IC Scene - The Harbor

The main harbor of Windholm was an impressive sight to most. While each of the ports farther south of Windholm along the west coast of Pendor might have seen more trading ships, Windholm was still quite large. As the last, or first depending on direction, major port before the waters narrowed into the Ravenstern-made river, a fair amount of mineral and manufactured-good laden ships used to stop during their journeys to and from the industrial heart of Pendor.

The revolt had cleared out most of the merchant vessels, only a few remained due to urgent repairs, a lack of crew, or because the owners had joined Conrad Valdor. The docks were far from empty, however. Instead of merchant ships, Vanskerry longboats filled the port.

The air from the sea was quite cold. Although the harbor was free of ice, the sharp gusts of wind sometimes felt differently. The smell of salt and seagulls filled that chilly air, making Windholm familiar to any port-goer.


--------------------------------------

The Sea Viper was the only galley of Empire design in the port. The journey through the rougher seas had been hard on the ship, but the repairs were easily made by the crew.

Seleucia waited nearby, mounted along with five Legionnaires while four of the Shadow Legion Marinus stood in front of them. As Kharad approached his ship, Seleucia simply watched. The man was clearly no Vanskerry, yet armed as he was he could not have been a simple merchant waiting out the storm of rebellion.

Kharad, at first in full run toward his ship, slowed his pace considerably when he noticed the Legionnaires mounted by the dock side. He was not aware that the Legion had even came to Windholm, and thus the sight took him slightly aback. Though in his usual cocky demeanor, Kharad casually strolled toward the group, his hands, as always, upon his scimitars. As he came closer, he began to notice something that seemed rather out of place. A woman? Hah! Perhaps the Legion is not as queer as I thought!

"Well, well, what do we have here? What is a fair young maiden such as yourself doing amongst such company? Forgive me, but for lack of a better name to call you, I presume you are the "Sea Bitch" that the Vanskerry speak of so fondly?"

(Quick as lighting, Kharad slips behind Seleucia and slaps her arse beofre running off down a nearby alley. Tehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe 10 renown for me! )

Seleucia turned her horse to face the man, a bit awkwardly.

"So, I'm a 'Sea Bitch' now, am I? Ha!"

Her laugh was somewhat awkward, obviously she didn't practice it very often.

"It seems you know my moniker, but I still don't know yours."


(And Seleucia dismembers Kharad in a variety of ways, it does not end well. Renown grab failed.)

Kharad feigned shock at her words.

"You dont know who I am? Surely every fair lady from here to Amala has heard of the great Kharad Moriendor, no? If not then I will have to redouble my efforts!"

He took a moment to examine the others within her company.

"You look more than battle ready. A good thing, for as I understand it this city is soon to fall into chaos. For who's side does the Legion claim?"

A smile crept across his face before he spoke again.

"Or perhaps if you simply wish to remain safe from the conflict, I would be more then happy to have you aboard my ship. And your companions to, I suppose"

Seleucia turned to look over the man's ship. Using her 'slave face' she made it fairly difficult to guess her thoughts based on expression, but as a captain Kharad would surely recognize the way her eyes darted over each plank of his own ship. Such a sea-worthy vessel would make the journey home much easier, and she might hold more loot from nomad encampments in the great desert.

"Another time, perhaps. Conrad Valdor is the man to rule this city, and after him another great man will be chosen. Here, on the dock, you cannot have sided for Greysword?"

"Side with a noble? Phah! You truly havent heard of me before then! No, my lady, if it comes to battle my sword is pledged to Valdor, or so I am led to believe. The Vanskerry have the most peculiar ways of swearing oaths"

Kharad took some time to gaze around the harbour to see if more was happening than met his eye. More than anything though he searched the area for any signs of Eventide activity.

"As much as I would love to stay and converse further, im afraid I must make preperations for a rather hasty departure. I'll let you get back to your...vigile"

He inclined his head toward the group before turning away and making for his ship to prepare his men.

(Assuming of course that the Legionnaires let him leave!)

Quickly climbing the gangway of the Maelstrom, Kharad sought out his first mate.

"Tamir! Make ready for a hasty exit from this harbour!

Tamir looked toward him, puzzled.

"Captain? Weve only just arrived..."

"And we are about to leave again. My ship, my orders friend!"

The Maelstrom was a tall vessel that gave an excellent view of the harbour and the city beyond. Kharad moved to the bow and rested his weight upon the rails, from where he could scan the scene beyond.

"And now we wait"

Seleucia watched as Kharad and his ship made ready to leave port. Her legs began to feel stiff from sitting on the horse, such beasts truly were terrible. Finally, after a long gaze across the harbor, she dismounted.

"Stow the horses and prepare the oars!"

The Trierarch handed the reigns of her horse to a crewmen and marched off to a Vanskerry alone. After a brief exchange of words and coin, the man jogged away from the harbor.

Seleucia returned to the Sea Viper and boarded. Quite quickly she gave the order to cast off in Amalan.



OOC: 2 renown spent on Vanskerry for seeekret task. Yes, GM power abuse.

From his vantage point, Kharad watched the Sea Viper slip back into the open waters beyond the harbour. A grinned, but said nothing.

Leaving so soon? Pity. I was planning on sinking the damn thing. And perhaps taking a few...select pieces of the cargo for myself. Perhaps I may yet have the chance...

Far from the supposed battle at the Wharf, an Eventide procession was seen making it's way towards the harbor. They were in tight formation, with a clear center. At the center was an old man that they seemed to be protecting, and the Eventide group continued to march, setting sights on the strange barque in the harbor.

The tightly packed formation quickly caught Kharad's eye, as from his position the dockside was a clear field. It took him sometime to realise that they were his comrades, but when realisation dawned a smile slowly crept across his face. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted to the group.

"Ahoy there, friends! I believe you requested the presence of a devilishly handsome bucaneer such as myself?"

At the sound of Kharad's voice, a sharp command from the center stopped the men. One of the knights stepped out from the group, looking up at Kharad. He raised his black sword in greeting. A smile formed on his lips, then he shouted back, jokingly,

"Aye, but we can't find him. It seems we'll have to make do with a devilishly arrogant Moriendor instead."

-There was a scent not from the Eventide. Someone was here?

Evedas sniffed.

-The harbor sure is empty. I saw the rebels everywhere on our way across the Merchants Quarter. Both sides are on the move I'd say. My guess is where we are going to next, will be filled with rebels since that place is, you know, in chaos itself. We can either force our way in or, side with the rebels. Honestly I couldn't care less who will rule the place be it a greedy noble, or a council of perverted old man.

"Hah! Were that my blades were as sharp as your tongue Sir Ravys! Come, join up on deck, friends! Im eager to hear news of your exploits!"

Rayvs shook his head, then said to Evedas,

"I think we should recuperate, then head straight for the place scholar told us. We don't want to get caught in the fighting, as much as I would love to quench Dusk's thirst."


Turning back to Kharad, Rayvs climbed aboard the ship, swaying slightly as the ship rocked back and forth.

"It's...been a long time since I've been over water instead of sweet land. I'll never know how you've grown to love this, Kharad. It's also been a long time since I've seen you."

The smile died on his lips and he continued, "We've come to Windholm at a bad time indeed."

"Its the freedom that comes with the open sea that I have come to love Ravys"

Kharad moved over to the gangway to extend a helping arm to his comrades as they stepped onboard. He gave a nod of respect to each in turn, until he came to the man that they were escorting, to whom was extended a puzzled look.

"Whos this one then? A new recruit? Doesnt look the type..."

[Javier's Messengers]

A trio of Eventide troops, two Ghilmen with a Knight trailing behind rode into the harbor. They recognized the Eventide gathering near the Maelstrom and headed in that direction.

Robert was the first to arrive. Upon doing so, he dismounted and gave the message.

"Hail, my fellow brothers! Sir Javier sends word. He has gathered his men and waits for orders near the Duke's Wharf. He stationed himself there to act as Eventide eyes for the upcoming conflict, and..."

Robert was stared down by the dark Eventide Knight that caught up with the scouts. Victor, the knight, continued the report in a slow and deep manner.

"... Javier is at the Duke's Wharf. He acts as an observer for our brethren. He awaits word for further instructions, but may charge into the battle to enjoy the upcoming bloodshed.

We also have some information regarding the Duchess' forces at that location. They are well fortified and equipped with rations, with the numbers of at least one-hundred. Her ship is also moored within.

... End of report."

With the message delivered, the trio remained for a reply.

Rayvs thought for a second, then nodded.

"Tell Javier that I will be heading towards the slums soon, and I trust him to do as he sees fit."


Reacting to Kharad's question, Rayvs gestured at the man.

"This is a scholar Valdor sent me to help me gather information. I told him I would escort him to the harbor, however he decides whether to stay with us and help or leave. He's been an invaluable help so far."

Turning to Evedas, Rayvs said "You're right. I don't care either, but one side has more to gain in this and I fear it isn't the rebels. Something strikes me as off about this whole rebellion."


To Kharad once again, Rayvs said "We can't stay long. We're going to need to head out as soon as we can, so we can leave this accursed city as quickly as possible. I would enjoy something to drink, however."

Kharad frowned.

"Ive got some expensive brandy in my quarters that your welcome to have if that suits your taste. And I too sense that something isnt right here. An immodest sense of injustice thats what! These people have made their choice Brothers, and we should stand by them in their fight. They have no desire to be ruled by that tyrant any longer. I say we do what we can to aid them and then be gone"

Kharad looked to the ground know and shuffled his feet, thinking.

"However I understand our need for a hasty exit. And only my men know how to prepare this ship for departure. Whatever choice we make my men must remain here. I will accompany any that need my aid. But I tell you now, I have no intention of leaving this city without blood on my blades"

Kharad perked up his head suddenly after finishing, as if startled by an unknown presence.

"Wait, do you hear that?...shouts from across the city. Many men it seems...it appears that battle now seems inevitable. What is our course?"

[Javier's Messengers]

As the Eventides began to plan their next move, Victor intervened.

"... Battle must have begun at the Wharf. We shall move to rendezvous with Javier there. I shall relay your message."

With that, Victor rode off in the general direction of the Wharf. Nikolai soon followed, and Robert quickly bowed to the gathering before mounting his steed and riding off to join the others.

[The scouts leave the harbor and head towards the Wharf.]

Rayvs sighed.

"Brandy would be wonderful, Kharad."

"As for our predicament, I would rather not take any side until we have what we came for. Striking now may be a mistake; I say we wait until we leave. However, the Duchess's ship is quite close. And I am quite sure she has some rather expensive brandy on board. Just a thought."


"What do you think we should do?"

Kharad was grinning widely now.

"If your thirst for fine alcohol can wait for now Ravys, then im sure we can find a fair collection of fine 'poisons' on board her flagship! Now you are beginning to sound like a man of the waves! Even such a short journey to the citiies far side may be risky though. That Legion woman put to sea rather hastily not long ago, and I dont trust whatever she may be up to"

He spat over the edge of the ship and let his eyes pass over the area where the sounds of battle seemed to eminate from.

"And even better, I think the battle is taking place at the Dukes Wharf as well. It seems that your plan suits us all well Ravys. Let me know what service I can be to you now, and my blades are yours"

-I wonder how will we take the entrance. Stomping in or sneaking in. If we want to sneak in I can manage only few people through some secret routes. But it all stops at the Tempest Bridge. From there on in we must do it openly. So I suggest we move with our people and make it in openly.

Evedas looked around and praise with a astounding voice.

-This ship is pretty. I've never been on board something this scale before. My life remains in the cities, hiding, killing. Of course I did make it to the sea but on fishing boats, back in Elkburg as a kid. Ocean sure is a weapon for someone who it is familiar with.

He reminded himself of something. The darkness in his eyes were lightened as he continued.

-I have something to pick up since I forgot it so you can make it to the slum without me. However, do not cause much ruckus there, sometimes axes have no eye. I trust we are all good fighter and can do it on our own, and lets not die so easily.

Evedas left the Maelstrom and headed toward the tavern, again.

Rayvs smiled and said, "It seems like my insatiable thirst for brandy will have to wait some more. I'll head off to the slums at once."

Frowning for a second, Rayvs stroked his chin wisely said, "I agree that it may be to risky now, but I hope by the time we're leaving, all hell will break loose and it'll be easy pickings."

"You can do what you want, Kharad; I'd trust you with anything I would do myself. If you wish to get involved in the battle, I would highly suggest doing it incognito, as I don't think the Duchess's men recognize you, and I would like for them to have the illusion of Eventide support for a bit more time. A mysterious corsair besting the best the Duchess throws at him; I like the sound of that."

Watching Evedas leave, Rayvs shrugged, and offhandedly said to Kharad "Or you could come help me in the Slums, although I daresay it wouldn't be as exciting as battles."

Rayvs thought for another second.


I hate the slums. Dirty and full of spiders. Spiders that should be exterminated. Oh, how I would love to set the slums on fire. Very much so.


"Nevermind me going to the slums. I would rather get my blade wet. I've had too much time cooped up and I need to teach the world why the dusk instead of the Dawn must be feared."


Rayvs turned and gave orders to his men.


"Send a messenger to Evedas. I'm heading to the wharves. After we clean that up, I'll head to the slums. Tell Evedas that he can go on ahead without me. Describe in detail our Knight-Commander. I'm not sure if Evedas knows what he looks like, seeing as he's much younger."


"Kharad, I would be glad to have you come with me to the wharves."


[Rayvs's men suit up, and begin assembling infront of the Maelstrom, while Rayvs starts heading out to the wharf]
 


Edit- I missed a post D: