Aidan ~ Always the Boatswain never the Shipwright

[Necrotic Shadows]

(First Ever Aidan Story found in another thread)

He threw aside the burlap curtain causing light to splash into the room. Dust particles floated lazily among the shafts of day as Aidan crashed back down on the old bed. The radiant warmth that poured in from the soot covered panes felt good on his skin. Half squinting out at the mid day clouds, wearing his lopsided grin, he had barely noticed the form of another as she slipped out the door and left the dwellings behind her. The world fell away and he was carried elsewhere. Taken to a place well traveled in his mind and to a time far kinder.

The sea swelled beneath his feet, causing the deck to rise and lurch with the voyage over another white cap. A moment later to plummet bow first into uncertainty and then rocked sidelong by a rogue wave. Sea water bubbling and thrashing over the side of the deck before the ship corrected itself. The first mate was barking orders, orders that were drowned out by the high winds and roaring ocean. It didn't matter the first mates words, each man knew his meaning. Aidan lashed himself to something solid, There was little else that could be done but ride it out.

Fear settled heavily on the crew as the squall tossed the ship about in it's anger. Aidan whispered prayers to his deity. No doubt others would be doing the same, most either cursing or praying to Umberlee. It felt like eons, sheltered low against the gun-wall. Battered and beaten the ship seemed lost. He cursed himself for suggesting the captain take her out to test her resolve. Her mettle might be well versed, but would the repairs he made protect her from this?

She stepped into the chamber then, the clack of her soles across the hard wood floor shattered the memory and announcing her arrival as she filled a vase near the bed with fresh flowers. She was a good host, and a kind soul if he knew little else of her, he knew that. "And a great lay" he mumbled, she looked then. "Hmm?" she replied. His smile broadened, raking his hand through the hair at the back of his head and watched her leave once more. He moved to a chair, reached under the small table where he took his meals and pulled out a thick hide bag. It had seen it's weathering. Mold and mildew had taken it's toll and yet inside was a treasure of great personal value. He opened it and moved his hands about the aged tools his father had handed down to him. How these had been of use over the years, giving him a real trade should the desire to see the world, give out.

He remembered back once more, at waking the morning after the storm to the cheers of his shipmates. A proud day indeed for the carpenter. The trip to port was a lively affair, men moving about the ship and taking pride in skillful management of her needs. About them, lay those less fortunate, ships that crept and crawled into port far worse battered than the Lanyard. One thing was certain, there was much to be done here for carpenters. Perhaps he would even see Emma while he was here, or stop to visit his father. Little had he known that these would be the better times of his life, the ones that still held color in the young man's heart. Still offered wind for his sails.

He shook the thoughts away, pulled out the tools and began to oil and clean them. Tomorrow he would speak with his new Captain, miss Desrah. Tomorrow he would prepare for the arrival of The DragonWing and the beginning of his hopefully long residence as her Carpenter.


=====================Years Later=========================
The letter hit him hard, leaving a pit in his stomach. He looked at the parchment in confusion. She was to wed in two weeks to the man she'd loved for years. "Myla" The name rolled off his tongue as Catalina approached from behind. He stood stone silent in the road just knowing somehow it would be her. He turned then and looked at the woman he was growing to adore. "I have to leave, dear. My sister has grown rather ill and there is concern she won't see her own wedding.", It took her by shock as she looked to his eyes questioning everything without speaking a word.

The tall, muscle-bound boatswain put his hands on her arms rubbing them as he murmured. "I haven't long, I take voyage on the first ship heading south and we leave in moments. The Wind Lark they call her". Her eyes watered as she watched him wondering if there were anything she could say and blurted out without thinking, "let me go with you". His heart soared at the thought and fell like a stone with the truth, "You have a dinner to cook for the Phoenix Lodge grand opening. My friends, your work... it needs you". She was broken with that, realizing fully the truth of the situation as he kissed her forehead and spoke his goodbyes. But had she known, could she have known, to turn and watch him go would not have been enough. She admitted to herself she wanted to run after him, and he admitted in his heart he could come to love her. But life often has a way of making plans that contradict our own.

It could be the last time she'd gaze upon the man, whom she'd already come to love. She was not the first, but would likely not be the last, but her feelings were true. His ship however would never make port. During its travel along the coast south of Baldur's Gate, the Wind Lark would meet with violent gale force winds, high waves, and an angry flood of rain. The crew hadn't a chance, no one had seen the dark object awaiting them in the waters ahead. Crashing head-on into a stone outcrop miles from the shoreline. It would be the following day before bodies, lumber and barrels would wash up on shore. Among the dead, the one time shipwright, boatswain, musician, and poet... Aidan Thatcher. News would reach the port in Baldur's Gate but a few days later, and the ear of miss Catalina Sol within the hour that followed.

[Necrotic Shadows]

An accounting of events that led to the finding of Aidan Thatcher:
(informative/not poetic)

Sendings, sent. Scrying, scryed. There was hope in the hearts of some, though the man lay lost with the sea. Both of his captains were the first to come to call at the mysterious disappearance of their boatswain, having left no message for either crew but with his friend Rique.

His captains, his friends both, Desrah and Hoihe worked tirelessly to find the man whom had worked among their crew. He owed them everything, his success in this world had been impossible till they had looked upon him in kindness and offered him work. Now he would owe them more. Desrah with her acquaintances and ability to draw upon favors and loyalty of others, Hoihe with her own steadfast determination to proudly set out in search alone for the fallen. Time was of importance. So too, bonds forged in friendships outside of his trust and keeping with the captains.

Cillian who'd heard from Rique what details could be gathered about Aidan, and knowing that the man left behind a woman who surely was in turmoil over events, set out in search of her to both ask her anything she might know as well as to comfort the woman. Finding her in Baldur's Gate, Cillian discussed moving on and living a happy life if Aidan could not be found, discussed how they had to be prepared for the worst. Catalina defiantly suggested that they should not give up, that they must find him. Cillian agreed and discussing with Rique that he should hire a ship for the trip.

After speaking with those in the harbor it was decided instead to head to the Friendly Arms and gather help to scour the coast by foot. Desrah and those she'd bring were present. Cillian, Catalina, and Rique found Hoihe in Doron Amar and agreed likewise to help. The search party continued south till they found the beaches beyond Candlekeep. Within the shallow waters along the stretch of the coast, miles beyond sight of the keep, there debris from the wreck was located.

Boards, rope, and barrels slipping out to sea just to wash back up again with the waves to roll against the beach. The search was slow as those on hand looked among the floating wreckage. The damage was clearly to a rather sizable ship. After a time of search, a few bodies are discovered that are not bloated like the others. One of a child found nestled between a rock outcrop just off shore, a crewman tangled up in ropes and barrels, and then beyond all hope... Aidan.

Wounded heavily the man wasn't conscious. His saving grace was also his worst danger. He was kept above water by a spar from the ships hold. a wooden brace to hold up a sail, impaled through his back and up out of his chest creating a six-inch circular hole through him. His head hung low nearly in the water, pale white and looking like death itself. Those who weren't attending the crewman and the boy pulled Aidan ashore from the place in which one end of the spar had embedded deeply in the sand. Leaving the length of pole still through his chest.

A cleric was called for, seeing to the wounds that surely should have and still could be the reason of his demise. When it was certain he would stabilize he was carefully returned to the Friendly Arms so that his wounds could be seen to. The rescue carried out by the two captains, friends and loved ones of the boatswain proved to save the man's life. After a great deal of care for his health, he would make it through.


=======================================================

A few months had come to pass, Aidan had recovered fully and now was dealing with much different circumstances. He and Catalina had started a beautiful relationship. He'd won a poetry contest with her present to witness the event. Much to his pride, having her in the audience. It was his third official win with his poetry, but she was what made the night special. Sharing that victory with another meant all the world to him. They went to visit his good friend, Viri. She was a wonderful and kind soul. Aidan took to her much like she were his sister, Erza. She was beloved by Cillian as well, just one more thing the two men bonded over.

After the visit, late into the night... Aidan stood gazing into Catalina's eyes, and knowing in his heart she loved him as much as he had her... he proposed. Her expression, her giggles of excitement, the tears in her eyes... they said everything words could not. It would be short-lived, their happiness. In a few weeks passing, her father was flung from his horse and mortally wounded. Catalina returned to Waterdeep where he lived and took care of him till the end. Aidan would come and visit when there wasn't work... but he watched her slip from him. Slowly she turned quieter, slowly she diminished.... till there was little left that made her Catalina. In the end, she told him to leave. She wanted to stay in Waterdeep to tend her fathers grave. The engagement, the happiness.... vanished.

[Necrotic Shadows]

His feet dragged heavily through the streets. He'd not gotten much sleep since reading the pages of her Diary. Samara, the name was not the girls. She was someone else, a young woman who's name was as unimportant to the world around her. As meaningless as a fly on a battlefield of corpses. So then why was her name all he desired to know? It baffled him, much of it. He could do nothing but get lost in the important clues hidden in every moment of their transactions before her demise.

She had become evil and corrupt, she could have raised her hand and ended him. Right there on the ship deck, like all the other corpses. "Mr. Thatcher" she'd call him, "do you remember me." His gaze squinting, his thoughts jarring to something. It was on the edge of his mind drowning out all her conversation right up to when she said the very words "selling a cow". He'd snapped to, the peasant girl he and Rin had confronted trying to sell stolen animals in the farmlands. He'd tried to let her go with the action once, she fled the scene only to return later with a pig. He'd tried to turn her over to the guards. Rin spoke up and tried to remedy the situation. This time she'd gone for good.

But here she stood, and apparently now the dragon all were calling "Samara", embodied in a girl he'd witnessed with fright in her eyes not months ago. He'd believed her cursed in the moment. Putting aside his fears he approached, talking, came up the stairs towards the aft deck, instead of turning to talk to her, he exposed his back. Giving her every chance at revenge for attempting to hand her over to the guards. The moments past slow, she'd informed Vala, Cole and himself when they'd come aboard, that she had others below and meant to kill them all. She approached behind him then, coming up beside him and said "I'll let them go if you bend the knee and serve me. otherwise I'll kill them all and the dock workers wont get paid. The city will riot, the city will burn", or at least it was how he remembered the moment going in his mind.

He distracted her with idle conversation, assuming she was unaware the other two had slipped below to attempt to free those captured. Even in these sadistic moments, she'd seemed to shine through with brief moments of mortality. She wasn't going to kill him, she might have killed many. But Aidan Thatcher had no reason to believe he'd die here. He'd been ready to tell her he'd bend the knee, if she vowed to leave the city and never returned to harm the townfolk. But he hadn't the chance. From behind, barreling out of the lower decks came Vala followed by Cole. The woman had become enraged with anger, fearless. She was no longer the young woman who first approached him all that time back to tell him she'd heard of his poetry from another. Vala was a warrior, and one he'd great faith in. But take on an elder dragon?

He without much forethought stepped between the two. As much to spare his friend, as in hopes of finding a solution to save the girl from what bound her to the dragon. It was not enough. With reflexes borne of determination, Vala's blade circumvented Aidan, slipped around his waist and plunged straight through the girls stomach. She cried out "How, I'm a god!!!" She whimpered, she faltered, the girl transformed into a large black dragon and then all was gone, a dark shadowy fog billowed around them. They all came to in the eastern farmlands, overshadowed by the mammoth creature. Aidan desperately sought to be out from under it. The shadows grew thicker, and she turned back into the girl. She lay barely moving in the dust. Aidan knelt beside her. Vala too came up beside her, but to threaten the girl and said she'd end her unless she promised to go away and not return.

Aidan looked up at Vala with a look that must have stated the grim truth that the girl would not live, before his gaze turned once again to Samara, looking her over. "You're dying, Samara" , he said with shaken energy, his eyes watching her's. There was something there, a deep uncertain familiarity and kindness like two souls converging on a point in realizing they'd known each other all their lives and somehow hadn't known each other at all. Aidan felt a cavernous, stabbing pain within his being that echoed and shattered in broken remorse. He had no time to question why her dying would affect him so, it would happen soon. She spoke weakly to him, vulnerably gentle words escaped her, "I'm sorry.... I'm so so sorry. forgive me". Her eyes sparked open wide, death sieged war on her body, head lulled back, her body fell limp, her eyes glossed.... and she was gone.

They had little chance to puzzle the matter as evil flaming hounds came to attacking them. By the time they looked back at the body it was cinder, disintegrated before them. While Vala and Cole gathered themselves, and the shadows slowly cleared. Aidan searched through the ashy remains of what was once a young woman. Finding a diary close by, finding too, her teeth, a couple small bones, and a finger. He scooped them in a bag, not out of morbid obsession, but out of precaution. He wasn't sure if someone would try and bring her back, or if someone would use her remains for ill. He'd hoped to bury her as some final offering for the guilt he felt about offering her to the guards. Later when his head cleared more, he thought on the fact that were she innocent, just cursed, maybe returning her to life was justice.

=======================================================

He tripped, his foot hadn't been lifted far enough over the uneven cobble where the road sank slowly towards the center. Here puddled water had sloshed around his foot and the sensation, the stagger the road brought upon him pulled him from his thoughts on that past. He was nearly home. The streets were still dark, the lamps had long ago burned out. It was quiet, eerily so. Thickly surrounded by yet another fog, this time of a more normal variety, he'd moved up to his house door, withdrew his key. Dropping it, he chuckled softly to himself. One hand on his door to support him as he stooped to grab it, the door slowly opened. He'd not left it unlocked. He left the key, drew his blade, stepped quietly through the door.

What manner of witchery was this?! His house, always kept tidy, had been ransacked. His good lounge pillows were thrown in all directions from his dinning table. Books were scattered on the floor below the bookshelf. He stepped forward, instantly saying "no.... no.... no no no" in a hushed tone as he saw the book he kept hollowed out for loose coins, laying open and empty. His large atlas full of letters had also been flung needlessly aside, with very few of the letter still remaining. He walked to the bedroom in haste, what else could they have taken? There was a stir, a startled gasp in the darkness. A twang, thud as something hit the wall behind him. Then the bloom of pain through his right arm as he felt the warm liquid trickle down his elbow.

He crashed backward into the archway between the dining room and bedroom, felt someone, a smaller someone, in fact, shove past in a hurry for the door. As he slid down the frame of the archway, he couldn't help but think how familiar that fragrance was. He heard her stop in the doorway, knew she'd hesitate. "I'm.. sorry", she left him with those words, "oh the irony", he thought as he struggled to find something to wrap his arm. "bugger me".

[Necrotic Shadows]

*Aftermath of the things that have come with the turning of another page, Aidan gathers some things, locks up his home and sets off on the road south. leaving a few letters to deliver to people he needs to keep informed of important matters he was privy to. He doesn't say in the letters, where he's going, nor when he will return*

[Necrotic Shadows]

Time's a cruel mistress. She rewards unjustly to some lovers and leaves others in wanting. The later was the case for Aidan. Whether or not there was murmur of his falling into fortune on the street, it did his heart no service. "There goes that lucky bastard" He'd heard a man say. It soaked in and left him with a chill. Damien, the one they call "old man", greeted him by the fires as "Aidan, the richest man on the coast". But what was wealth when it came at a cost too high to pay?

He remembered what was lost, not what was gained. She was always sweet to him. Well, it's better to say she was sweet to him when she didn't consider him "the coward". Which she was known for doing the first time he left her ship and crew. He'd left because there were claims of piracy. He was a man of reputation, and that reputation wouldn't court well with piracy. He intended to be a shipwright someday and that lifelong dream required that he was known to be a fair businessman who stayed clear of trouble. None of that mattered back then to Desrah or her first mate at the time, Anglo.

But, that had been in their past.. She'd prove not to be a pirate and though they weren't on good terms, she had come upon a scene at the fires outside of the friendly arms. Aidan was defending Desrah when others suggested she was a pirate. They could give him no proof of such short of the fact tht she wore a pirate hat. He tried to explain the necessity of a tricorne and how it didn't make someone a pirate. None however, would hear him, they just laughed.

Desrah approached him later, her eyes welled with tears. She'd told him how wrong she'd been about him. She realized only to late that she'd just been scared to lose him. Their friendship, whatever it may have been only grew from then on. Over time he'd become her closest friend and confident. He returned to service repairing her ship. Had become her first mate twice between the men she'd been courting who took the position. A bond formed and an understanding between them. She was a very large part of his life.

That...however....was gone now. She had to leave in a hurry. Everything was left behind. Her ship, her Social house in Ulgoth's Beard, even all her material wealth... it was all laid before him. He'd hardly had the time to process what had come to be. But it was worth it right? the wealth? no..... He'd lost his Catalina, he'd lost his best friend Desrah... and though he had others he cared for.... he'd never felt so empty in his life, nor more alone. He was lost for where to turn or what would come next.... The only purpose he had at present was to make sure that Herran who'd gotten Kidnapped, and Vala who'd wrestled with her demons.. were both freed. When that was done.....He knew what that meant for him. He'd sell the Anchor, resolve his affairs, and set sail for parts unknown. Maybe Calimport for warmer waters and the allure of belly dancers, his crew would like that. He hoped everyone he'd come to know and care about would understand his decision.

[Necrotic Shadows]

The ship sailed into the port in the early morning mists. Aidan thatcher, just a traveler on the voyage from the Beard to the Gate. He was up on the railing, hanging out over water, one arm wrapped in the rigging. The calls of the crew, the orders of her officers somewhere left miles behind in his thoughts as he stared at the approaching dock and half-heartedly jumped from the railing to the catwalk as they came in close. A mooring line was tossed to him, he'd not been aware it was thrown at all till it crashed over his shoulder and woke him from his spell. He smiled up at the young cabin boy who was having a laugh at the man. It only made Aidan smile more as he wrapped the mooring line around a post further up the way and used it for leverage to slow the ships advance towards the shore.

"You'll be needing your coin, Bill", He called out to the captain and began to untie his coin pouch. The captains mate cleared his throat, "no ye don' Mr. Thatcher... we're squared up". The Willow Tide had been on it's way here and were it wasn't normally a transport ship, they'd kindly offered to carry the man along instead of leaving him to travel as any other would, waiting for a ship on the docks. A chuckles and nod from the Shipwright as he turned his back and went to leave, tossing his hand up to wave behind him, and looked back. He made his way down the docks, tucked his hair up under his hat. The sound of his heel drumming against the planks as he carried a tune in his head. It was an old song, this one, one that his mother use to sing when he was sick. He smiled at the memory and hadn't given much thought to why he was remembering it now.

He took his leather Jerkin off, slipped it under his arm and carried on down the cobble through town. At this hour, those stirring for work were still fewer than those stumbling home from the night before. Heading out to the farmlands he took his normal spot on the bench. It wasn't long before Netanya happened along. Her typical conversations about Fernando the clothing designer and talk of life. He'd found himself rather distracted in the conversation and then......

"Hi!" She'd said in her energetic and cheerful way. Had that "hi" come from anyone else, it'd have just been another hello. But, Juniper's hello was a statement of her character. That word from her mouth was as good as "hey there, see me. I want to know how your day is. You are just who I was looking for." all rolled into one small word. Aidan looked up from his conversation where Netanya would have continued on all day even without a response from him. She was an important woman, and she knew she was, so there was nothing better in the day than to talk about herself.

She was smiling, the girl. Her eyes bright with wonder and excitement. Behind her stood her gondsman as she went to sit. He'd notice the golem, but hardly given it thought. She wasn't like any girl he'd seen before, but then she wasn't from around here. In fact it was rather clear she was an outsider. She wore a pauldron on her left shoulder, with a face created upon it with bright colored paints. It was hard to tell if the face was smiling or angry. Down her whole left arm was metal plates and gadgets. Sitting there in her shorts, laced up bodice and oversized boots. She wore a pack upon her back with cogs and metal items hanging from it. There were sounds of shifting liquid, and parts clanking about within, anytime she moved. Her hair red-pinkish and kept tied up close to her head caught the light of the mid afternoon in charming ways. He'd shook any thought from his head and introduced himself as Captain Thatcher. She'd hardly noticed as she went into the reason she'd come and who she was as he inquired politely.

“Who, me?? I’m Juniper and I’m looking for ‘it’!”

“It?” he asked.

“It !!” her more than little excitement barely containing, her eyes shifting to the gates leading to the city.

The way how an almost child-like fascination oozed from her seemed a little strange... cause although she looked young, she didn’t look -that- young. When the girl put her backpack between her legs, revealing its contents by opening it, she definitely would be considered as weird by most. Old pipe parts, taps, bolts, a hammer and an oil spray bottle, and that was only what was on top in her bag. Was she a junk collector or scavenger of some kind? With her excitement personified in the way how she rummaged through the ‘junk’ in her bag, and judging by her outfit, she sure looked like the type of person who didn’t just pay attention to the lastest and newest stuff around, but also older things no one never really paid attention to in the past. Perhaps then because those objects were useful to just her?

At any rate. From a local’s perspective she sure was one hell of a strange, exotic fish who had washed up on this part of the coast… And yet when she discussed her skills as a tinkerer of Gond, ideas flashed within his mind. She might be just the secret weapon his company needed to pull ahead in an industry full of parallel thinking shipwright merchants. All busy trying to build just the better model, or lowering their prices to undercut competition. She posed the chance at something different, something refreshing and new and he saw the girl in a light he might not have otherwise had she not mentioned her talents, "say.... do you have some work while you're in town?" that first question of her left room for so much possibility and led to her excitement when he suggested his crew and eventually his shipwright office would be in need of a tinkerer.

He along with Netanya, walked Juniper to the river and from there took boat to the twilight rose. He'd given her, her first look about. Juniper's eyes were full of wonderment, looking at the interior of the Rose long after Netanya took her leave. He knew the ship well, considered it's beauty, but that was at the back of his mind as he watched the curiosity bloom in Juniper. For the moment all his desires and plans to leave the coast with the ship, had escaped him. She agreed to work for him. He'd gave her a starter loan, some coin to buy the tools she might need, she'd have to work those off. As she walked away, he couldn't help but be reminded she was a woman, her hips swaying as she went.


Captain's Log:

Nightal 2, 1352. Taken on eight barrels of ale, three barrels of whiskey, four casks of mead, twenty four bottles of wines import of Waterdeep, seven bags of flour, two barrels of grain, one Gond girl.

I have gone over the accounts, we are set for voyage lasting no longer than eight days with current crew. We've necessary repairs to the tiller, support for the lower deck stairs. I've hired on a woman tinkerer of Gond, she sounds like she's quite sure of her capabilities so I'm going to give her a chance to prove her worth here. I just hope the men show her the same respect as both Desrah and Solaris. Though I will take consideration here and admit while still attempting to be professional about it, she's quite attractive.

~Aidan Thatcher, Captain of the Twilight Rose~

[Necrotic Shadows]

It was still doing it. Aidan drummed his fingertips against his leg. Leaned back in his chair, one foot up against the edge of the desk to keep him propped back. He liked that lazy position, slumped down in his chair, slouching, leg up over the arm, the other keeping his chair back on two legs. However, not so much as he liked his privacy. Why'd she leave it here? He'd just do it as well. He stared at the "gondsman" as Juniper had called it. Was it even an it? or a him? maybe a her? "She did say gonds"man"" It had to be a male then. All this gondsman talk and he wasn't even sure what it did, except....stare at him.

He went about making himself busy shuffling through some papers. he'd lean sideways in his chair to look down the ships hallway, see Juniper busy tinkering with something, tapped at it, moved a part, and then he watched a cog roll down the hall towards him. He leaned back in so she wouldn't see he was monitoring her. By the gods would the damn thing stop staring?! "Gondy... do something", he finally muttered. It'd been only yesterday since she'd been hired and though he'd seen her messing about with things he still wasn't entirely sure about her. He wanted to believe she was invaluable to his plans. So far, she was good for distracting the men. He'd caught two gawking when she'd been bent down picking through a chest of oddities the captain kept on board. He'd give a grunt and clear his throat, instantly they'd return to work like they never stopped to begin with. It wasn't the only time he'd come to find her the center of attention. If the men weren't eying her like she was diamonds, they were getting lectured on the best way to maintain door hinges, or the proper way to load a Gambleopper straight-shot six hundred quadrafire ballista.

The day pressed on with the staring golem, The man did his best to sort through papers, tally his expenses and investments. Looked up, saw the gondsman still did nothing but stare. It'd gone past the point of annoyance, into acceptance, Aidan Thatcher was smiling, chuckling even. He looked out the window of his office at the ocean behind him, to find he was staring at darkness. Had it really been night already? Perhaps it explained why the ship was so quiet. He got up, went to check on the Gond girl. He walked out of his office to find her hunched over her work bench, a spot of drool stringing from the corner of her mouth to the table. Her short redish-pink hair down over her face. Along the bench he found several repaired articles the ship was having issues with. Objects that might seem trivial to most, like the creek of a door, or an offset lock latch you had to lift a door to close, Juniper would notice and find solutions to fix.

He couldn't help but look about in wonder, his eyes on the lamp first. You no longer would have to lift the lamp glass to reach in with fire to light the oil, she had put in a lever that struck flint to metal and caused sparks to ignite a small amount of cloth you need only drop in from the top of the lamp. He murmured as he looked it over "clever girl". A regular door hinge with a material now placed connection both portions, when opened it would pull it back closed. "this will help when the men forget to close my office door.", he mused. A crank-crane for the cargo hold, now things would be lowered by something more reliable than his crew members handing things down to one another. When he was done looking over her creations, her few schematics drawn out and rolled up here or there, he looked to her.

Aidan crouched next to her, gently pushed hair back out of her face. "Juniper.... hey dear.... wake up, it's very late and you've been at this all day". She stirred then, fluttered her eyes open a moment, her sweet smile offered so readily. She murmured, "Pixel, I'm not hungry" her eyes closed once more and soft snores escaped her. He chuckled to himself, slipping one arm under her legs, the other around her back and drawing her against his chest he lifted her from the seat and walked her down the hall toward his quarters. He felt her slender delicate hand come up and rest against his chest, and couldn't help his smile. He looked to her gondman in passing, the gondman stared. Aidan defended himself, "She's sleeping, I didn't do it.", walked her into his room and placed her on the bed, pushing the covers up over her and watched her for several moments. He returned to his office, put his hat on the gondsman's head, "you're on duty, acting captain". With a large yawn he rubbed at his eyes and exited walking around the corner he took his old hammock, laying right under Solaris' slowly swinging body. he poked her when her arm slipped down and started feeling at his face in her sleep.

With the following morning he woke to a murmur near his ear, "thank you" she'd said shyly. He'd look up, half bloodshot eyes and a groan as he tried to find some comfort. She gave him a knowing smile, she was aware the nice rest he had given up for her. She turned and went, Aidan watching the Gond girl walk down the hall towards her work, "least someone got good rest".

The next few days were a blur of activity upon the Twilight Rose, the men had formed a bond with Juniper. Most who were now treating her in a much different way. Protectively like a kid sister, they offered help with anything she needed. Aidan watched on as his men took to her as one of their own. He himself was rationalizing her in a new light, she was so much more than a tinkerer. She was inquisitive and adventurous, if the men wanted to show her something she was more than willing to try it. Swinging from ropes, climbing the rigging, learning how to turn down sheets and raise them. She was being taught the knots and terms of anything on the ship she didn't already know. She wasn't a distraction, she was a god-send and Aidan would pray to Sune for her blessing on his ship.

Over the course of those days, He spent time working beside her. They discussed her designs and he tried to explain the things he needed on the ship. Each adding their intellect to the conversation, hearing one another and thinking to much a like sometimes, which only caused laughter. He made sure she felt appreciated there, given ample room to conduct her work without distraction. However, the men who'd once run to the Captain and say "Aidan you got to see this!", now did so for Juniper instead. He couldn't fault them for it, she'd a charm about her. The girl possessed a soft spoken gentleness, a light of laughter in her eyes and a curiosity about everything. It took little for Juniper to be part of the crew, it came natural somehow. For a girl who was use to being friends with her own creations only, she found herself at comfort among his men. His mind had changed, he couldn't leave the Gate, he didn't want to leave.


Captain's Log:

Nightal 7, 1352. Taken on one crate nails, fourteen planks of ash, four barrels dried herring, one bag of salt, two bags potatoes, box of assorted spices, three casks of oil and a desire to remain in Baldur's Gate.

I've worked with Gondy readily. He and I share a communal link. He does not say much, but I know in his heart he agrees to the decision made. So from here on forth when I sleep each night, I relinquish my hat to the new nightwatch captain. I've already sent five men to speak with him when they choose to stir me from my sleep for varying reasons. Solaris' snoring is not something I can solve, I've spent the better part of a year hearing it close up when she lay in the hammock above mine. I also can't prevent John from eating the portions of salt pork the other men decide to give to him when he bullies them into it. I'm not sure they're aware of how big, big John is... I send them to the nightwatch captain. Whom I imagine stares and politely lets them talk without interruption. He's a good captain, he's doing it right.

Juniper is an asset to this ship and I don't know how we got along without her. I've seen a renewed zeal in the men that hasn't been there since I broke it to them that Desrah is not returning. Many of the men have come to her with little personal projects they ask her if she can handle, she seems to manage this well. I've had no complaints about her performance and that might be a first about anyone among the crew, they're normally quite ready to belly ache about each other. I've said my prayers to Sune, in thanks for our Gond girl.

~Aidan Thatcher, Captain of the Twilight Rose~

[Necrotic Shadows]

His own scream of agony woke him from his sleep and he gasped for breath as he sat bolt up. His chest heaving, his breath now coming on in pants. He'd been holding it again. Sweat soaked to the point his shirt was as damp as the times Erza cast her rinse spell upon him. Aidan looked about, trying to make sense of where he was. He'd assumed for a moment he awoke dead and he'd finally pay for his life. But this was another form of punishment, this one that left him gripping at his sheets and gritting his teeth. He rubbed at his eyes, held back a choked sob. He put his arm across his mouth as he quieted himself, letting the tears fall in the darkness.

Eight years had gone by. It'd gotten no easier. Eight years of reliving the most regretful moment of his life, if hell existed, it began with her death. He was remembering it so vividly that he could still feel the warmth of her body in his hands while his shipmates had backed away to give him room. No one had wanted that. Yes, they were there to apprehend him and his cousin, but a nobles daughter? This wasn't what they'd signed on for. He'd sat beside her and looked in horror at his blade, where it had went through her belly and came out her back. cradling her in his arms. Those eyes that had been placid and adoring the night prior, in this moment of the small hours, watched in terror. She didn't understand, she didn't know how it could have happened. Her lips were parted, quivering as she weakly murmured, "I love you, please don't let me d-". She'd not got to finish her words, but, he knew in his heart she expected him to save her from this.

He'd been her white knight, after all. Here that white knight was now, his own blade filling her mortal wound. Her head fell back, but her eyes didn't flee his as he held her in his arms and begged her to stay with him. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as her head lulled to the side. He buried his face against her chest and sobbed then. His cousin had been laying in a pool of blood of his own behind the young man. Some of his own crew dead by his hand and he was not going to be allowed to escape. He'd felt himself being bodily lifted from the ground by a few of them, he tried to grasp at her but all he could get his hand on was the blade, and jerked free he gave it a hell of a swing, chopping down two of them before they'd time to realize what was happening. Giving a hard shove off he slammed into others and pushed through running for the door. His escape was made when the heavily armored crew-mates couldn't keep up with him. He'd leave Athkatla, not to return.


He stirred from his thoughts and moved to the edge of his bed, his feet finding the floor in the pitch blackness. He was in his room at home, he could tell by the shackled manacle around his right wrist. He'd installed it when he moved here. It was a rather poorly thought out idea, but it kept him from wandering the streets when he didn't wake from the night terror. Few lovers ever stayed around long enough to see past the malady, one or another leaving for a life with someone who didn't scare the life out of them. He'd believed for a long while it may have been the reason Callista had left. Catalina on the other hand had never got to the point of seeing him like this. He'd wait for her to fall asleep instead, and then self medicate with enough bottles of wine to drown a dwarf. He slept better when he was drunk. He'd gone to bed sober last night. But it was another day, He had to go out and pretend he was among the living, paint on a smile and jest to make sure people didn't see he wanted to cry.

[Necrotic Shadows]

Gala: part 1

The plan was not to go to the Gala. He'd told others he wouldn't be going. Hadn't said it was because he was dateless for the night. But today, the day of the Gala when he realized it might give him a chance to get news about his business out there, he had looked hard for a date. Even had one woman willing to go till he mentioned it cost coin and he'd offered to pay her way. She'd left him there right near the palace because she couldn't accept his generosity. It makes for a depressing story to be sure, not one Aidan Thatcher would relish telling others about. He didn't know what the fates had in store for him... nor how Sune had smiled down on him in that moment... She had other things in mind or so he would later come to believe.

He was in sight of the palace, no date, completely frustrated that he'd not known about the Gala long enough ago to make plans. Luck couldn't have got much worse, and as someone who on occasion prayed to Tymora, he mumbled at her under his breath. Making his way back into the east gate he was heading towards the tables outside the Elf Song Tavern. There standing between the tables was Juniper. "Aha!", his chance. Surely the boss could convince his employee to go, drag her along even! Oh the cruel fate, she was a fly in a spider web. So he walked up and smiling, "Juniper I have this Gala I wish to attend but I refuse to go without a date. It's rather formal so you'll need a dress". The girl stood there a moment blinking, "wait.. a what? who me? no I think.. I don't even own a dress".

It just so happened Aidan had dresses. The man had kept an assortment of clothing he'd bought for Catalina as presents he never had a chance to give her. One perhaps would fit her. Though Juniper was not as small as Catalina by any means. The girl was beautiful, well figured, not at all petite like the girl he often called little Cat. Juniper was a woman grown in every regard except for her sometimes child like curiosity and nature. He made her wait only a moment as he retrieved a gown and brought it to her, one he'd have had the seamstress take in at the waist and bosom before Cat could put it on. "try this on Juniper", There was a look of uncertainty in the girls face. He smiled, "Juniper it's okay. If you don't enjoy yourself I'll ask someone else next time. But there will be food, drinks and dancing". Her eyes lit up at that. Juniper liked to dance, even if the only dance she knew was some funky thing she'd attempted back home in Lantan.

She took the dress and though there was that look of shy uncertainty, she moved off to go put it on. Aidan found himself a place to sit, wondering how much of the Gala he'd already missed. His mind abuzz about it all.

He'd not seen her walk up, but gods he couldn't miss her when he finally noticed. Nearly falling when he goes to stand. She was... damn she was gorgeous. He'd thought her beautiful before today, he'd rationalized it that he had a duty to his crew and work, her being there wouldn't effect things. But this, this was a whole new Juniper. The man of practiced confidence and a gilded tongue that often ushered forth silver laced words, fell over himself to find the right thing to say now. His heart picked up beat, he felt nervous. "by all that's holy", but she'd not heard him. Looking over the dress herself she smiled, "I like it" He was staring, his mouth must have been hanging open with the way she was looking at him. "what?", she'd asked. He shook his head and smiled. "We're going to be late", he said. She worked for him, he couldn't let what he was feeling, thinking in that moment come to meddle with that.

As they began to walk he turned and looked to her, She was still wearing her bulky pack. It was full of pipes, gears and other assorted objects. "we'll have to leave your pack at my house", her look of instant protest caught him off guard. "Junip-" She cut him off, "no, I can't leave it". This wasn't going to be good, after everything that'd come to pass and finally someone who would attend. He couldn't bring her there like this. "If not my hom-" He smirked at he stubbornness she was shaking her head before he'd even finished. It made it all the more endearing to him that this beautiful willful creature was shaking her head while still maintaining that smile. A smile that though he'd seen since she'd joined the crew near a week back, seemed to shine brighter, more radiant that he remembered. It couldn't have been all because of the dress. Something else was changing.

He offered his arm and she looked at it, "This is something I'm suppose to do?". Aidan nodded, "yes it's a social grace, when being escorted to a Gala you should hold the man's arm who is taking you. It shows respect and lets others know who you're there with". She slipped her hand around his arm and he walked her to the palace district. They talked about the matter while she continued to display her nervousness. The only thing Aidan could see was how well she filled out the dress he'd gave her. "you can keep the dress, I don't think I'll need it anymore", She'd smiled brightly. His mind was racing, "Why does she have to be so intoxicatingly beautiful?". "hmm?", she replied. Damn I must have said that out loud instead of thinking it, he thought. He flushed a bit. "nothing, it's nothing"

[Necrotic Shadows]

Gala: Part 2

They approached the guards and one of them stepped up. Aidan murmured to Juniper, "They won't let you in with the pack on, you can leave it with them it will be safe. He's a guard, he can guard it"

She looked at him and the guard as if they were asking her to leave her most precious possession ever behind. Like they wanted to take it from her. It was, after all, a very special bag, made in Lantan, specifically made for her. But if she'd tell them that, she wouldn't be able to head in as she wouldn't trust the guard anymore. On the other hand she was very curious about this party, and she couldn't make it look as if she didn't trust her boss, right?

Reluctantly his employee shrugged off her pack, eyeing the guard like she might break him if anything happened to it. Aidan gave their names to the clerk, as well as his coin and then proceeded with her to the ballroom. As they entered, he'd felt like a king in the moment with her on his arm. Many stopped what they were doing, some stared. Aidan knew why, he'd felt it was deserved. She may not have been the most beautiful woman in the room, but to him there were none more perfect, none he'd rather have on his arm than Juniper.

He'd barely got to the bottom of the stairs when Derik approached and wanted to pull him aside for conversation. He'd enough time to introduce Juniper to Erza and Rin who gave their knowing glances and assured Aidan they'd look after her. He walked away to where Derik was standing to talk business. Meanwhile, his gaze would constantly seek Juniper out. He didn't want to lose her in the crowd, didn't want her to leave. The talk though a very important one and one that was necessary, seemed to drag on. Till finally Aidan said, "We do need to discuss this more, but I've a young woman I've brought tonight and I would sorely regret if I didn't spend my time with her". Derik had laughed at that and nodded. Told him to go enjoy himself.

When Aidan returned to Juniper she was talking to Sir Diclofop Dippledop of Lantan. She was extremely excited, he'd never seen her as happy as she looked. Laughing, talking about home and experiments. Then the dancing started and both the gnomes present including Diclofop, as well as Juniper started to dance in interestingly humorous ways. She giggled then, and some dam within him, some flood gate long closed for repair, busted open. He watched her, in awe he gazed at this divine creature he'd brought among the who's who of Baldurian life, she wasn't just managing, she was exceeding everything he'd hoped. That one sing-song giggle made his heart feel light and his head spun out of control with the revelation that he was feeling things for her. Whatever that was, he tried hard to suppress. He was her boss, he had to be that man. So he joined in the dancing and watched as Erza and Rin did as well.

When the dancing ended he stood about with the others. Derik came over and apologized to Juniper for stealing her date away. Then after a bit of laughter and talking with her.. went to get cheese to eat, she wanted some as well. Aidan stood back. "Be her boss, that's who you are to her. Catalina will return, do not forget her", he tried to convince himself while every fiber in him wanted to take Juniper and lead her away to be alone.

He instead went and got some food, and brought her a plate as well. He stood eating while she and Derik continued to talk, laugh and smile at eachother. His heart had lept, then crashed and found itself at the center of one extreme to the next. It was getting to him, fatiguing him. So he finished his plate and stood by the wall. There was a great deal of other things going on. The Dukes were having a serious conversation with one in the crowd but it all escaped him, his mind was on a girl.... one that stood before him and had been stealing little parts of his sanity, piece by piece. He was jealous, a feeling he didn't handle well.

Eventually Derik broke off to see what the commotion was about and Juniper joined Aidan by the wall. While everyone else in the room was focused on the Dukes, they were in a deep and enjoyable conversation with each other. He'd not forget those eyes, later tonight he'd be gazing at them in his dreams. But at present, everything else was drown out, except her. Though the conversation was quite interesting were he asked to recall it later he'd probably fall silent and instead eventually, mention how beautiful she looked. When the Gala ended, he helped her with her pack, walked her to the Elf Song Tavern. Down their way there he was carefully watching the alley's they passed. Juniper just smiled and when he told her it was best to be on your guard she said 'he' was watching over her.

"Your Gondsman?" He inquired.

She nodded,"He does more things and one is protecting me. He's out there somewhere."

"Well, I'll just ... watch over myself then." He said.




Arriving at the door of the inn, they spent a half hour standing outside talking to her about random things. Anything he could do to keep her interest in talking. He watched her lips, grinned at her smiles, laughed at her giggles. She was amazing.

Derik came up to talk to them, but seeing them have a moment he wandered off instead. Aidan had said his goodnights, watched her walk in, and moved off down the cobble, out of town, smiling from ear to ear.

The following day when he'd talked to Rin, she'd told him that she thought Juniper was cute. But they talked about more serious matters, Aidan was still holding onto Cat in his heart, and it was true. he still expected her to return, still wanted that relationship. Rin told him that it wasn't right t get jealous over Juniper since he wasn't going to devote himself to her. Of course Rin was right, and it would be another day before he saw Juniper once more. She'd been so happy to see him. They'd talked in the graveyard while there with Erza and Rin. Later in the day Juniper had to leave, Aidan asked her aside to talk to her... and then.... there... she kissed him on the lips. He'd felt awful for what he needed to say, so when he lay his past out, told her that he intended to wait for Cat's return. She became distant, then looked as if she made a mistake, offending him by kissing him among the reasons for it, and not long after they parted ways. The way she looked ... looked like she was heart broken. And this was her first kiss like this with anyone. Only he didn't know that either at the time...

A heartbroken feeling he as well shared as he went to the Muse and talked with folks there who told him he was a fool for letting her walk away. He spent the night agonizing over his thoughts, trying to find himself, trying to determine what he wanted and it occurred to him then. He had been forced to live without Catalina, she wasn't returning... the only thing that made him more miserable was the idea that he could lose Juniper. He spent the better part of the next day searching for her and when they ran into each other outside of Candlekeep, she sat down on a barrel. He got on his knee and leaning in he kissed her, "Juniper... forgive me.... be my girl... please?"

She was surprised, perhaps a little overwhelmed... but the foreign girl didn't hesitate, she knew what she wanted. They'd court from here on, it was serendipitous in the end.

(A special thanks to Lum for the collaboration)

[Necrotic Shadows]

From the first mists of morning, the ship was alive with movement. The crew had been gathered to go over duties, discuss improvements and inspect the entirety of this ship. It took the better part of the wee hours.

Right after those first mists had dissolved, with the last remnants of the fog scattering drops of golden light about, Juniper had appeared on the deck and chosen a spot close to the place she always had favored on a ship. It was a place that also had inspired her even more for that big dream of hers.

It was an exhilarating experience to watch that long plank or spar that was known as the bowsprit being dunked under water only to rise up again like a fresh-born Phoenix bird during a journey over a sea that was choppy. But it could also be a place to work while only hearing the silence of the ocean and help her mind to come at peace. And when standing there, it did feel like as if she was flying with tiny little rainbows below her feet from the spray on a sunny day.

"Cap'n Thatcher, come on mate... we've served a'side ye" The heavier man protested as he stood lined up with the others. Across from them, another portion of the crew with captain among them, were working down to just their pants and undershirts. Tossing aside boots, tunics, hats, and belts with weaponry.

There was a wicked grin on the Captain's face, "John Balverdy.. I expect you to the top 'head of your rabble, I'll be meeting you ahead of my own." To which the captain got playful shoves and chuckles from his fellows. "rabble yourself, captain", replied one. He laughed himself, in that way he was known to do, only... he laughed more these days. He called out, "now we've sat lax far too long lads. It's time we remember why we're crewing a ship, case we ever have to really crew her"

The heel of the bowsprit was now her spot to work while Aidan trained his men. But her mind was anything but at peace, and right now she wasn’t thinking about her biggest invention ever at all. Whereas when she was drawing in normal circumstances -disciplined as she normally was with her sketching- her current work looked like a chaotic mess of lines that resembled nothing plausible. It was a complete disaster!

And yet, that is not how she felt. Actually, she never ever has felt so great as she did right now. She was fairly shy under the display of all that masculinity. But she only had eye for him, her boyfriend, her love.

Though proper training was important to any crew, Aidan kept it loosely informal. Intent on creating brotherhood and loyalty among those he'd share a deck with, he made sport of the proceedings. His hair managed back in a ribbon behind his head. "pink!? the ells you doin with pink cloth in your hair?", a midshipman jabbed another in the ribs and pointed at Aidan's hair. But he didn't mind much, his eyes shifting off and lingering on the beauty who'd graced the decks today.

There she was, settled in amidst the ropes and tackle near the foremast. She had a wood crate in front of her and a mind about her work. Quill and instruments moving as she drew her schematics. But, he couldn't help noticing the smile come to her lips, hearing the comment and turned her ear to hear more. That ear, his heart skipped to the thought of whispering upon it just the night prior.


The moment he looked at her, her eyelids flickered as she pulled her lower lip through her teeth and offered him that shy smile...


He could hardly be pulled from watching her lips. His own mouth hanging slightly agape. Yet, his name was said twice in a row before the Quartermaster yelled it, "Ey Aidan!!!"

He broke from his thoughts, "Huh" and he looked about at them. "right... " Cleared his throat "right right... so... as I was saying.. first to the top sheets and untied I'll supply drinks for tonight." There was a cheer, followed by big John, "ye didn' say that!". The man grabbed hold of the rigging and waited for the orders. Aidan looked off towards his bosun and nodded to the man, who flipped the hourglass that signaled the start. Men started racing up the rigging, Aidan stayed a moment longer for one last lingering gaze on her.



(All parts in pink; The collaborative work of Lum. Thank you!)

[Necrotic Shadows]

Captain's Log:

Nightal 16, 1352. Taken on an amount of lumber, metals, and fabrics ~for remodeling~, one musician, two singers, three stage dancers, bouncers, waitresses, and a lot of feminine drama.

We make good on our intentions. I've started reconstruction with the crew, teaching them what they need to know in regards to the designing of our interior. I've hired a decorator, and I've brought on several entertainers and workers, most of which are female. Of course, the crewmen don't mind.

I've learned it's hard to have a lot of gals all on one ship. Umberlee must be at Harbor and this is the exacting of some cruel curse upon the Rose for all the years I've avoided her, or perhaps just bad luck from our renaming her. Were it not enough that they come to me often to complain about the others, some of them look to me like I'm the answer to every life problem. Whether those looks are from eyes that examine only my personal wealth and wonder if it's obtainable through courtship or women who see me as some form of parental sort, my Juniper has show clear ire.

Were she to know that no force of persuasion and beauty could steal what she's stored up in the hold of my heart, she'd rest more at ease. However, perhaps it's better to keep her from a large ego, and reminding her not to take what we have for granted. Life is a series of fleeting moments, I hope to hold onto all the most precious ones with her. In the end, the only curse I fear is one where I might become too feeble-minded to remember her or what perfect brilliance she brings to my life. Such a fate would be worse than death.

~Aidan Thatcher, Captain of the Twilight Rose~

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan sat at the writing desk staring at blank parchment. He was all to aware of the quietness of the night. Only the fireplace spoke with any conviction as embers popped and the dried logs crackled near the hearth. The flames licked at the air and flickered about, causing shadows to dance upon the walls. He looked over his shoulder to the still form. Crossed the short distance to her and pulled the quilt higher over her shoulder. The man left a gentle kiss upon her brow and returned to his seat. "Enough putting this aside." Juniper was counting on this trip, and he'd not purposely let her down.


Dearest Myla,

I write my dear sister in hopes my missives find you in good spirits. More, that you don't stand on the shores of bitter resentment for my unannounced departure. I'd have felt sorely pressed in asking the maid to wake you and your newly betrothed for a goodbye kiss. Besides the fact even talking with her made me feel like she'd take it as interest. All the same, I had matters to attend in the Gate and the sendings came rather urgent.

Besides, had I stayed you might have found reason to search out another young miss you knew, who'd been entirely too keen on meeting your older brother. I might even catch another one of those secret looks between you and them. The ones I'm sure you thought I was to ignorant to catch. Her giving the "He's impossible, he'll never marry me" look, and you with the "try harder, he just doesn't know you" look. While I would do all I can to hide my "I hope you both get ate by mounting debt", stare. Regardless of your ploys in the past, I love you for your efforts. I fear however, I will not be returning to live in Athkatla. Your memories were clouded at best in our childhood, and shifted more towards a happy youth, I've many not-so-fond memories of home.

I would however like to come visit if you and Benton would have me. Perhaps not more than a day or two. I have some news and where I'd gladly keep you in suspense out of a desire to be a bully, like any brother would... I must be out with it. I'm in love, Myla. I know you've heard this before half a dozen times and I can't imagine you doing anything but rolling your eyes about me in this very moment. But, where those words wont shock you, perhaps this will. I want you to meet her. I want you to see my Juniper.

I want you to watch the way she adores me, looks at me like I could do no wrong in her eyes though I've hurt her a time or two. She the way she makes me smile and causes my heart to soar. I've rarely in my life felt so loved as I do when she's near. I'd do anything in my power to protect that smile which lingers on her face from the first light of morning, till Selune's rising and then on. I've never wanted anything so much as I do her. Though you don't know of my successes of late, my intentions to build a shipyard, gaining the Twilight Rose from Desrah, the Last Anchor too. I'd give up everything and live in poverty if she were what I'd gain from it.

I know for a fact you've never heard me talk like this, and when you meet her, you'll know why I chose her. Perhaps someday, you'll treat her like a sister, because there's a very real possibility that it is what she'll become. So though I know you've scrutinized my decisions in the past, I expect you on the best of behaviors with her. Yes yes, I realize, it's your home and I don't order you around. But you're my baby sister, and I still have the older brother oppressive thumb, I will use it.

Juniper and I will be traveling south for Lantan, it is where her family is, we will travel there to see them and possibly bring her sister with. I'd like to ask for two rooms for our stay on the way back. I know I ask everything of you, but I also know your heart as you know mine. I'd not ask if this wasn't of great importance. I love you, Myla. I hope I'll hear from you soon.

your loving brother, Aidan James Freckle-face the First


He'd sprinkle sawdust over the page to soak up any ink that might run, letting it sit a moment and then blowing it free into the fire. Returning the parchment to the table and leaves it there for his woman to read when she wakes incase there's something he's forgot. He slowly moves over to her, lifts the quilt an eases onto the couch with her. Aidan wraps his arms around her and falls asleep holding her, instead of carrying her off to bed.

[Necrotic Shadows]

Months had already passed since that visit to Lantan, home again and having seen a lot of changes in his life. Aidan owned a full fledged cabaret now and had hired men and women from along the coast to work aboard his ship. His romantic life had bloomed, he'd asked his Juniper to marry him and she'd screamed her replies of yes loud enough that people passing by were wondering if she'd gone insane. The Gond girl had latched onto him like there was a ship sinking and he was the only long boat left. The love they felt for each other overwhelmed both of them and they'd looked forward to bright days ahead.

The crew came together nicely, the ship was received with praise. The design and decor was flawlessly similar to a Calishite hookah lounge. He'd felt like a man who'd reached the top and hoped the ladder would climb higher.

He'd been requested to speak with people regarding Samara, and that is where the ladder cut short. Something about this always confronted him like a wall that was not to be walked through, passed around, or climbed. To others, she was a dragon, or an object... She wasn't anything beyond that and it dug into the pit of his heart like a worm, leaving part of him dying to the world. Where color of life had been it fled in vivid trails to other lands, leaving behind a grey matted waste of emotions. She was a girl after all, and her deeds, her actions were not all fault of her own. He closed his eyes then and remembered her as last they talked.

Had she never stooped to pick up that orb, one fateful day, and let it eat away at her humanity, she might have never gone on to be anything more than the girl he caught trying to sell a stolen cow. He was happy the orb existed. While others dread it's existence, hated it's blight in the world and what the dragon Samara might do in the future, without that orb he'd have never come to know Elizabeth, the girl who became the last known victim of it all.

"Elizabeth" He murmured the name now. Having had his meeting with those who wanted to know and picked at his mind over someone they'd felt nothing for. But to Aidan, she was all his guilts and his sins condensed into one delicate feminine soul. Much of the pain she and even her family before their demise had faced were part of Aidan's past. Her words written had taught him much of his shame he'd not known to have, like a wound that existed for years and had been concealed, only now to find it festering and infected. His eyes were opened to his wrong. He'd opposed the slaughter of bandits who later killed her father. He'd asked the temple of Ilmater not to feed the homeless refugees because if the guards weren't fed first the city could fall, just to have her and her brother starving in the streets long enough for her to steal bread and get arrested. He'd even tried to get her arrested for stealing a pig.

It'd been months since then, and months since her death at the hands of Vala when she tried to slay the dragon within her. Samara, or rather Elizabeth, had come back and wanted to be known only as Samara now. He wasn't sure what to make of it. He'd perhaps known more about the girl than anyone on the coast, he certainly was the only one outside of her own followers who knew how to find her.

He sat now questioning everything he felt and knew. The drink in his unsteady hand quivered between his knees with his arms dangling from his knee caps. He was at the gallows, head hung and forehead touching a dangling noose. The rain falling on his bared shoulders and torso. He'd been reminded how much of his life had come within a fraction of not being spared such a fate, he was never clear of its reminder. He should have hung for treason in Athkatla, he should have hung with Desrah's crew when they were considered pirates, he should have hung for stealing apples from the market when he'd first came to the Gate and had no coin, no prospects.

He shouldn't have been here now that's for sure, and all he wanted was to be safely home with Juniper, he missed her so badly that his soul ached for the sound of her voice. His mind replaying every memory of their romance, the words, the kisses, the look in her eyes. How could anyone be so foolish to disappear on a girl like that, but he did and it wasn't the first time. No one saw the reason to his cause, no one understood why Samara meant so much, or so he felt they didn't. He felt honor bound to the girl, he cared about her though romance had no part in that, he felt like a lone wolf who'd never found a pack, and here was another who had understood the trails he walked, she'd been there too. It didn't matter who you were around and who you ran with, some part of you always felt different. He knew of anyone, she'd understand that.

He threw his head back and the half drunk man howled like an idiot, but he chuckled to himself, just before coughing fitfully. He ran his hand over his stubble and setting his bottle down his fingers traced his many tattoos, all marks he'd taken on with his brothers in the navy. "brothers" he huffed, men who wanted him captured, men who'd tried to take his life and that of his cousin. Men who had cost him Emma. He though on it and realized in his heart, without the tragidy, without everything that came to be, Juniper wouldn't be his. He leaned back against the noose mounting post and closed his eyes, he must have drifted off to sleep as he was imagining a warmer, happier time with her. He murmured then, "dove" His mind drifts to a distorted memory of the Ducal Gala, and Juniper Bottlesocket, the only thing that existed in the crowd.

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan rubbed his brow as he sat in thought, eyes pinched closed trying to place a name. The loud calls of the port, men crying out information back and forth from deck to dock, from warehouse to seaside. All the distraction didn't help his train of thought. At least it was his first belief, till those very calls carried him back to the day in question, searching for the very name he was after.

The calls that day were louder. In the midst of fog the dockworkers moved about carrying crate and barrel over worn planks to the ship and leaving again empty handed. Aidan got a few nods of the work force as they passed. Even a nudge from a man he knew, with a wry grin. Aidan had no smile to offer in return, with his grim news that his sister was dying he had little else to smile about. Climbing the gangplank he was met with a pair of keenly squinted eyes. The man was watching the ease at which Aidan stepped onto the deck. He returned to dragging in rope, coiling it but his eyes never left the new arrival.

In a rough voice that was both scratchy and deep, "Must be the swain then... aye? one what says the captain "Ain't 'ere ta work.. but bloody well could do all ye jobs" that's the captains words, mm." Aidan had his first chance to view the man, his white long-shirt having been stained by the sweat of work, leather patchwork pants and a necklace of shells. His hair was all pulled back in dreadlocks, his face was hatchet sharp, with a new outcrop of stubble along his jaw, neck and over his upper lip. A deep hawk-like gaze piercing right though Aidan in return. His physique reminded Aidan much of his own. He was built, but in a lithe and sinewy way, a rope drawn tight and ready to fray.


He turned his back to Aidan and went about his duties, Aidan was in no mood for chat and the man might have gathered as much without knowing the cause. The sailor called over his shoulder "Captain would be below. Reckon he'll be watchin for ye". Aidan headed for the door to the lower decks but about halfway there the other man spoke up once more, "so ye swainin for Desrah they say. Can't blame ye suppose, half uh men in port would take uh easy job jus'ta stare at that uns arse". Aidan crossed the deck towards him, the other man dropped the rope and saw that look in Aidan's eyes, reached for a knife before Aidan was on him and instantly both men halted at barked words "Hold!! the bloody 'ell ye two on about. Lad what business ye got on my ship? Daggs sheath that or oi'll send ye back ta the cell oi found ye"

"We were jus talkin Cap'n.... dreamin o'er this ones sweetheart" Daggs words came with a sardonic edge as sharp as any blade. Aidan visibly tensed but the captain distracted him, "yer the bosun huh? Desrah's lad then?". Aidan threw the captain a quelling gaze and the other man immediately rethought his words. "That's ta say you're here for a ship ta Amn."

Aidan pondered each of the men a moment, relaxed some, "I just need to get home to Athkatla, I've a dire emergency there. You gentlemen I assume are capable of making fair wind in your brig. I'll pay you a bag and a half if you can get me there at your fastest knot. I imagine that covers your complete travel expenses for the voyage" The two others looked back and forth and then at Aidan. Daggs spoke first, "might say we do, ye payin up front?". Aidan nodded to the question and the Captain looked Daggs way once more. Daggs nodded and the Captain went below. "Captain Stym's rather new to his commission and being a man of the sea yourself you understand when the lot of rotters get to banter and talk, doesn't make us uncivil. Sorry about my comments regarding you and Desrah. I'm just saying I'd tousle her if you know what I mean. Not that you have."


There was an immediate change in the man, both in maturity as well as speech, it was rather clear around the docks that among sailors they get to talking in ways most nobility would find unsociable. Aidan understood the slang rather well and had done with his own course of talking like he hadn't an education. He was however glad to find that Daggs was capable of civil talk and a certain level of intelligence. Getting up and traveling below Aidan stowed his things, found a bunk and lay his head down to sleep while the ship way made ready for travel.

Hours passed, the ship rocked and pitched with each wave that lapsed against it's hull. The keel rising out of the water as it raced to crest each swell it climbed over. Something however felt out of place as Aidan stirred to his feet, using his hands on the bulkhead above, he made his way to the stairs and climbed out from below deck. The crew was cheering at their luck of good wind. They'd make good time, was the talk. It was Daggs that looked to him, his eyes shot back aft of the ship and Aidan's own eyes followed. "By the hells", hissed past the boatswains teeth as he went with Daggs to talk to the captain. This was no simple breeze.

Later in the night by the time the storm had found it's way to them, The ship had been made ready for the beating it was about to take. Aidan and Daggs had formed a new found bond over the word in preparation beside each other. Together they were the most knowledgeable crewmen aboard and Daggs was thankful to Aidan for the help with the sails, tether lines, and securing cargo.

During the midst of the storm, when things got bad, before that fateful wreck that landed him in the shallows along the sword coast. Aidan remembered his last look to Daggs, as he pushed the man out from under the falling mast into the netting and barrels near the poop deck. His fuzzed gaze when found let him believe he'd saw him once more, the other survivor.. the sailor.

Aidan was pulled from his re-imagining as a hum came into the room as pretty as the first day he'd heard that voice. His Juniper, holding that devil cat, Jasper. All other thoughts stopped mattering, but his desire to have his lips against hers.