship, she wore a loose dress that had only thin straps on her shoulders, and she was less than busty. In fact, if she hadnt been wearing a dress, Aarin might have mistaken her for a boy. She bowed her head in greeting to all of them. "Welcome." she said, her voice rolling with an accent that Aarin couldnt quite place.

Iswe watched Idre's interaction with Odi, and she noted how familiar it was. Something about Odi felt like... family. She frowned a little at these ideas in her head, and the way it felt in her chest, but she couldnt fight them off. She tilted her head at Odi slightly. "Do I know you?"

Before Odi could speak up, Idre burst in with, "Well yes, you do! She's our sister!" At Iswe's perplexed and shocked expression, Idre giggled. "Havent you ever wondered if there was a fourth of us? There isnt only fire, water and earth... there is also wind! Odi saved both me and Sein from near-certain death." She then gasped, a hand covering her mouth. "Sein! She's still downstairs recovering! She doesnt know you're here yet! I'll go tell her while you all meet the captain." she beamed, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Odi and Iswe both watched her leave, then Odi focused her deep brown eyes on the group. "The captain is waiting." she said formally. "Follow me." She moved gracefully, as if her feet never touched the floor, but it was hard to distinguish for sure under the skirt of her long dress. She shifted between the bodies of the ship's crew as they parted down the middle for her, and even though she kept her head down, there was an air of superiority about her. "Back to work." she ordered them calmly, then in a rush the silence of the newcomers' arrivals was over. Men shouted, laughed and jostled, all going separate ways to continue their chores.

Aarin tried to keep his focus on Odi, but there was so much going on around him that his sharp blue eyes flitted everywhere, back and forth, here and there. He almost ran into someone, apologized, and rushed to catch up with the group when he realized he'd lagged behind. Odi lead them to an ornately-decorated set of double doors beneath the stairs that led up to the steering column, and knocked briskly above a carving of fairies dancing on the wood of the lefthand door. She waited only a moment before opening the door and holding it so the small group could enter.

Inside was warmly lit with both candles and the sunlight pouring in from the back wall of the room, which seemed to be made entirely of paned glass. There was a long table with eight chairs, strewn about with maps and compass tools, and each seat had a lovely velvet cushion died a deep blue. The walls were adorned with knick-knacks and oddities in frames, from drawings of monsters, to a giant shark's tooth, to a feather that spanned the entire length of one wall from quill to tip. Odi motioned everyone to be seated at the table, and Iswe was the first to sit down, settling Ihara--whom she'd recieved back from Idre before she'd disappeared to tend to Sein--in front of her on the table.

Aveda had carried on peering over the side of the ship during the entire exchange but finally when Odi told them the captain was waiting she straightened up and turned to the group. She followed quickly as they were led to the captains quarters and once they were inside she couldn't help but give a whistle of appreciation at the extravagance of the room. "Not bad.." She grinned again at Aarin then finally slid into one of the vacant chairs. "Maybe I could get used to this kind of lifestyle.." She joked with a giggle before slouching back comfortably in her chair and propping her feet up on the table.

Aarin had to peel his eyes was the awe-inspiring feather on the wall to look at Aveda and show he was listening. It was huge! It was a beautiful golden brown with ae white tip, and a ruffle of smaller filiments at the end near the quil. It had to be at least fifteen feet long and three feet wide at the largest point. He wondered what creature this feather came from.

"That is from the tail of the Goliath Eagle." Odi spoke up, having been standing close to make sure no one touched anything they werent supposed to.

Aarin jumped at her voice, then gave a rattled, "Oh..." He returned his gaze to the feather, astounded. "The tail..?" he asked, feeling flushed. He suddenly felt very insignificant. If this was from only the bird's tail... he shuddered at how big the feathers of its wingspan might be. He turned, gave Odi a shy smile, then headed for a seat beside Aveda to wait for the captain.

A red velvet curtain that hung to the right of the room fluttered slightly before it was whipped aside, a heavy footed man stepping out from the room it contained. "Oh the tail indeed" He said, scanning the room with a raised eyebrow, his only hand on his sword, "Hook is the name, leave out the Captain and I will leave out your tongue, I hope we are clear. This is my room, this is my ship, this is my crew, that is my feather" he said rather quickly, a frown settling on his face as he moved to his desk and looking to Odi, "I recall giving permission to pause our journey for a few short moments, but for the life of me I cannot remember giving permission to pick up guests. Odi, mysterious ebony light of my ship, if you would be so kind as to give me even a little hint at what the hell is going on, I would be ever so grateful" he sighed, sitting down in his chair roughly and resting his feet on his desk, finally looking over the faces before he paused over one, giving a small gulp and straightening up a little, "Aveda.."

Aveda had been patting Aarin's arm reassuringly when he sat next to her looking bashful when Hook first entered the room so at first she made no attempt to look at him. When he introduced himself she couldn't help but roll her eyes and look up towards the ceiling in dismay. I won't be calling anyone captain.. She thought stubbornly before sighing and finally allowing herself to look at the man who called himself Hook. Her breath caught in her throat and she froze in her seat, eyes wide as she took in the man that sat before her. It was only when he looked at her and spoke her name that she seemed to breath again. "B-brother?" She whispered back, trembling now from the emotions that were quickly taking hold of her. I've found him!

Aarin looked between them quickly. They did look alike in certain features. "W-wait, THIS is your brother?" he asked, pointing to the eccentric captain of the mythical ship. Iswe was also stunned to silence, her eyes wide. Odi either had known all along, or her surprise was more subtle, as the expression on her face nor her posture changed.

"I see your affinity to people who state the obvious has not faltered" Hook frowned, looking to Aarin, "Im not sure where you come from, but where I am from, people dont just call people brother for the sheer hell of it" he said, looking back to Aveda, "How have you been? Its been a while. Enjoying your youth?" he asked with a small smirk.

Its been a while? Aveda thought in disbelief at her brothers words. "Try eight years..and no, I haven't really been enjoying myself. I've been on my own, carrying on the work we did together.." She replied frowning now. What did I think would happen when we finally found each other? He'd give me a hug and tell me he missed me? Who was I kidding.. "Have you been up in this thing the whole time?" She asked motioning to the ship around her, a dangerous hint to her voice now as she narrowed her eyes on her brother. Her happy feelings were quickly changing.

"In one way or another, I have, yes" Hook frowned, watching her and giving a small sigh, watching her happy demeanor dwindle, eyeing her and raising a finger from his hand on his lap to tell her to wait. He looked to Odi, giving her a renewed smile, "Id like time alone with my sister, Odi, will you take the others somewhere? To the kitchens to get food, I dont honestly care, just not here. Aveda and I need to talk"

Odi looked at her captain almost boredly. "Yes, captain." she addressed formally, waving at Aarin, Iswe and the frog to come with her. Aarin stood hesitantly, glancing at Aveda more gently than he'd looked at the man who'd spoken to him so rudely. He finally shuffled out of the room with Odi and Iswe, hearing the door close and latch before Odi lead them away, leaving the pair truly alone.

Aveda stood up when the others had left and folded her arms tightly across her chest as she watched Hook. "Eight years I have travelled the kingdoms searching for you, worried sick about what might have happened to you...and all the while you've been playing captain on a flying ship?! Did you ever think of trying to contact me and let me know you were safe? You just disappeared Titus..can you imagine what that was like for me?" She continued in annoyance then finally sighed allowing her expression to soften. "I missed you, you fool.." She grumbled lightly as she uncrossed her arms and allowed them to fall to her sides.

Hook chuckled at her, shaking his head and slowly standing, "I missed you too little Sparrow" he smiled, walking to her and gently pulling her into a hug, cupping the back of her head with his hand like he always used to when he was comforting her. "I haven't been captain the whole time you know, I started at the bottom like everyone else. But..you know me and my ways with people, so to speak" he winked as he stood back to look at her, "I am sorry I worried you. I couldnt contact you, I couldnt risk it. You are my only weakness, I couldnt let that be known.By the time I made it up to this room it had been so long, I figured and more-so hoped that you had moved on, doing your whole robbing from the rich and giving to the poor thing you do. I didnt want to show up and ruin everything of you had a good thing going." he said, kissing her cheek, "And the name is Hook now, Aveda, I would like it to stay that way, I dont want this ship knowing my name" he nodded, sighing deeply. You havent aged a day, its good to see the magic of this place keeps up." He said, moving to sit on the edge of his desk, watching her, "As much as I am glad to see you, what are you doing here? In this area, with those people, what is going on?"

Aveda had laid her head against Hook's chest when he pulled her into a hug and her anger quickly disappeared when he called her by her childhood nickname. When he stepped away and asked her what she was doing there, she shrugged lightly and finally smiled. "Its a long story.." She said with a chuckle as she moved to sit next to him. ""But i'll try to give you the short version. I was in Layfette, met Aarin..who is a prince by the way..we had to go and retrieve some missing pages from a book i'd been researching but unfortunately The kings brother Reise..you remember him? Tried to destroy the world years ago? Yeah..he was being kept in the same cave and Aarin accidently released him and now he's back and trying to finish what he started." She spoke quickly then paused to take a breath. "So now i'm helping the prince.." She smiled again as she glanced at her brother. "We were on our way to Cuole to stay with the elves. Oh which I forgot to mention..the frog with the group..King Ihara of the elves. I guess Reise likes to joke."

"You are helping a prince fix something you have nothing to do with? Why? Whats in it for you?" Hook said with a raised eyebrow before he chuckled, "I keep forgetting you are you. You never were as selfish as I am" he nodded, leaning to pull her to him as they sat on the desk in a one armed his, rubbing her arm, "Well. We will of course take you there, now that I know its you. Its not just anyone who gets a lift from the living legend that is this ship" he winked, "You can have anything you need If I have it. Or..you could drop them off and just stay. Rule the high winds with me?" he nodded, kissing her temple. He knew she wouldnt, but he figured telling her he wanted her back was something she should know. "I have a lot going for me here, but I will admit, I miss the adventures of riding with you when we didnt have much."

"Can't you come back for a little while? I would be willing to allow it..you could be like my apprentice or something." Aveda teased with a grin. "Because guess what Captain Hook..you're not the only one with a famous reputation. You're in the presence of the one and only great Robin Hood. Steal from the rich and give to the needy and has yet to be caught against my wishes. Every guard curses my name and thats why I couldn't join you here..wouldn't want to disappoint my fans." She chuckled lightly then sighed. "As much as I wish we could stay talking like this we should probably get back to the others..or get them back in here. Important things to discuss and all that."

"Oh I wish I could. But Hey, Just because I couldnt contact you does not mean I havnt kept an eye on you, little Sparrow. I know." Hook winked, slowly standing, "I cannot be like how we are in here when I am out there, Aveda. Ii have a character and an image to uphold. Well, there is not much upholding to do, you know how I am with strangers, but pay no mind if I am extra harsh when my crew are around. I am sure you understand, right? And I guess I can allow you to call me Hook and drop the Captain. Just you and Odi though, the rest need to give me my Title, I worked hard for it" he winked, "Follow me" he said, kissing her cheek and open the door, walking out and trusting she would follow. He waled down the wooden steps that lead to his office and living quarters, sliding his hook into the back of one of the deck hands shirts, "Where did Odi and the new arrivals go?"

"To the kitchens, cap'in" The man nodded, standing still.

"Excellent, good lad" Hook said, letting him go and walking on, making sure Aveda was following him as he walked to the kitchens, opening the door. He stepped in, walking to the table they were at and stopped, folding his arms. "You are all very lucky you have my sister in your company." he said, watching them before he sat down, "Now. Understand this: If you do not know of me, and you should, I do not give out passage and favors for the utter hell of it. My sister got the kind gene, I did not. If it does not benefit me, it does not happen, understand? Luckily for you, I am looking forward to seeing my sister for a little while, so that is almost payment enough for your little stay. The other part of your payment will be in work, just like everyone else on this ship. Clean up after yourselves and if you are asked to do something by any of my head hands, you do it or I will throw you over the side myself, are we clear?"

Aveda had quickly followed after her brother, smiling at Aarin and the others when they finally reached them. Grabbing up an apple she listened to Hook speak and couldn't help but roll her eyes at his threats, though she was smiling. He really hasn't changed.. She thought with a smile as she took a large bite from the apple then waited to see how Iswe and Aarin would respond.

Aarin straightened up, glowering at Captain Hook, but Aveda's smile calmed him strangely, like he knew the captain's threats would fall empty if she stuck up for them. Iswe, however, was almost excited to be here. "I am a water sprite, Captain," she explained briefly, "I can do anything involving that element, including fight." She then held up the amphibious Ihara. "This is Prince Ihara... he can help me and Idre until he is changed back, then I'm sure he'd be more than willing to fight alongside you." she nodded.

Odi spoke up next, Her brown eyes lingering on Iswe a moment before she turned her full attention to Hook. "Iswe, Idre and Sein--the injured fire sprite we picked up--are my sprite sisters, captain. They will work for us." she assured, her hands staying comfortably folded in front of her. She then turned back to Iswe and further added, "I am wind, as Idre told you. I control the life of the very sails on this ship, and give rise to the wings that keep us afloat." She looked back at Hook with her next sentence, and though her lips didnt move from the bored line they upheld, something in her eyes twinkled almost playfully. "I suspect this is why Hook has kept me around for so long."

Hook waved his hand nonchalantly at her, giving her a side smirk, "Not at all, Odi. I simply like treasures that are pretty to look at. Your abilities are a mighty fine bonus," he joked, sitting down and looking to Iswe, "I am pleased by your enthusiasm, Miss Iswe. I don't expect you to do much, but just what is asked, that's all." he nodded, "I am sure Odi will show you all to your quarters when you need them. Aveda, you will stay with me in mine, you can have my bed, it's much more comfortable. I will sleep on my couch. It's not a suggestion." he said, tilting his head at her in warning for her to not refuse.

"I wasn't going to argue." Aveda replied with a smirk before taking another bite of her apple then looking up as the door to the kitchen opened again. Sein slowly walked in with the support of Idre. She looked tired and bruised but her eyes were still full of the same fiery determination and drive. She smiled with relief as her eyes fell on Aarin and Iswe and she moved to each and hugged them tightly before sliding onto a chair. "I'm so glad you're both safe.." She mouthed still wordlessly, her voice remaining with Reise. She looked up at Hook and nodded. "Thank you.. now what is our plan? How are we going to stop Reise?"

"Well we were meant to be going to Cuole but I'm not sure there's any point now, right? We're safe up here and we can plan our attack from here." Aveda replied after watching Sein carefully to catch her soundless words. "Aarin.. what do you think?" She asked, not noticing Ihara beginning to jump up and down quickly in protest from where he stood on the table.

Aarin looked at Aveda, focusing on her a moment as he thought about her words. Finally, he stood from his chair and put his hands on the table. "We go to Cuole. With my uncle on the loose, nowhere is safe, not even this ship. I'm going to bet that putting him back where we found him is not going to be easy, and may lead to a war. It's only right to assume he's amassing an army, and we should too. We'll need allies, and I know they will fight alongside us. The Cuole Elves have been allies with my father's kingdom for hundreds of years, and I'm sure Ihara can convince them to join our cause. We'll need weapons, supplies, manpower... we can get all those things from them." he nodded firmly. He then looked at Hook. "If you'll allow us the passage, of course." He said this as respectfully as he could muster, though it left a bad taste in his mouth with how badly Hook had treated him before.

Odi considered Aarin's rather heartfelt speech, having shifted silently to stand beside Hook at the head of the table. From here, they could both see everyone. Idre had moved to sit beside Iswe, helping Sein into a chair of her own, and Iswe kept Ihara in front of her protectively. Aarin and Aveda were on the opposite side of the table from the three sprites. Without moving her hands from their clasped position, she looked down at Hook slightly, obediently, observing him as he also contemplated what Aarin had said.

Hook lifted a roll from the table, grabbing a knife and buttering it carefully, "Your business on where you go is of no concern of mine. I have already granted you passage while you are with Aveda. If she leaves, you do also, unless you have something to contribute. While you have her, you have passage and that's all you need me for. I need not know anything else" he shrugged, taking a bite of his roll.

Aarin wrinkled his nose a little, but before he could protest, Odi interrupted, moving her hand for the first time from the neat position on her lap other than to open a door, by motioning him to silence. "Captain, it has been a while since we've been on a true escapade," she said calmly, "Not since your battle with the Harquats. Also, I hear from Sein and Idre that one of our enemies is in possession of an enchanted weapon--an axe, to be exact." She knew how much he liked his trophies and treasures.

Hook paused, the roll halfway to his mouth. He grinned, taking a bite of it and relaxing back, "Now this, my dear Odi, is why I keep you around. This Axe, how is it enchanted? Where is it, and which of our enemies has it? We have many" he grinned, biting his lip and getting a little excited, "And what do you suggest.."

Odi's eyes gave that satisfied and playful glint and she looked ahead again, her hands refolded in front of herself. "I have learned it has the power to contain souls, and transfer them to any living body," she explained. "It is in the hands of their," she motioned to Aarin and his group, "enemy, currently. And I assume he's also heading to Cuole."

"Then where my Axe goes, I shall follow. You guys are on a lucky streak today" Hook grinned, taking the last bite of his roll, "I need tobuild a new display cabinet in my offices. We are getting too good at this, Odi, my dear" he nodded, looking to Aveda, "Looks like we will get our old times back for a little while, it seems, little sparrow"

Aveda rolled her eyes but smiled. "I should have known it would be the promise of stolen treasure that would sway you to make your decision. I just hope your still fit enough to keep up with me and fight the way you used to..I mean, you're getting a little old brother." She teased with a smirk.

Make sure the captain is aware that an additional person shall be joining our group Iswe..whether he likes it or not. My sister needs to stay with us once we get to Cuole.. Ihara told Iswe as Aveda joked with Hook. He knew Iswe would probably be surprised at the mention of a sister as she had never been spoken of before but Ihara had his reasons.

Iswe nodded and cleared her throat, gently interrupting the jests between Aveda and her brother. "Ihara wants me to mention that we'll be picking up one more passenger once we get to Cuole. His... sister." she explained, a little perplexed. She'd never heard of his sister...

"This is not a pond, Iswe. I am not a fan of amphibians as it is, one is more than enough" Hook frowned, looking to him, "If she is human, or atleast doesnt ribbet, I will think about it, but I should let you all know, this ship does not go anywhere unless that Axe is on board with me. We stay until I have it in my hands. The rest of what ever you are doing, I dont really care about. Just make sure what ever it is, that it is done by the time I have my treasure because we are leaving with or without you." he smiled, moving to butter another roll.

He is lucky I am stuck in this form because if I were myself I would feel the need to teach him some manners. Ihara replied unhappily after listening to Hook speak. How does he expect to get the axe if he does not move the ship? Does he expect it to come to him? Ihara rolled his eyes. Alright..i'll make this easier for him. Tell him if he does not hurry up and get this thing to Cuole as soon as possible and Reise finds Raina before we do..then he and his crew will not be safe even hidden up amongst the clouds. Raina is the last remaining survivor of the old Dragon tribe and she owns the very last great dragon. He sighed, hoping Iswe understood what that meant. My parents took her in as a baby after the great war had finished and all the dragons were supposed to be gone from the land. She was kept a secret for her own safety, that is why I have never spoke of her. So ask this Hook..would he rather have a dragon on our side or against us?

"I told you before brother, he isn't really a frog." Aveda replied with a exasperated sigh. "He is the King of the elves..Cuole is his home, so obviously this sister must be a princess. He must want to keep her safe. I hope you can say you've shared those feelings?" She raised an eyebrow at Hook and smiled before glancing at Aarin. She snatched the buttered roll that her brother had just been preparing and offered it to the prince with a smile. "You should eat something."

Aarin almost wrinkled his nose at the roll, but the smile on Aveda's face made him think twice. He kept himself in check and took the roll with a grateful smile in return, admiring her a moment before he took a bite into it and sighed down at the table. Iswe relayed Ihara's second message, and Aarin nearly choked on his food. "She's what?!" he spluttered, gaping at Iswe and Ihara.

Odi raised an eyebrow at Aarin. "I assume you've heard of them?" she asked with feigned interest.

"I've studied the Dragon Tribe in length!" Aarin nodded eagerly. "We have a few historical tomes on the Dragon Tribes in the library back home... They were incredibly powerful, and can communicate with dragons themselves! There is even belief that depending on how strong the bond is, the Dragon Tribe member can live as long as their dragon does... and that's hundreds of years." he explained. "The tribe member and the dragon are united at birth." He looked around the table, and couldn't help but notice a rather perplexing expression on Odi's face. She looked both impressed and annoyed, and it was probably the first actual facial expression she'd pulled. But just as quickly as it had come, it was gone, and Aarin turned back to Iswe and Ihara. "How old is she? Has she been trained? Is she aware of her lineage?"

"Hey!" Hook snapped at his sister, frowning deeply, "Do his hands not work? Last time I checked, I was the one at this table with a missing hand, he can butter his own damn roll" he huffed, standing, "I am going to get something substantial to eat" he mumbled, walking away from the table and towards the kitchen, looking to the cook who stood straighter when he got there, "Food. Now" he said, folding his arms and waiting for his plate to be filled.

Aveda sighed as she watched hook walk away. "I'll be right back.."she told Aarin then moved after her brother leaving the prince to discuss things with the others. "please try and go a little easy on him okay..he just found his entire family encased in crystal at the hands of his crazy uncle. I know we're not meant to like royals but he's different. He's been really kind to me.." She said in a hushed tone so only hook could hear. "now try and cheer up okay? Didn't you hear what the sprite said? We could have a dragon on our side soon. Isn't that exciting?" She smiled at him then suddenly looked at his hook curiously. "how exactly did you do that anyway?"

Ihara was a little taken aback by Aarin's questions and the fact he seemed to know so much about the dragon tribe. Raina knows she is truly not elf but she doesn't know what she really is. As for her age, the great war was before even your grandfathers time Aarin so she is over 100 years old but to look at her she appears no older than 21. and her powers were bound away when she was a baby so she doesn't even know she had them let alone knows how to use them. He replied. She knows nothing.

"Our side? I think you have it twisted, Aveda. I am on no one's side. I do not know them, not like you do, and as much as I love you and trust your word, I am not on their side. I am sideless. I am on the side that benefits me at the time." Hook said, watching her, "I dont care if he is prince of the whole damn world, or a simple stable boy, the fact remains that he is a stranger to be and will be treated as I treat all strangers who cross my path, with slight distrust and distaste until, if ever, Ii see something I like inside them and perhaps, maybe then, I will ease up. Aside from having you with them, and your word, I havent seen anything as of yet. He needs to earn it like everyone else, you know that is how I work, he is no exception to the rule" he shrugged, looking down at his hook, shining it with his sleeve, "Accident. Kind of. Perhaps one day I will tell you the story but today is not that day, Little Sparrow" he said, looking back to the table as he took his plate, " Why do you care so much anyway? You always were kind, but even you never cared if and when I was nice to someone or not." he said, looking back at her and narrowing his eyes at her questionably, "Please dont tell me he is your lovely dovey partner, sister, I am not sure my stomach could handle that image. I like my boots too much to throw up all over them" he smirked.

"W-what?! No!" Aveda replied in a flustered tone as she quickly shook her head. "You know I don't care for that sort of thing and anyway i'm no princess now am I? He wouldn't be interested in the likes of me." She rubbed her neck and her smile seemed to have became embarassed. "These people are nothing to me brother, I just like to help. Once this is all over..i'll go back to doing what I do best. Working alone...or m-maybe I will take up your offer and join you here." She finished with a firm nod before turning and moving back to the table to sit down.

Once Hook and Aveda had returned to the table, Odi turned to her captain and summed up the conversation that the prince had been having with the frog. "The girl we seek is a fabled Dragon Tribe member. She would be very valuable to have aboard our ship, captain." she nodded matter-of-factly, though something in her tone was dryer than before. Perhaps she was worried that with a pretty Dragon tribe member and a dragon alongside his ship, he wouldnt see need to keep Odi around anymore... and that idea made her very uncomfortable.

"The girl they seek" Hook corrected, lifting his spoon to eat his soup. He took a mouthful before swallowing and relaxing back, looking at them all, "How exactly is she valuable to me? Unless I get to keep that dragon forever and an age tied to the back of my ship, then I am unsure of the value. What is it? The value of having a few days with a flying lizard, I almost cannot contain myself" he frowned, "If I do not get to keep it then Ii am uninterested." he said, taking another sip of his soup, "However. This Axe of mine. If it is in the hands of these men and it is going to this place, then we will go. When we stop, you can do what you want, but you will all help me find and bring that Axe back to this ship. That item is your ticket back on this ship, along with who ever the hell it is you want to come with us. No Axe, no passage back, are we clear?" he asked, watching the newcomers.

Sein glanced at Idre, Iswe and lastly to Odi before finally looking back at Hook with a small frown but she gave a small nod in response. Whatever it takes to keep the prince safe.. She thought. "We will get the axe you seek but it will take all of us to do it. The man that wields it is not afraid of anything it seems and will not give it up easily." She mouthed soundlessly. "But we defeated him once, we can do it again. You will get your treasure and as agreed you will allow us and any others safe passage for as long as we need." She continued as she kept her eyes on Hook. "And maybe if we're really lucky I can retrieve my voice and get Mr Frog's body back..I don't like the way your cook is looking at him like he's planning a new menu.." She joked and a wide grin split across her face making her look like her old self.

Both Iswe and Idre smiled widely at Sein, glad to see her back to herself, if only for a moment. Iswe moved to hug Ihara to her chest, just grateful that Hook didn't intend to hang onto Raina as a captive. He was just after the axe, which benefited them all. Even Odi seemed relieved that Hook had no interest in keeping Raina or her dragon around. Aarin looked less than pleased at how cold Hook was being to everyone, but he nodded in agreement to the deal.

With that all settled, Odi cleared her throat. "I will lead everyone to their quarters now." she said and headed for the door, her hands still clasped in front of her. She opened the door and waited as Aarin, Idre and Iswe all stood and headed outside onto the deck.

Aveda watched as Sein followed after them then turned to look at Hook. "So are you going to show me where I get to stay?" She asked with a smile. "And then you can tell me what jobs you want me to do on board the ship. I don't want you treating me any differently from the others. I'm here to work too..scrub the decks, keep watch..whatever." She continued as she stood from the table.

"Your job is to do what I say. Just like everyone else" Hook said as he stood, reaching to take her hand, "Lets go" he nodded, guiding her out of the kitchens and up the steps. He barked a few orders at some of the deckhands, keeping her close to him as they walked. When they walked up the steps and into his chambers again, he led her to the red velvet curtain that he had come through before, guiding her inside where a large stained glass window arched the end of the room. He pointed his hook to the long couch, giving a smirk, "Ii guess that is mine for now" he nodded before pointing to the large four poster bed, "That, my dear, is your bed. Its mighty comfortable, I assure you"

"I can't remember the last time I slept in a bed. I might sleep for days.." Aveda replied jokingly as she moved to the bed, peeling her gloves off as she did. She tossed them onto the bed then pulled Aarin's cloak from round her shoulders and threw it down next to them. Lastly she moved to one of the tables at the side of the room and began to detach the several weapons from her belt and setting them down. "That's better. Now I guess there's work to be done Ti..I mean Captain Hook." She grinned as she turned to look at him. "So lets get this ship moving!"

Just as she said this, there was a brisk knock at the door frame, before the curtain was pushed aside. "Captain, the guests are in their quarters. I told them to stay there until we call for them." Odi said formally, her expression still passive as ever as she looked at Aveda, then back at Hook. "Your orders, captain?"

Hook turned to Odi, giving her a warm smile. He walked to the curtain, leaning on the frame beside her and shrugging, "Lets set sail to Cuole, shall we? I have an Axe to find" he winked, "You are right, it has been a long time since we went scavenging. I have missed it" he grinned, reaching to stroke and pinch the short hair on his chin in thought and bit his lip, "It will look stunning on my wall, dont you think?" he asked, looking over his walls with other treasures hanging on it or in cases or shelves, "Quite the collection"

Odi looked up at Hook from her place in the doorway, unmoving even as he stood so close to her, and for the first time since the group had come aboard the ship, a smile graced her dark-skinned features. She was staring up at Hook with a deep admiration in her brown eyes. "Aye, sir. On your wall and in your hands. No other captain has as many spoils as you do, captain." she said sincerely. "I'll tell the crew to prepare, and get some wind in your sails then."

"Perfect, Odi" Hook smiles, "Make sure and return to me when you have a moment to spare, wont you?" he smiled, nodding to her before he kicked off the wall and moved to the couch, laying down on it with his feet up, shining his hook again, "So, sister, tell me what you have been doing since I saw you last? Any scandals?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Scandals? Me? Not really. You know me, I like to try and stay on the right side of things. And even though I am a thief by trade, I like to think I do it for the right reasons." Aveda replied from where she now sat cross legged on the bed. "I've only been caught once and that's because I wanted to be. I am a master of my work." She chuckled lightly then flopped back down into the pillows. "So what about you? I bet you've been getting yourself into lots of trouble since you didn't have me around to keep you right..tell me some of your adventures." She finished in a sleepy tone.

"You mean aside from losing my hand? I dunno, sister" Hook chuckled, "I wrestled with a giant shark once to try and steal one of its teeth. its on the wall" he said, pointing to it, "This ship, its crew and I have been on lots of treasure missions, though I will say, that feather in my office was well worth losing my hand over" he grinned, "Are you tired? Would you likeme to leave you alone to rest?"

"No..no you stay. Just keep talking, i'm only going to rest my eyes a little." Aveda replied with a yawn as she closed her eyes. Now that she thought about it she couldn't remember the last time she'd had a proper sleep. "I quite liked that big feather in your office..might take it for myself." She smiled as she tried to fight the sleep but it was quickly taking a hold. "So tell me more..right from the begi..." But before she could finish the sentence she had fallen asleep, curled up amongst the comfy pillows.

"The hell you will, little sparrow" Hook mumbled, moving to stand and walking to her, pulling his soft sheets up over her and leaning to kiss her forehead, running a hand over her head, "Sleep tight" he nodded, turning to walk out of the room. He walked out of his chambers and down onto the deck, finding himself at the edge of the ship and watching as everyone scrambled to set sail. He loved the feeling of going to a new destination with a treasure at the end of it. The ship was always buzzing when this happened.

Odi was at the wheel of the ship, her hands planted delicately on the spokes and seeming to come from her was heavy winds blowing them East. The sails were dropped, and caught instantly on the wind as they were tied down, and just like that, the ship began to move. The oars that had been paddling the boat through the air were moving again also, and she steered the ship gently before handing the wheel off to another crew member when she spotted Hook on the deck. She moved gracefully down the steps from the steering platform to the deck, then glided to him, her hands once again in front of her skirt. She came up beside him and breathed in deeply of the air as they sailed over the lands of Layfette, the village below shadowed by the darkness of the night. She looked at Hook out of the corner of her eyes and said softly, "You wanted to see me, captain?"

"Not for anything pressing, Odi" Hook nodded, watching the village below, "There are very few people on this planet I trust, I like those I do to be around" he said, looking side ways from where he was leaning, "What of our guests? What is your gut feeling on them? I dont like them, but I am unreliable on gut feelings, I dont like any strangers. Do you trust them? I am not going to have to slit anyones throat in their sleep tonight, do I?"

Odi seemed to slump, however subtle the motion was, and looked over the edge of the ship as well. "No, sir. The three sprites we picked up are very sincerely my sisters. Sein is fire, Iswe is water, and Idre is earth. We are four sides to one prism. Our mother designed us that way. I can feel in my heart and soul that they will not harm us. The prince is irrational and immature, but he is no threat. As for your sister... You no doubt know more about her than I." she shrugged slightly.

"Well good. If you know they are your sisters and are sincere, then I trust you. They can walk freely and will be kept comfortable. I want you to keep an eye on the prince, though. Just in case. I will also. Aveda is convinced he is sound, but I feel she is thinking with things other than her brain, or at least, if she is, it may be slightly clouded with adoration" Hook shrugged, looking to her, "Odi I want you to know that you are not my servant on this ship. I have many of those. You can walk freely and do what you want, you are an equal and a colleague, and I trust your judgement. I just wanted you to understand that. That jesting earlier about why I keep you around, I don't have a reason for personal gain. You are not something I wish to keep on this ship like the rest of my treasures. You are your own woman and I hope you are here because you want to be and not because you feel you need to be"

Odi looked at Hook slightly, then turned her body to face him more rightly, leaning her hip against the railing of the ship. "I am here because I want to be," she said matter-of-factly, "I am very aware that I am not just another one of your treasures, even if that's what I may have started out as in the beginning." she teased lightly. She remembered the day she first joined the ship's crew, with Hook as the captain. She was young, naive, and could control the wind. He needed that for his ship. But he had always been kind to her. She inched a little closer to him, but kept a respectful distance since they were up on the deck, in the open views of the other crew members. "That does not mean, however, that I would not like to be again someday." She tilted her head cutely, blushing in a way that made her dark cheeks look almost purple. "Though I'm sure you'd prefer some younger thing... with hair." she sighed, running one of her hands over her smooth head, being careful not to smudge the golden yellow paint on her skull.

"That just gets in the way" Hook smirked at her, "The last thing I want on this ship is a young, giggily, hair tossing, fluttery eyed girl running around" he said, shrugging and moving to look back down to the village, "You are a treasure, Odi, but not one I would ever cage. You are not bound to me. I would never try and stop you if you ever wanted to leave this ship. I would never make that awkward for you" he nodded, "And now that you have been reunited with your sisters, I wonder if that has crossed your mind?" he asked.

Without hesitation, Odi responded, "No, it has not. This ship is my home, captain, my life, and everything I've ever known. My sisters' arrivals change nothing. When this is over, they will go their separate ways and I will go mine.. with you." she said firmly, watching him, unwavering. "Does that answer satisfy you, captain?" Then, teasingly she added, "Besides, who else would be there to save your skin when you decide to lose your other hand to some beast?" 

Hook chuckled at her teasing, "You did a good job fixing me up the first time" he nodded before he reached to take her hand, bowing and kissing the top of it, "Colour me satisfied, madame" he smirked, letting her go again. "I will not keep you if there are things you need to do or if you are tired" he nodded, "Your chambers are still okay, right? Is there anything you need?" he asked. He had made sure she had chambers like his only a little smaller. It was a luxury on this ship. but he figured with her position on the ship, she deserved it.

Odi shook her head at his kiss to her hand, but nodded at him and smiled only slightly. "My chambers are always to my liking, captain. They always have been. Though some company would be nice..." She trailed off, her eyes on the floor, as if contemplating. "Who would be willing to stay with me tonight..? Hmm..." She then glanced at him and shrugged with a small blush. "Perhaps I'll go check on my sisters and see if they have any more questions for me." She turned to go, walking slowly, as if giving Hook a chance to catch up to her, her skirt swaying with her hips as she moved.

Hook gave a chuckle, shaking his head and watching her go before he turned to walk after her, coming to her side, "Who taught you to be Sassy, hm? You certainly didnt have that when you first came here, little miss innocent" he smirked, "I will keep you company, but you better make me that honey tea I love so much" he nodded, gently nudging her and walking ahead, smiling when he got to her chambers and he leaned on the frame, waiting.

Odi looked up at him playfully. "Do I ever give you anything less when you keep me company?" she asked as she moved to open her door, stepping inside and moving to the small, potbellied stove in the corner. Her room was definitely small, room only enough for her bed, a table and two chairs, her stove and a couple of shelves with some cups and a few treasures of her own, and a chest of drawers at the end of her bed where she kept her clothes and paints. She put her kettle on the stove with some water, tossing some wood from the basket beneath the stove into the gate, then lighting it and letting the water boil. Once they were alone, and her door was closed, she looked at him and sighed happily. "I much prefer being alone with you, Titus." she whispered.

"Not so much pressure, hm?" Hook asked, moving to sit down in one of the chairs and watching her. "I prefer it also. I am a different person behind closed doors than when I am out there. You gotta do what you gotta do" he smiled, leaning back, "And I like hearing my old name. It feels more familiar and of home. You and Aveda are the only two people on this ship who know it" he nodded.

Odi tilted her head a little, watching him as he lounged back in her chair. "And I am honored." she whispered. She moved to sit in the chair opposite him, sighing and watching him closely. "It should take us no more than a few hours to get to Cuole from here. I really think our new guests will be astonished to see how quickly we can travel by air." she said softly. "And you should have your new axe in hand by tomorrow evening."

"I sure hope so, because no one gets back on this ship again until I do" Hook smirked, moving to lean on the table with his elbows, "How exactly did you come across the knowledge of the fabled Axe, hm? How many more Treasure quests do you have up your sleeve?"

Odi leaned forward onto her elbows on the table as well, bringing their faces close over the small span of the table's surface, and her brown eyes almost challenged his. "I hear whispers on the wind, captain." she said teasingly in a soft voice, then chuckled and added, "And my sisters told me. They recalled the tale of the first time they defeated the psychotic axeman whom the axe originally belonged to. They claim his soul was trapped inside of it after they'd killed him the first time, and now he's back for revenge." The kettle began to whistle and she stood up with a small sigh, moving to pull it off and pour some into two small tea cups, adding the tea dippers and letting the herbs permeate the hot water before adding some honey and bringing both cups back to the table, setting his in front of him.

"Then your sisters arriving was perhaps good for me afterall" Hook smiled as he lifted his cup, sipping it and giving a small moan, "Perfect, as always" he nodded, setting it down and watching the tea inside closely, "Its strange, seeing Aveda again. I figured I would never see her again, I had made peace with it" he frowned.

Odi sipped at her own tea slowly, blowing on it to cool it between tiny, experimental sips, her brown eyes studying him over the rim of her cup as she listened to him. She finally set her teacup down and looked at him. "But her presence is good for you. I can see it. Even in such a short time, she has affected you so greatly. You seem... gentler. Though I hope that is not noticed by the rest of the crew, lest you have a mutiny on your hand and I'll have to come to your rescue."

"Oh they wont suspect a thing. If there is one thing I am good at, its that I am a good actor" Hook nodded, taking another sip, "They are not smart enough to notice a subtle change in me, and if they are, well..they are not going to know what has hit them when they wake up tomorrow morning" he smirked, "I know how to put on my harsh captain guise, I have it down now" he winked.

Odi chuckled softly, shaking her head and looking at him with toying eyes. "You cannot use that 'harsh captain guise' on me, Titus. Not after so long." She finished her tea quickly and then shifted to lean forward again, watching him and sighing slightly. "I gather you won't be staying with me the entire night tonight, what with your sister's arrival?" she asked a little sadly. "What a shame... I could really use some... company tonight."

Hook gave her a soft chuckle and a smirk as he finished his tea, setting it down and then leaning into her, grinning a little wickedly, "And what kind of man would that make me, hm? I cant leave my sister unattended for too long on a ship full of tempered men she does not know, can I?" he asked, moving to nudge her nose with his, "Not tonight, my ebony diamond, not tonight"

Odi pouted, but returned his affectionate nuzzle briefly before sitting back and lifting his cup, taking it to a small bucket in the corner and dropping them both into the water inside to be washed. "Very well then, return to your sister. I think I'll turn in early tonight."

Hook moved to stand, walking up behind her and leaning into her ear, gently running the backs of his fingers down her arm, barely touching her, "Then sleep well, Odi. I will see you at breakfast. Lock your door." he nodded, stepping back again "Thank you for the tea" he smiled, clearing his throat and walking out of her chambers, jumping down the steps.



Back to:
Neverbeen
Neverbeen: Archives
Neverbeen: Roleplays