Tides Of Destiny

#Tides of Destiny Pick your story [[Robin]] [[Scarlett]]

A light breeze rustles the emerald green leaves as Robin stalks through the jungle. Echos of various birds whistle as they swoop through large canopies of trees. The young pirate clutches a battered spear in one hand and pushes the lush greenery away from their face with the other. About ten paces from where they crouch stands a wild boar snuffing in the dirt. The pig is blissfully unaware of Robin's presence, whipping its tail languidly in the tropical air. A rush of pride at the thought of bringing something so big back to the ship motivates them to push through the undergrowth as they pursue the animal. Once they close half the distance between the boar and where they sit kneeling behind a dense cluster of leaves, Robin considers their method of attack. [[Rush in and attack]] [[Sneak up]]

{(set: $knife to false) (set: $lamp to false) (set: $cellUnlocked to false) (set: $key to false) (set: $broken to false)} Scarletts feet pound against the pavement of the alley, followed closely by the clanging sounds of the guards armor behind her. The midday sun shines directly into the alley and reveals particles of dust floating through the still air. They dance around frantically as Scarlett rushes past. Her breaths come in short gasps, but she don't dare stop running. Scarlett can hear the shouts of the guards behind her growing steadily closer and closer, and she urges her body to run a little faster. She comes up on a fork in the path, and her brain starts to whir with the possible outcomes. [[Go Left]] [[Go Right]]

She turns the left corner and runs a little further before coming up on a brick wall. Trapped, she whips around to face the pursuers. The guards fall on her quickly, restraining Scarletts arms and holding fast as she squirms against them. Scarlett screams and kicks and scratches at their faces, but it's no use. There are too many of them, and she doesn't have enough energy left to keep fighting. She continues to struggle helplessly in the strong grasp of her captors, heart heavy with dread as they drag her out of the alley. [[Retry|Scarlett]]

She skids around the right corner, nearly bumping into the opposite wall. The guards chasing Scarlett aren't so lucky, and she lets out a small chuckle as the clanging of metal hitting brick echos down the alley. The alley paths start to blend together, making it harder for Scarlett to gauge her location. All she knows is to lead the guards away, and somehow manage to escape them after that. A toppled over pile of crates spills in front of her path. Tinted glass bottles spill from the crates, and wine seeps into the cracks of the pavement. A few steps before the mess is an opening to another path, but she's not sure if it's a dead end or not. [[Jump]] [[Change path]]

Scarlett barely stops to prep as she leaps over the crates, the toe of her leather boot barely grazing the corner of one of the bigger wooden crates. Unfortunately, the other foot lands in some of the spilled wine, catching her off balance. Scarlett tumbles to the ground, rolling a few times before landing on her back. She tries to scramble back to her feet, but that fall is all it took for her pursuers to catch up. The guards fall on her quickly, restraining Scarletts arms and holding fast as she squirms against them. Scarlett screams and kicks and scratches at their faces, but it's no use. There are too many of them, and she doesn't have enough energy left to keep fighting. She continues to struggle helplessly in the strong grasp of her captors, heart heavy with dread as they drag her out of the alley. [[Retry|Scarlett]]

She changes paths at the last second, sprinting down the new passageway. Scarlett hears the clamor of metal and voices behind her as guards slip in the pool of wine on the stone. She takes that advantage and puts on a little more speed, dashing around multiple corners to try and put more distance between herself and the pursuers. After running for a while, she starts to recognise the area. There should be a shortcut around here. She distinctly remembers tracing it on the map Aleric drew out when going over the alleys routes a few days ago. She tries to remember back to that instance and visualizes the map in her head. The vision clicks, and she spots the shortcut to take up ahead. It's simply just a narrower passage than the main alleyways, but she recognizes the subtle indicator that the rebellion marked the passage with when the shortcuts were first being discovered. The faded paint is just distinct enough for her trained eye to notice. She eyes the shortcut in front of her and quickly considers her options. She could use illusion magic to disguise herself and wait for the guards to run past, then sneak through the narrow passage and make it back to the base. Or she could run for it right now and risk the guards seeing her. [[Disguise]] [[Gun it]]

"Let's tag along on the charity run. I've had enough sneaking around for today." Aleric nods and reorders the crews as needed. One of the recruits for the intel mission approaches Scarlett apprehensively, tapping her lightly on the arm. She turns to meet the young womans gaze. She's a newer recruit, with auburn hair and timid blue eyes that stand out in the grey tones of the cellar. "Uh, miss Scarlett?" The girl's voice stammers on the Ts in her name when she speaks. The leader smiles in amusement at the formality. "Please, just call me Scarlett," she assures, placing a hand briefly on the womans shoulder. Scarlett feels a slight tremor pass through her on contact, and removes her hand swiftly afterward. "Right, Scarlett. Uh, I was wondering what exactly you want us to do for getting intel? We don't really know where to start." She ponders this a moment as several plans morph and shift in her brain. "I would say start with finding a patrol of the capitol guards. I just led a few away from our base today, so they should be patroling the city elsewhere too. You'll know who they are by the King's sigil on their breastplate. Follow them back to wherever their base may be, then formulate plans for sneaking in and gathering information." she instructs, listing the steps on her fingers. The girl listens intently and nods along with what Scarlett is saying, absorbing all the information she can. When she finishes speaking, the girl nods in understanding and relays the idea back to the rest of her group. They all huddle together for a moment and talk in mutters and mumbles too faint to hear. When they break, they look far more confident then they first appeared. The young recruit turns back to Scarlett, a determined look passing over her simple features. "We're ready to leave now. Thank you for the advice," she nods her thanks, and Scarlett reciprocates the nod with another smile. "Stay out of sight, and make sure to get any information you can." She heeds one last warning as the intel group makes their way to the cellar hatch. A chorus of "We will"s bounces around the cellar and catches the attention of other groups that are mingling in their respective areas. Turning her back on the intel group, Scarlett leans over and swings one of the burlap sacks up and over her shoulder with a heave. ----------------------------------------------------- Out in the late afternoon sun, the sack of supplies feels heavier as it bounces against Scarletts back. The route for todays charity run goes through the poorest section of the city, where the buildings are more akin to slums than the fancy achitecture of the inner city. The sick and dying are everywhere, left to fend for themselves in dilapidated houses by Avalondales sad excuse for a government. Seeing the scene of grey despair fills the rebel Scarlett with more contempt for the corrupt authority of her hometown every time she sees it, which is often. Charity runs are the main thing that the Avalon Outlaws do, since that kind of exchange is how the rebellion even came to be in the first place. The rebellion always keeps the cellar stacked with supplies not just for the members, but also for those who need the resources the most. The team draws the eyes of the residents, who stare with gazes of suspicion or hope depending on the person. Everyone spreads out to start handing away their supplies without a word. Scarlett makes her way through the streets littered with trash and debris, searching for people to start handing essentials to. [[Old lady]] [[Mother and infant child]] [[Young boy]] (if: $seen is >= 3)[ [[Little girl]] ]

{(if: visits <= 1)[(set: $seen to it + 1)]} She approaches a frail old woman hunched on the stairs of a weathered front porch, slowly rocking back and forth and muttering to herself. As Scarlett walks over, she peers up through crinkled eyes and her lips turn upwards in the feeble attempt at a smile. "Hello, dear. Can I help you with something?" the old woman asks, her voice creaking from the effort. "Actually, I was hoping I could help you," Scarlett says softly, kneeling to place the heavy bag on the dusty ground and sifts through it for something to give her. She settles on a prepackaged pouch of rations and a skin of water, gently placing it in the womans fragile hands. She looks between the food and Scarlett a few times before speaking. "Thank you so much. I will cherish this forever." Scarlett smiles sadly and rises back to her feet, waving goodbye and walking away to find the next person. [[Back|Help give supplies]]

{(if: visits <= 1)[(set: $seen to it + 1)]} She treads carefully up to a mother who has her head bowed to her chest, cluching her baby to her chest and softly boucing her arms. The baby is fast asleep at the moment, but the infants complexion makes Scarlett worry that something deeper is going on than just a simple nap. The woman raises her gaze from under a tattered shawl, the dark circles under her eyes more apparent at the given angle. Scarlett kneels down to the mothers level and gives her parcels of food and water. "Here, for you and the baby," she practically whispers, keeping her voice low for the infant's sake. The mother shifts the baby in her arms to accept the food, and immediately bursts into tears upon opening the parcel and seeing the rations. "T-thank you s-so much," she chokes through her tears, the droplets falling onto the food in her lap. "I haven't been able to eat for days, so I c-can't feed her." Scarlett places a hand on her shoulder as she cries, offering simple consolation through the contact. Soon enough, the womans tears run out, and she dabs at the corners of her eyes with the hem of the shawl. She thanks Scarlett once more and begins to eat, and Scarlett gives her space, stepping away to help the next person. [[Back|Help give supplies]]

{(if: visits <= 1)[(set: $seen to it + 1)]} Scarlett walks up to a young boy who seems to be trying to build something from a pile of loose stones in the middle of the street. His face is covered with grime, and he looks up with a pout on his lips as she approaches him. "Hey, do you know where your parents are?" the rebel leader asks carefully, kneeling down to the kids level. "My mommy is over there," he points to a woman huddling over an infant, holding the baby to her chest like a lifeline with her head bowed. "She won't talk to you though. She won't talk to anyone anymore." Her brow creases with worry for the young child. He shouldn't be neglected like this. Scarlett purses her lips and decides to change the subject. "Are you hungry?" The boy nods slowly, and she hands him a parcel of rations and some water. He takes the items and set them beside him before going back to playing with the rocks. Scarlett frowns at the haphazard structure he's trying to build, silently wondering if there is anything else she can do for him. As she's thinking, Aleric comes over and nods towards the kid, silently requesting to take over. She relents and stands back up, allowing her friend to work his magic. He always has a special place in his heart for kids, and somehow always knows what they need and how to give it to them. Scarlett steps back to give them space as Aleric begins to engage with the kid, who easily interacts with Aleric when he refused to say more than a few words at a time just moments before. Shaking her head in disbelief, Scarlett moves on to the next person. [[Back|Help give supplies]]

As Scarlett scans the area for other residents, she feels a light tug at the seam of her pants. She looks down and sees the source, a young girl no older than four or five with straw hair and grey shabby rags as clothing. "Will you play with me?" The child asks, staring up at the rebel leader with wide, innocent eyes. Guilt twists like a knife in Scarletts gut at the pitiful sight of the poor girl. Aleric would be better for this type of interaction, as Scarlett is no good with younger kids. Everyone else she can handle just fine, but there's something about her that drives younger children away. Scarlett never understood why, and usually lets Aleric handle interactions with the younger population. But her partner in crime is still busy with the young boy playing with stones in the street. She corners her resolve and kneels down to the girls level. "I'm sorry, I can't right now. Do you know anyone else you can play with?" Scarlett makes a point to keep her voice gentle. The little girl shakes her head in response. "I tried asking my nana, but she said she's too old to play," the girl whines in defeat. Scarlett finds herself at a loss for words, not knowing how to comfort the child. As she struggles to find the right words, the small girl begins to sniffle, and big teardrops form in the corners of her eyes. Not wanting to make a kid cry, Scarlett acts fast to find an alternate way to soothe the girl. [[Use Magic]] [[Try something else]]

{(set: $truth to false)} "Oh wait, wait, no, don't cry," Scarlett attempts to console her, but the effort is futile as tears continue to stream down the girls dirty face. "Here, look at this." She cups the young girls hands in hers and concentrates. A small blue flower appears and begins to twirl in the large and small palms, sprinkling gold flakes from the petals as it spins. The tears disappear from the girls eyes, replaced by a sense of awe as she gazes, transfixed by the illusion. Scarlett difuses the magic quickly though, not wanting to draw any unnececary attention. But the illusion still had the desired effect, and the girl beams up at Scarlett. "That was so pretty! Can you do it again?" Scarlett smiles sadly and pats the child on the head, ruffling her already matted hair. "Not now. But, I'll be back, and when I do, you come find me and I promise I will make more pretty flowers." The little girl seems content with this answer, and saunters back to her grandma, the old woman on the broken porch. Scarlett stands and brushes the dirt off, the smile still lingering from that interaction. The leader turns around to see Aleric, his elegent features contorting into an expression mixed of shock, concern and fear. Alarm bells ring in Scarletts mind as they lock eyes, but she does her best to keep her face neutral as she passes by him. Magic is a foreign and feared concept to Avalondale, and Scarlett wasn't eager to get arrested for trying to cheer a child up. Once the burlap sacks are empty, everyone groups up again and starts making their way back to the base. Not long after the trek begins, Aleric taps his co-leader on the shoulder to grab her attention. "I just realized there's something I forgot to do. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up later." "Oh? What is it, I can go with you-" Scarlett begins to offer, but he immediately cuts her off. "No! I mean, no that isn't neccesary. It would be better if I do this alone anyway." She frowns at his response, but doesn't question any further. "If you insist. I'll see you back at the base." Scarlett fails to keep the unease from her voice as she tries to read her friends motives. Aleric nods curtly in response and runs off in the opposite direction. She watches him go with growing concern before continuing the walk back to base and to bed, where she finally gets some rest. [[Next morning]]

{(set: $truth to false)} "Oh wait, wait, no, don't cry," Scarlett attempts to console her, but the effort is futile as tears continue to stream down the girls dirty face. "Here, look at this." She slips the bag off her shoulder and fishes around inside for a spare cloth to use. Scarlett wraps and contorts the rag in different ways, tying and folding the cloth in different places to make a head and a torso. Soon enough, she's holding a makeshift doll from one simple cloth. Scarlett hands it out to the girl, but she just stares at it with reproach. "It's just a cloth. You just made it into a funny shape," the girl pouts, her voice thick from crying. Scarlett smirks knowingly at her. "Are you sure about that? Look again," she prompts, and when the child peers at the rag doll again, Scarlett casts a small illusion to draw a simple face onto the doll, making it's eye wink at the tiny girl. She gasps in awe and takes the cloth, seeing it in a new light. She runs off without another word, running over to her granny to show off her new "toy". Scarlett stands back up and smile to herself with pride. Kids aren't her strong suit, but the wholesome interaction gives Scarlett a small ego boost. She turns to see Aleric staring at her with a mixture of confusion and humor written on his elegant face. "I never thought I'd see the day you successfully interact with a kid," he jests, earning a short huff of laughter. "How did you manage to cheer her up with that though? She seemed pretty unimpressed at first." Scarlett falters, trying to think of an excuse. She hasn't told anyone about her illusion magic for fear of being found out and arrested. "Oh, I just encouraged her to use her imagination," she shrugs nonchalantly, internally cringing at how weak of an excuse it is. Aleric doesn't seem convinced by that answer, but he drops the subject anyway. Once the burlap sacks are empty, everyone groups up again and starts making their way back to the base. Not long after the trek begins, Aleric taps his co-leader on the shoulder to grab her attention. "I just realized there's something I forgot to do. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up later." "Oh? What is it, I can go with you-" Scarlett begins to offer, but he immediately cuts her off. "No! I mean, no that isn't neccesary. It would be better if I do this alone anyway." She frowns at his response, but doesn't question any further. "If you insist. I'll see you back at the base." Scarlett fails to keep the unease from her voice as she tries to read her friends motives. Aleric nods curtly in response and runs off in the opposite direction. She watches him go with growing concern before continuing the walk back to base and to bed, where she finally gets some rest. [[Next morning]]

{ (if: $knife is true and $lamp is false)[She looks around the small enclosure, taking in the cracked stone and the corroded metal surfaces of the bars and the cutlery. An extinguished [[lamp]] sits on the floor near the cot. A plate of food sits untouched near the bars with a rusty fork placed percariously on top of the prison slop. The cot itself is lackluster, with a thin mattress topping a low-set frame. (if: $cellUnlocked is false)[Scarlett eyes the door of the cell and the [[lock|Pick the lock]] that's keeping her trapped in here, the small rusty knife clutched in her hand. ] (else:)[] ] (else-if: $knife is false and $lamp is true)[She looks around the small enclosure, taking in the cracked stone and the corroded metal surfaces of the bars and the cutlery. The spot where the lamp was sitting left a clear circle traced on the dirty floor. A plate of food sits untouched near the bars, a rusty fork and [[knife]] placed percariously on top of the prison slop. The cot itself is lackluster, with a thin mattress topping a low-set frame. ] (else-if: $knife is true and $lamp is true)[She looks around the small enclosure, taking in the cracked stone and the corroded metal surfaces of the bars and the cutlery. The spot where the lamp was sitting left a clear circle traced on the dirty floor. A plate of food sits untouched near the bars, a rusty fork placed percariously on top of the prison slop. The cot itself is lackluster, with a thin mattress topping a low-set frame. (if: $cellUnlocked is false)[Scarlett eyes the door of the cell and the [[lock|Pick the lock]] that's keeping her trapped in here, the small rusty knife clutched in her hand. ] (else:)[] ] (else-if: $lamp is false and $knife is false)[Scarlett wakes up in a dingy old cell. Moss grows between the stones of the walls, and the floor is bare and cold. An extinguished [[lamp]] sits on the floor near the cot she's laying on. A plate of food sits untouched near the bars, a rusty fork and [[knife]] placed percariously on top of the prison slop. The cot itself is lackluster, with a thin mattress topping a low-set frame. The mattress does little to soften the hard metal of the base, which she feels against her back when she sits up. Scarlett surveys her surroundings as her mind drifts back to what led her here. Alerics cold features form, and she feels a slow tear glide down her cheek at the thought of his betrayal. A deep ache seizes her chest, squeezing a soft sob out of her. She allows herself to feel the pain for a moment before taking a few deep breaths and planning her next move.] } (if: $cellUnlocked is true)[ [[Hallway]] ]

{(set: $lamp to true)} She kneels down and lifts the lamp up by the handle, which squeaks shrilly in reproach. The candle inside is half melted from heavy use, but it still has some light left. Scarlett fishes a small box of matches from a concealed pocket in her loose trousers, and strikes one to light the lantern. The flame sputters to life, providing a little light to her surroundings. [[Back|Prison]]

{(set: $cellUnlocked to true)} Scarlett snakes her arm through the bars and slides the knife into the lock. After a few minutes of trail and error as she strains to listen for the soft clicks indicating her progress, the lock snaps open. She pushes against the tarnished bars, the rust rubbing off on her hand as the door swings open with little complaint. [[Hallway]]

{(set: $knife to true)} Scarlett picks up the rusty knife and examines it against the lock of her cell. The weathered blade of the knife is dull from use, but the material itself seems strong enough to withstand being used as a pick. [[Back|Prison]]

(if: $lamp is false)[Scarlett steps into the dark hallway and strains her eyes to try and peer through the darkness. There isn't any natural light or lanterns lining the hallway, leaving her in near darkness. //Maybe there's something I can use as a light,// she wonders and steps back towards the cell to take a look. ] (else-if: $lamp is true)[The faint light from the lantern illuminates a rather grimy hallway. Cells line the walls, some containing sleeping prisoners, others containing only the same drab cot in her own cell. One has the skeleton of a former prisoner, the white bones glowing in the soft light. The mossy stones are cracked and crumbled with age. There's a thin layer of dust on the floor, and the outlines of the boots of the guards who threw Scarlett in here are etched on the ground. ] (if: $lamp is true)[ [[Go Forward]] ] [[The Cell|Prison]]

Further down the hallway, Scarlett comes upon a heavy wooden door decorated with simple metal engravings on the edges. A large steel lock rests on the handle of the door. Next to it sits a small Tibetan Terrier with a ring of keys resting in its mouth. The dog looks up at the woman, his molten brown eyes glimmering in the light of the candle. His fur is shaggy and unkempt, and it clearly has been without a bath and a good grooming for a long time. The dog stays very still, watching silently while it holds the keys firmly in it's jaws. (if: $broken is false)[ [[Use knife on the door]] ] [[Take keys]]

{(set: $broken to true)} She slips the knife into the lock and begins to wiggle it around once more. Unfortunately, the cheap metal knife snaps softly in her palm from the strain, the noise echoing down the prison hallway. Cursing softly, Scarlett tosses the now broken knife on the floor and steps back to observe the door once more. [[Back|Go Forward]]

She peers down at the straw-haired dog. He could be cute if it weren't for the awful stench and the clots of dust and dirt clinging to his fur. A small tattered collar around his neck sports a tag with the name "Fido" engraved on it. Scarlett feels bad for the mangy mutt, but she doesn't have the time or energy to befriend Fido and give him the bath he desperately needs. [[Grab the keys]] [[Use An Illusion]]

Scarlett closes her eyes to concentrate on the image she wants to create. When she opens them, a pristine white bone appears to sit in her hand. She waves it in front of the mangy dogs face. Fidos ears perk up, and his tail begins to thump against the prison floor. Every impact of his tail sends up small puffs of dust. She makes a show of throwing the bone down the hallway, letting it land just within sight for Fidos old eyes to follow. Fido falls for the illusion and chases after the bone. The ring of keys clatters to the ground, and she swiftly grabs them before the dog can realize her trick. Saliva coats the metal and Scarlett cringes at the goopy feeling. She lifts the keys to the lock and views each one in turn. There are three keys, each varying in shape and size. [[Key 1]] [[Key 2]] [[Key 3]]

She tries the simple bronze key with a rough texture, but it proves to be too small to be the correct one as the metal clatters uselessly in the keyhole. [[Back|Use An Illusion]]

She tries the ornate gold key with small bits of ruby ordaining the head. The gold key isn't even close to being correct, as it's too big to even fit into the lock. [[Back|Use An Illusion]]

She singles out the silver key and tries it in the lock. The key turns with a satisfying click, signaling her freedom. Scarlett shoves her weight against the door, slowly pushing it open. Behind the door is a flight of stone steps leading up and out of the prison. She takes those steps two at a time, the adrenaline of success pushing her forward. [[Freedom]]

Scarlett rushes out into the cool night air, feeling a light breeze graze her skin. She is at the entrance to a door that looks like it leads down to a wine cellar, not a jail for people who were unfortunate enough to be born with magic. On closer inspection, the prison itself seems to be nothing more than part of a mansion that was repurposed for this exact intention, which looms above the entrance. The revelation gives the ornate windows and polished wood a more sinister aura. Not wasting a moment, Scarlett dashes across the prison grounds, the soft grass muffling her footsteps. In the dim light of the lanterns adorning the stone walls of the courtyard, she sees the outline of the exit looming in the distance. She rushes at it, planning to activate her magic to give her a few moments of camoflauge to sneak past the patrol. But as she nears the exit, she notices that there aren't any guards. In fact, the whole prison courtyard feels entirely too quiet. Scarlett pauses in her tracks, listening for any sign of life. Her answer comes from the door of the main estate, which was left ajar to reveal guards hastily strapping on armor and grabbing weapons. //They're preparing for something// she realizes, dread coursing through her chest. She needs to get out of there before the guards start their march to wherever they're going. Scarlett dashes off again, her feet carrying her out of the prison and across the main highway of Avalondale. She's grateful for the empty road and the coverage of the night to make her escape. Her only company is the stars twinkling in the night sky above and the distant chirping of crickets. The main road leads to a costal town that resides just outside of the main city, which makes it a perfect place to set sail from and get away from the mainland. But as she nears the quaint village, Scarlett hears the sounds of screams, and notices a fire climbing into the inky black sky, blazing from somewhere within the village. //This must be what the guards are preparing to deal with.// She ponders with disdain. Scarlett enters the village with caution, and is met with chaos on all fronts. There's swords clashing in the streets, and children wailing for their parents. Stores have been vandalized and ransacked for their goods, leaving nothing but shattered glass and broken wood remaining. Pirates are running to and fro with bags of plunder, slashing at anyone who gets in their way. She treads through the town and nearly gets bowled over by a burly pirate with a peg leg and wild black hair masking most of his features. The pirate pays Scarlett no mind, clamoring for the house that's on fire. She looks on as the pirate lumbers to a small gathering that is huddled in front of the scorching flames, talking quietly amongst themselves. "What are we standin' around for?!" the bushy peg-legged pirate yells, stopping in front of the crewmates, who jump at the large mans outburst. "Orion sent up the signal, guards are headed straight for us. We gotta move now!" "But captain, Robin is in there!" One of the crewmates explains, gesturing wildly towards the flames. The captain balks in surprise. "Robin? But they was in the lookout group! Are ya sure it was them??" he thunders, peg leg tapping impatiently. "Completely sure, sir. I saw them run in after someone, then the fire started soon after," another crewmate chimes in. This causes the captain to roar in anger. "So the fire is their fault?! I swear to Ebonis, if that kid isn't dead then I'm gonna strangle them myself!" He takes a moment to huff in anger, then continues. "Well? Are any of ya gonna go in after them?" As the crew begins to argue amongst themselves, Scarlett snaps out of her evesdropping. If the town is under attack, that means everyone will have the same idea of taking the ships in the harbor and escaping. //I need to get to a boat, and fast. // She speculates. But at the same time, the roaring flames remind her of some poor kid who got themselves stuck in the burning building. //If the pirate crew doesn't act fast, they're gonna lose their crewmate...// [[Interfere]] [[Keep Running]]

She cautiously approaches the arguing pirates, tapping the nearest one on the shoulder. He whips around and draws his sword on Scarlett, who instincively jumps back to avoid being cut by the sharp blade. "Whaddya want?" the pirate growls. She holds her hands up in a show of surrender. "I don't mean any trouble. I just overheard your conversation, you have a crewmate trapped in the building right?" "That's none of yer business, lass. Get outta here before I cut yer throat," he jabs his sword towards her chest to prove his point. "I want to help!" The sword-weilding pirate sneers at that. "There ain't much you can do here, pretty lady. This ain't a task for the likes of you." Scarlett hears a disant snicker in response to his comment. Her brow furrows in frusteration as she considers her choices. Maybe he's right, and it's not smart to rush head first into a burning building. But this back and forth is wasting time. //Every second we spend arguing could bring this poor Robin closer to their death.// She fears. [[Go in anyway]] [[Walk away]]

Scarlett shakes her head in shame and turns her back on the bickering pirates and the smoking house, making a beeline for the boats. She catches a glimpse of an empty dingy resting lazily near the docks and acts fast, hauling herself into the boat. The effort rocks the small vessel violently and sends splashes of water up. She places her hands against the worn dock and give a firm push. The water sloshes beneath her as the dingy drifts away from the ransacked village, ensuring Scarletts safety. As she grabs the oars, a deafening crack makes her wince. She looks back to see the burning house collapse in on itself, the wood splintering and cracking with every movement. She watches in horror as the pirate crew scrambles away from the toppling house, their silhouettes barely visible at her distance. If she squints, Scarlett can count the number of pirates, and there doesn't seem to be a new member among their ranks. Whoever that poor kid was, they died in that building thanks to their crews indecisiveness. With a heavy heart, she throws her weight against the oars and rows across the harbor as the house collapses and the pirates flood back to their ship. Want to play again? [[Play again|Start]]

"I know plenty of people who would take a competant woman over an incompetant man any day. And from where I'm standing, it seems like the "likes of you" is standing in my way," Scarlett snaps back, her tone calm and deliberate. She points the sword away from her chest with a light tap of her finger on the tip, the action drawing a prick of blood. Without another word, she stalks past the rude pirate to the flaming doorframe, steping over the awning and into the awaiting inferno. Smoke hangs thickly in the air, clinging to the ceiling as she passes through. Scarlett takes the bandana from her hair and wraps it around the lower half of her face as a makeshift mask. Her eyes sweep the floor, searching for any sign of life. The flames and dark smoke make it hard to see, and the heat beating against her dark skin makes it hard to focus. There's two levels to the house, and the stairs are still mostly intact despite the flames. [[First floor]] [[Second floor]]

The former rebel leader stays on the first floor to search around for the missing crewmate. She makes her way to the kitchen, crouching in order to avoid the rising smoke. The position also allows for a slightly clearer view of the floor, and she soon finds a humanoid body. Unfortunately, the features are incinerated beyond recognition and leaves only the ashy silhouette of whoever that person may have been. Scarlett prays that the body is the person that Robin was following and not the pile of scorched skin and bone that now lies at her feet. Next to that body is the much smaller figure of a young boy. The childs hand is stretched out as if he tried to reach for the other body one last time before he passed away. Congealed blood pools on the ground beneath him, adding a putrid metallic scent to the hot air. Her heart aches for the young boy, but he looks more like a farmers child than a pirate, so she presses on. She dodges around fallen wood and aflame furniture, managing to keep herself unscathed as she searches. Scarletts efforts prove sucessful when she finds a body thats still intact and has some life, as indicated by the slow rise and fall of the persons chest. Robins body is sprawled in the middle of the room, far enough away that the flames haven't done any harm other than singe the tips of lazy brown curls. When Scarlett kneels down to inspect the young pirates condition, she cringes at the numerous lacerations dotting their body and what looks to be a piece of glass lodged in Robin's right eye, blood from the wound smearing across their tanned face. She gathers their limp form into her arms, ignoring the blood as it stains her skin and clothing. Their lanky build makes them easier to lift, and Scarlett barely struggles to make her way back towards the firey doorframe with Robin safe in her arms. [[Leave the building]]

Scarlett cautiously makes her way up the stairs, avoiding the charred bits of wood that disintegrate at the slightest touch. She reaches the landing only to find more burning wood and scorched furniture. The former rebel attempts to go back down after a quick scan of the floor, but the stairs burst into flames behind her, trapping Scarlett in the building. Panicking, she looks around for a window or some other opening. But it's to no avail, as all the windows are blocked by some burning object or shut tight, the metal of the windowsill too hot to touch. The smoke eventually creeps under her cloth, making its way to her lungs. She coughs violently as smoke clogs her windpipe and her breathing becomes more strangled. In a panic, Scarlett removes the cloth from her face to try to get a full breath. But that was her last mistake, and she crumples to the floor from the lack of oxygen. You died! Try again. [[Retry|Scarlett]]

Scarlett emerges from the inferno with Robin, their head bouncing lightly against her chest as she walks. She shifts them in her arms to free a hand and pulls the bandana down to rest around her neck, allowing herself to breathe in the ashy night air. There are voices shouting in the distance, and the same band of pirates from earlier rushes to meet her, led by the one who insulted her before she entered the house. He stops in front of Scarlett and stares wide eyed at the young pirate in her arms. "By gods, ya actually did it," he mutters in shock. One of the crewmates behind him bursts out laughing. "Looks like ya owe me half of yer plunder, Sal!" the crewmate mocks, slapping his crewmate on the back. "Ah, shuddup Roger." Sal rolls his eyes and breaks away from the group, grumbling something incomrehensible under his breath. Their captain follows close behind and lets out a sharp bark of laughter, the motion shaking his whole torso. "Look at this! Some landlubber was able to save my cabin boy over the rest of my crew! Come lass, bring them aboard the ship," he beckons, and Scarlett matches his gait through the ransacked town. He ambles toward a large vessel that spans at least half of the small harbor. The gangway creaks and bows beneath her feet as she climbs aboard the ship. Another pirate who looks to be second in command, introducing himself as Will, leads her towards the ships infirmary, where Scarlett rests the young pirate on one of the cots. Once back out on the main deck, she gets a good look at how much damage the pirates did to the village. Blood and shattered glass litter the ground, and the vandilized stores are empty of any supplies or goods they once had. There aren't as many people running around now, most of them either escaped, captured or killed in the raid. The noise that is left comes from the roaring of the fire in the still burning house and the jovial yells of the pirate crew as they gather up the last of their plunder. As Scarlett surveys the damage, the distant sound of metal plates clanging together becomes more apparent. Will notices too, who stops in his tracks as he was starting to usher her off the ship once more. He dashes away, presumably to alert the captain. Before Scarlett registers what's happening, the main deck fills up with pirates whizzing around to their duties like bees in a hive. There's a cacophany of shouts about guards and reinforcements as the sails are unfurled and the anchor hoisted. The wind catches swiftly, and the boat glides out of the harbor towards the open sea, taking her with it. "Wait-" Scarlett starts feebly, but she's too late. The crew is too busy to notice the strange new member aboard the ship, leaving Scarlett to stare at her homeland as it slowly drifts away. She watches helplessly as the coastal village gets smaller and smaller, the fire becoming a small dot in the dark. The ship breaks onto the open water, and the bustle starts to die down. The outsider onboard feels the curious eyes of the other pirates on her, confused mutterings filling the salty air. The small thunk of wood against wood echoes behind her, and Scarlett turns to see the captain approaching once more. "Eh? Whady're you still doin' aboard? I thought Will got ya off," the captain ponders. His stern brown eyes look her up and down like he's seeing her for the first time. Will comes rushing over to them, rambling as he walks. "Apologies, Captain Blackthorne. She was leaving, but then the guards appeared and I-" "Don't worry about it, Will. This young lady has proven herself more than worthy of bein' on this crew anyways," Captain Blackthorne shrugs off with a wave of his scarred hand as he turns to her. "That is, if ya want tah sail with us." Scarlett balks, unsure how to respond. //What do I do? I can't just leave Avalondale. Not to mention I barely know these guys. The Avalon Outlaws are my family. I can't just abandon them like this. Like I told Aleric, I have a purpose here.// As she thinks that, a stabbing pain in her chest reminds her of Aleric's betrayal. //That was before he turned me in. I wouldn't put it past him to tell the rest of the rebellion about my secret to turn them against me too. What happens then, if I have no allies left in this city? Is it better if I leave?// Scarlett breathes in the salty ocean air and envisions herself as a pirate aboard this ship, adventuring and seeing the world beyond her corrupt city. Suddenly the decision seems much simpler. "I'll join you." [[The next day]]

Robin leaps from their cover and darts at the boar. They yell out as their spear plunges through the open air above the animal. Their cry mixes with a gruff male voice emitting from somewhere amid the trees. The noises scare the boar, who tramples away with a squeal. Robin's spear lands in the soft earth instead. As they watch their prey dash away in disbelief, the owner of the voice stumbles out to meet Robin. The disrupter reveals to be Orion, a burly orc with leaves clinging to his shaggy blonde hair. “Did ya hear me? It’s time to go back to the ship,” Orion notifies, ignoring Robins annoyed expression. “You could not have shown up at a worse possible time!” Robin snaps, whirling on Orion. “I almost had it!” “Woah, calm down kid,” Orion warns and holds up his hands defensively. [[“Don’t tell me what to do.”]] [[“I’m not a kid.”]]

Robin continues their slow crawl through the leaves, the spear poised over their head to strike at any moment. They take care to keep the leaves from rustling too much with their movements. They creep close enough to touch the boar, and take the advantage to plunge their weapon down and into the pigs thick hide. But as they’re swinging, a gruff male voice calls out from somewhere amid the trees. The noise scares the boar, who tramples away with a squeal. Robin's spear lands in the soft earth, missing its mark. As they watch their prey dash away in disbelief, the owner of the voice stumbles out to meet Robin. The disrupter is revealed to be Orion, a burly orc with leaves clinging to his shaggy blonde hair. “Did ya hear me? It’s time to go back to the ship,” Orion notifies, ignoring Robin's annoyed expression. [[“Yeah, I heard. So did every animal in the area.”]] [[“Could you be any louder?”]]

"Yeah, I heard. So did every animal in the area." the young pirate replied with indignance. “Will tasked me with rounding up the crew. I’m just doing my job.” Orion shrugs, missing Robin's point entirely. “Well, your job just scared off a giant boar that I was tracking. Now I have nothing to bring back!” Robin exclaims as they rip their spear from the dirt. “A boar? Hah, like you would be able to take down somethin’ like that anyway,” Orion scoffs before walking towards the shore. Robin pushes themselves to their feet and watches Orion plod off, fuming at the interaction. They had been tracking that boar since the crew first landed on Verdura. //All that effort was wasted because he couldn’t be quiet. Now what the hell am I gonna do?// It would look bad if Robin returned to the ship empty handed, not to mention that they would be the victim of every crewmate's joke for the remainder of the day. However, Captain Blackthorne is an impatient man, and hunting for any longer could light the captain's already short fuse. [[Go straight to the ship]] [[Hunt for a little longer]]

"Could you be any louder?" Robin accuses, spinning on the other pirate. “Eh, did I do something wrong?” Orion remains nonchalant, picking one of the vibrant leaves from his head and twirling it with calloused fingers. “Yeah, you scared away my game! I was hunting a giant boar!” Robin exclaims as they rip their spear from the dirt. “A boar? Hah, like you would be able to take down somethin’ like that anyway,” Orion scoffs before walking towards the shore. Robin pushes themselves to their feet and watches Orion plod off, fuming at the interaction. They had been tracking that boar since the crew first landed on the Verdura. //All that effort wasted because he couldn’t be quiet. Now what the hell am I gonna do?// It would look bad if Robin returned to the ship empty handed, not to mention that they would be the victim of every crewmate's joke for the remainder of the day. However, Captain Blackthorne is an impatient man, and hunting for any longer could light the captain's already short fuse. [[Go straight to the ship]] [[Hunt for a little longer]]

"Don't tell me what to do. I can handle myself." Robin snarls. “I’m not tryin’ to,” Orion sighs in exasperation at the pirates response. “I’m just doing my job.” Robin huffs and turns their back on the older pirate, pulling their spear from the dirt. The brush rustles beneath Orion's feet as he traipses away towards the shore. Robin rakes a hand through their curly hair, fuming at the interaction. They had been tracking that boar since the crew first landed on Verdura. //All that effort wasted because he couldn’t be quiet. Now what the hell am I gonna do?// It would look bad if Robin returned to the ship empty handed, not to mention that they would be the victim of every crewmate's joke for the remainder of the day. However, Captain Blackthorne is an impatient man, and hunting for any longer could light the captain's already short fuse. [[Go straight to the ship]] [[Hunt for a little longer]]

"I'm not a kid." Robin retorts with a huff. “Sure, whatever you say. Look, let’s just head back to the ship. The captain’s waitin' on us,” Orion explains. He pushes a large branch aside and waves an arm offering Robin to lead. “Get lost Orion, I can find my own way back.” A roiling ball of fire climbs in Robins throat, fueling their words. “Fine, suit yourself.” Orion shrugs before walking away as he mutters something about teenagers. Robin pushes themselves to their feet and watches Orion plod off, fuming at the interaction. They had been tracking that boar since the crew first landed on Verdura. //All that effort wasted because he couldn’t be quiet. Now what the hell am I gonna do?// It would look bad if Robin returned to the ship empty handed, not to mention that they would be the victim of every crewmate's joke for the remainder of the day. However, Captain Blackthorne is an impatient man, and hunting for any longer could light the captain's already short fuse. [[Go straight to the ship]] [[Hunt for a little longer]]

Robin starts towards the beach at a slower pace, pushing their way through the branches and onto the brilliant white sand of the beach where the pirate ship is currently docked. The midday sun shines brightly in the sky as they make their way across the soft, uneven ground. Pirates are treading in every direction with various animals that they hunted, and Robin feels self concious at their own lack of contribution. A small group of pirates gathered by the gangway lets out a chorus of boisterous laughter as Robin walks by. Frusteration claws at Robins chest as the older men cackle, knowing that the laughter is pointed at them. They storm past the group without a word, stomping up the rickety gangway to the ship. [[Back on board]]

Robin decides to shrug off Orions warning and delves deeper into the leaves in search of one last hunt. A chase and several scratches later, Robin emerges victorious with a small rabbit clutched in their fist. They take their meager prize back to the beach, where the ship is docked on the brilliant white sand. They throw their meat in with the large pile of animal carcasses near the dock, wrinkling their nose at the putrid smell emitting from it. As they're turning around, Robin comes face to face with the quartermaster of the ship, Will. He stands with his arms crossed, his tall figure blocking out the midday sun. He glares down at Robin with an annoyed expression painted on his face. "And where the hell have //you// been?" Will interrogates, raising an eyebrow. "You're the last to arrive." "I was just hunting," Robin rolls their eyes dismissively at his question. Will sighs and looks past Robin to the recently hunted animals. Robins rabbit tumbles down to the base during the pause, already starting to attract a few small flies. "Well, at least you found something. Now get back on board," Will calls out the last order over his shoulder as he turns and paces back towards the boat himself. Robin follows suit, trodding up the rickety gangway. [[Back on board]]

The chaos of preparing to leave continues aboard the ship, with pirates coming and going off the gangway as they recieve orders. The squaking of seabirds mixes in a chaotic cacophany with the other voices. Will is all over the main deck, passing out orders and making sure every pirate has something to do. Robin runs up to the quartermaster eagerly, hoping to get an interesting job to carry out. At first he doesn't see the young deckhand, too busy yelling at another pirate to notice their presence. Eventually he turns around and spares Robin a quick glance. "Oh, you need a job. Draven could use an extra hand helping him with organizing the storage." Will orders, waving Robin away dismissively. Wills tone and the job they have been given cause Robin to furrow their brow. Helping Draven meant sitting around in the musty hold while the other pirate counts crate after crate of items, a job one person could easily do alone. //Draven doesn't need my help with that. There has to be something else I can do.// Robin wants to tell the quartermaster just that, but Will has already moved on, haflway across the deck talking to someone else. Robin scowls and surveys the busy scene. Among the busy deck, there's multiple groups of pirates with different duties like rigging the sails, pulling the anchor or carrying cargo on board. All the jobs require multiple people, so Robin decides to slip in and help with one of them. [[Help lift anchor]] [[Help carry cargo on board]]

Robin runs over to the people standing by the pulley used to lift the anchor. The pirates are all arguing with each other. Confused, they approach and interrupt the heated conversation. "What's going on?" One of the pirates involved, a stout dwarven woman named Valeria, pauses to shoot Robin an annoyed look. "Not now Robin, we're in the middle of something," she snaps, trying to shoo them away. Robins frusteration builds. Everyone just wants to get rid of them today. "Don't 'not now' me, I deserve to know what's happening!" Robin argues back. Valeria rolls her golden eyes and whips around to them. "If you must know, the anchor is stuck on something. We've been trying to get it to move, but it won't budge. Is that good enough for you?" Condecension oozes from Valerias tone when she speaks. "Now get lost." Robin's hands ball into fists at their sides, their nails digging into their palms. Valeria has never been particularly nice to them, but today she is borderline unbearable to deal with. The chain attached to the pulley creaks behind Valeria, reminding Robin of why they're here. [[Investigate]] [[Retaliate]]

Robin dashes back down the gangway and makes their way over to the pile of animals. The once large heap is already dwindling, most of it already carried on board. Robin scans the various carcasses for something to grab, taking in the tapestry of bloody furs and feathers. A handful of options remain; a small pile of three colorful birds, a boar twice the size of the one Robin was hunting earlier, some rabbits and a few fish that make up the most of the rotten stench. [[Carry wild boar carcass]] [[Carry bundle of bird carcasses]]

Robin forces themselves to set their anger aside as they approach the edge of the ship. The chain disappears into the crystal blue water, pulled taut by some unknown force. Ignoring the argument as it continues behind Robin, they haul themselves over the side of the ship and dive into the cold ocean. The frigid water almost hurts against Robins tanned skin and the noise of the pirates is suddenly muted. They swim over to the large anchor to investigate it. Upon closer inspection, the end of the anchor is lodged between two algae covered rocks, trapping the heavy metal underneath. Robin's fingers slip against the stone as they grasp for a hand hold and push, trying to ignore the burning in their lungs as they scream for air. They manage to heave the rock off of the anchor and set it free. Swimming back up to break the surface of the water again, they gasp from the effort of holding their breath for so long. All the sounds come rushing back, and they peer back up to the ship through the hair plastered against their face. "Hoist the anchor now!" Robin calls out, praying that one of the pirates hears them through the arguing. Valeria appears, and her raven hair hangs over the rail as she leans to squint down at Robin. Bewildered, she relays their message to the others, and the chain squeals in reproach as the anchor is fully lifted out of the water. Robin clutches the chain tightly as they're hoisted up along with the anchor. Once they're close enough to the ships rail, Valeria offers a hand and pulls Robin back on board. As they hit the deck, Valeria raises an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised. "Well color me impressed. Maybe you actually can do something right." She teases lightly, a slight smirk gracing her face. Robin stays silent, but returns the smile as a rush of pride replaces their earlier frusteration. Suddenly, Will appears behind Valeria and glares at Robin in disapproval. "Robin, you're supposed to be in the galley. And why are you wet?" Valeria jumps in surprise and turns to face Will. "Don't be too hard on the kid. The anchor was stuck, and they fixed the problem for us," Valeria reassures the quartermaster, and Robin fails to hide their shock at the pirates sudden generosity towards them. Valeria leaves, and Will shifts his gaze to Robin. "Well, I suppose it's alright then. Good job." Will nods in approval and begins to walk away as well. Driven by the sudden praise from their crew, Robin finds the courage to stop Will before he leaves. "Wait. Can I talk to you before you go?" The quartermaster shifts his gaze around the ship before turning back to Robin and crossing his arms. The action tightens the cloth of his shirt to reveal the outlines of toned muscles. "Fine, but make it quick. There's still a lot left to do." Robins heart leaps, elated that they're finally being listened to. "That's what I wanted to talk about. I'm tired of the same old boring jobs when I know I can be more helpful elsewhere. Give me a chance to do more. I can be more useful than anyone here gives me credit for. You of all people should know that." Robin begs, trying to keep the desperation from their voice. Will is silent for a moment as he considers Robins argument with raised eyebrows. "Alright, prove to me you can handle more responsibility. We're about to start rigging the sails, go help with that," Will finally relents. "Yes, sir!" Robin responds excitedly, rushing to the bundle of canvas and ropes by the mast. [[Rig the sails]]

"Why don't you stop acting so high and mighty? I just want to help!" "Well we don't want your help! Now for the last time, go away. The adults are talking." "I'm not a kid!" "Well you're not an adult either. Seventeen is hardly old enough to be considered mature," Valeria snaps judgementally. Robin is about to shoot another retort when Will walks up to the pirates. "What is going on here?" Will catches sight of Robin and sighs. "Why aren't you in the galley?" Robin opens their mouth to explain, but Valeria cuts them off. "The anchor is stuck. We were trying to figure out what to do when Robin interupted us." Valeria and Robin shoot daggers at each other. "I was not-" "Calm down everyone. Let me take a look," The quartermaster interrupts, cutting Robin off once more. Will sighs again and peers over the edge of the rail, down to where the chain meets the crystal blue water. He raises his hands and slowly parts them, and down below the water seperates in a circle around the chain, revealing the large steel anchor beneath the waves. With a clearer vision of the problem, everyone can see that the anchor is caught between two large, algae covered rocks. "Everyone grab on to the chain and start pulling," Will orders. Robin follows suit as everyone grasps different parts of the chain. The material is warm to the touch from the midday sun and easy to keep a firm hold with every tug. The anchor eventually slips free, sliding out from under the rocks and swinging in the air as the pirates hoist it up. The group cheers once the anchor is safely lifted out of the way, and Will releases his control of the water. The quartermaster turns away without a word as the water below settles, moving to his next task. Without thinking, Robin rushes up to Will and stops him in his tracks. "Wait. Can I talk to you before you go?" Will shifts his gaze around the ship before turning back to Robin and crossing his arms. The action tightens the cloth of his shirt to reveal the outlines of toned muscles. "Fine, but make it quick. There's still a lot left to do." Robins heart leaps, elated that they're finally being listened to. "That's what I wanted to talk about. I'm tired of the same old boring jobs when I know I can be more helpful elsewhere. Give me a chance to do more. I can be more useful than anyone here gives me credit for. You of all people should know that."Robin begs, trying to keep the desperation from their voice. Will is silent for a moment as he considers Robins argument with raised eyebrows. "Alright, prove to me you can handle more responsibility. We're about to start rigging the sails, go help with that," Will finally relents. "Yes, sir!" Robin responds excitedly, rushing to the bundle of canvas and ropes by the mast. [[Rig the sails]]

Robin scoops up the three birds, holding them by their multicolored tails. The small bodies bump against each other as Robin makes their way back up to the ship. They nearly trip up the gangway in the process, but they make it back aboard and follow the flow of pirates bringing game down to the hold, leaving a small trail of bloody droplets in the wood. Draven is sitting in his usual spot on a worn barrel likely holding textiles or weapons. A pipe dangles limply on his lips as he spectates the movement of the cargo. His job doesn't start until all the cargo is on board, which is making note of the new cargo and taking inventory of the different animals that were hunted today. Robin tosses their portion into the open barrel directly in front of Draven lazily. The rugged pirate scrutinizes the catch as the colorful birds bounce against the bottom of the barrel. As Robin steps away to leave the dim hold, they nearly run into Will, briefly surveying the barrels storing the recently hunted game. "Where do you think you're going?" Will interrogates, his eyes narrowing down at the young pirate. "I was helping move the cargo," Robin explains dismissively as they try to step past Will. The quartermaster blocks the way and puts his hands on his hips. "I told you to help Draven with keeping track of the cargo, not to help move it," Will huffs. "He can do that himself, he doesn't need me helping him," Robin retorts, rolling their eyes. A few pirates chuckle as they pass the conversation, and the young deckhand shoots them a glare. "Robin, you need to do as I say. Everyone has a part to play here, no matter what that job is." "Look, I'm tired of the same old boring jobs when I know I can be more helpful elsewhere. Give me a chance to do more. I can be more useful than anyone here gives me credit for. You of all people should know that." Robin begs, trying to keep the desperation from their voice. Will is silent for a moment as he considers Robins argument with raised eyebrows. "Alright, prove to me you can handle more responsibility. We're about to start rigging the sails, go help with that," Will finally relents. "Yes, sir!" Robin responds excitedly, rushing to the main deck and the bundle of canvas and ropes by the mast. [[Rig the sails]]

Robin leans to scoop up the boar, their arms straining from the weight. They take slow steps back towards the ship, teetering as they go. The boar is heavier than anticipated, and the lumpy sand makes it harder to balance. The hide of the boar makes it difficult to see where Robin is going. An unseen dip in the sand makes the pirate stumble, and they drop the boar in the soft sand as they fall. The sediment sticks to their face where it hits the ground, and they hear a sudden chorus of laughter from some distant crewmates. Their face flushes with embarassment, and Robin scrambles back to their feet. They go to reach for the boar again, but a pair of chisled hands lift it before they can. They peer up to see Will looking down in disappointment. "I thought I told you to go help Draven." Will huffs, shifting the large boar in his arms. "Draven doesn't need my help. I can be more useful out here," Robin snaps as they brush sand off of their shirt. "This doesn't look helpful to me." Will raises an eyebrow at Robins disheveled appearance as they try to straighten their garments out. "I had it." Robin refuses to meet Wills gaze, instead saying their retort to a stubborn patch of sand that clings to their sleeve. "Everyone saw you fall. Don't try to lie now." The quartermaster sigs, an edge of exhaustion creeping in through his sigh. "It wasn't my fault!" Robin starts to flush between the sun and their growing frusteration. "Robin, I don't have time for this. Falling over and causing a spectacle isn't what I call useful. Draven needs help securing the supplies, and that's where you should be," Will lectures as he shifts the boar in his arms once more, the awkward weight becoming uncomfortable. "But I can contribute more by-" "Contribute?" Will interrupts in disapproval. "If you want to contribute more, then you will do as I say and go where you're told." "Will, please. I'm tired of the same old boring jobs when I know I can be more helpful elsewhere. Give me a chance to do more. I can be more useful than anyone here gives me credit for. You of all people should know that." Robin begs, trying to keep the desperation from their voice. Will is silent for a moment as he considers Robins argument with raised eyebrows. "Alright, prove to me you can handle more responsibility. We're about to start rigging the sails, go help with that," Will finally relents. "Yes, sir!" Robin responds excitedly, rushing back to the ship across the hot sand. Will follows slowly behind with the wild boar. [[Rig the sails]]

Robin makes their way over to the mess of ropes and sails, watching as their crewmates scramble about to their assigned positions. The air is alive with shouts of commands as the pirates all communicate to prepare the boat to sail. They scamper to the nearest rope, ready to help rig the sails. [[Begin]]

(set: $visited to it + 1) (if:visits < 3)[ Robin grabs one of the halyards and goes to attatch it to the sail. {(live: 0.5s)[ (if: time < 0.6s)(link-goto: "Secure halyard")]} (event: when time > 1s)[==[''[They drop the rope.]''] [[Try again ->Begin]] ] (if:visits >= 4)[ One of the other sailors grabs the rope instead, leaving Robin with nothing to do. } [[Give up]] ]

They sucessfully tie it down, tightening the thick cord and securing it with a winch. [[The tack]]

Robin lets out a small huff of irritation and glares at the pirate who stole their job. They watch as the sails unfurl and raise into the cerulean sky. The deck lurches under their feet as the wind catches in the hoisted sails, pushing the ship away from the lush island. ---------------------------------------------------- Once the frigate makes it to the open sea, Will alerts the crew to gather around him to discuss the next plans. Robin grumbles under their breath as they're pushed around by the other pirates when everyone presses close. Will sets himself at the center and scans the crowd of pirates around him, making sure everyone is present. Once he seems sure that everyone is listening to him, he clears his throat and begins to speak, shouting to be heard over the chatter of the crew. "Alright, listen up! The captain and I have been talking, and we have our plans for the next raid on Verdantia. This time around, we will be hitting a village in Avalondale." At the mention of Avalondale, the talk grows louder and more heated. "Avalondale? I ain't messin' with their military after what happened tah Sparrow's crew." "We don' stand a chance against those rich bastards!" "Why can't we jus' go raid Ebonreach again? They're easy pickin's." The complaints arise from all sides, nobody happy with the announcement. Robin can't help but agree with the rest of the crew. Avalondale is the richest city in Verdantia, and has the strongest military as a result. Trying to go up against their army would be a death sentence. "Quiet down," Will commands, holding up a hand. "We realize how dangerous their forces are. That's why we have a plan. We will hit one of the smaller villages on the coast. And when we do, we'll raid it quietly. That means no fire, no cannons, only handheld weapons. The village will be one far enough away that if done right, the city's military won't hear about us until the next morning. Is that clear?" Will eyes each crewmate in turn, expecting a complaint or jab from someone. But nobody replies, everyone seemingly satisfied with the explanation. Robin furrows their brow in slight concern, but decides it's better to keep their mouth shut for the moment. The silence stretches on for a moment longer, filled by the sound of saltwater sloshing against the side of the ship. "Well, if nobody has any complaints, then that ends this meeting. I'll give out more details as we get closer to the village," Will explains before walking away himself. The pirates disperse and go back to the days work as the Griffans Gambit glides peacefully across the water. [[Set sail]]

(set: $visited to it + 1) (if:visits < 4)[ Robin finishes up and locates the tack on the sail, starting to bring that corner to it's respective position on the mast. {(live: 0.5s)[ (if: time < 0.6s)(link-goto: "Secure the tack")]} (event: when time > 1s)[==[''[They drop the sail.]''] [[Try again ->The tack]] ] (if:visits >= 5)[ One of the other sailors grabs the canvas instead, leaving Robin with nothing to do. [[Give up]] ]

They sucessfully secure the tack to the mast, wrapping the rope to do so. [[Hoist the sails]]

(set: $visited to it + 1) (if:visits < 5)[ Everyone rushes to grab a rope to pull, and Robin follows. {(live: 0.5s)[ (if: time < 0.6s)(link-goto: "Tie the last rope")]} (event: when time > 1s)[==[''[But Robin is too slow.]''] [[Try again ->Hoist the sails]] ] (if:visits >= 6)[ One of the other sailors grabs the rope instead, leaving Robin with nothing to do. [[Give up]] ]

Robin grasps the rope tightly and pulls, using their whole body weight as leverage. The sails unfurl as they raise into the cerulean sky. As the white canvas billows in the wind, Robin feels the deck rock under their feet, the ship drifting away from the lush island. The pirate catches their breath for a moment as the boat begins to glide across the water. ---------------------------------------------------- Once the frigate makes it to the open sea, Will alerts the crew to gather around him to discuss the next plans. Robin grumbles under their breath as they're pushed around by the other pirates when everyone presses close. Will sets himself at the center and scans the crowd of pirates around him, making sure everyone is present. Once he seems sure that everyone is listening to him, he clears his throat and begins to speak, shouting to be heard over the chatter of the crew. "Alright, listen up! The captain and I have been talking, and we have our plans for the next raid on Verdantia. This time around, we will be hitting a village in Avalondale." At the mention of Avalondale, the talk grows louder and more heated. "Avalondale? I ain't messin' with their military after what happened tah Sparrow's crew." "We don' stand a chance against those rich bastards!" "Why can't we jus' go raid Ebonreach again? They're easy pickin's." The complaints arise from all sides, nobody happy with the announcement. Robin can't help but agree with the rest of the crew. Avalondale is the richest city in Verdantia, and has the strongest military as a result. Trying to go up against their army would be a death sentence. "Quiet down," Will commands, holding up a hand. "We realize how dangerous their forces are. That's why we have a plan. We will hit one of the smaller villages on the coast. And when we do, we'll raid it quietly. That means no fire, no cannons, only handheld weapons. The village will be one far enough away that if done right, the city's military won't hear about us until the next morning. Is that clear?" Will eyes each crewmate in turn, expecting a complaint or jab from someone. But nobody replies, everyone seemingly satisfied with the explanation. Robin furrows their brow in slight concern, but decides it's better to keep their mouth shut for the moment. The silence stretches on for a moment longer, filled by the sound of saltwater sloshing against the side of the ship. "Well, if nobody has any complaints, then that ends this meeting. I'll give out more details as we get closer to the village," Will explains before walking away himself. The pirates disperse and go back to the days work as the Griffans Gambit glides peacefully across the water. [[Set sail]]

The next day begins with little to no interruption as the ship sails smoothly across the water. Robin is on the main deck, perched on an overturned barrel as they watch the sun peak out over the horizon. Gulls cry out as they soar through a sky painted with soft oranges and pinks. The undersides of the few clouds that dot the sky are illuminated by the rising sun. The air is almost too still, and Robin finds themselves wishing that the rest of the crew would wake up to bring life to the new day. They were personally awoken too early by the sudden onset of snoring coming from Draven in the hammock below them, and weren't able to fall back asleep. So Robin sits atop the deck, watching the tranquil water down below as a salty morning breeze rustles their dark curls. Slowly but surely, other crewmates emerge from below, yawning and stretching as they greet the day. More and more bodies start to fill the deck, the murmers of morning conversations filling the air. After a small breakfast of hardtack and dried fruits, the crew starts the days work as ordered by their quartermaster. "Cleaning duty?? What happened to me having more responsibility?" Robin exclaims. Will meets their gaze with a mixture of exhaustion and annoyance, the expression emphasizing the dark circles forming under his eyes. He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. "We all have our jobs. Yours today is to help keep the ship clean, got it?" "But that's a task anyone can do. You told me yesterday that if I proved myself to you, you would let me take on more responsibility. I expect that to mean some better job than cleaning the privy." "Robin, I don't have time to deal with your attitude today. Do what I tell you to, and be quiet about it." The quartermaster ends his sentence with a snap. Robin shuts their mouth, taken aback by Will's tone. Biting back their frusteration and hurt at his words, Robin stalks off to their job. The cabin boy didn't understand why Will changed so suddenly, especially after their talk yesterday. They take out their anger on the brush as they begin to scrub away, crushing the bristles into the foul-smelling wood. After a few hours of scrubbing and masaging their arms when they got sore from the repeated action, Robin hears a sudden onset of commotion coming from the main deck. They drop everything and rush out to see the ship in a frenzy. Pirates dash to and fro with weapons clutched in hand. Commands ring out across the crowd, struggling to be heard amonst the thundering footfalls and hurried shouts of everyone else. Robin stops the nearest person as they sprint past; a taller elven pirate named Isla. She whips her head around to stare daggers at Robin, her thick braid nearly slapping the cabin boy in the process. "What's happening? Why is everyone freaking out?" Robin queries. "Did you not hear? There's a Verdantian ship headed our way, we're getting ready to raid it at the captains orders." Isla explains quickly before rushing off again. Robin makes their way to the rail of the ship to spot what she was talking about: an ornate frigate illuminated by the midday sun. The vibrant flags of Verdantia and Loraven flap proudly from the masts. The ship is far enough away that the figures aboard could barely be made out, but it was clear that the ship carried a large crew. The figures aboard didn't seem nearly as frantic as those aboard the Griffins Gambit. //Maybe they don't see us as threat yet?// Robin wonders as they study the boat ahead. On their own ship, someone hoists a tattered version of the Verdantia flag that the crew gained in a past raid to trick the other ship. The captain blunders across the main deck, yelling orders left and right. "Robin!" Captain Blackthorne roars. The young pirate jumps in alarm and snaps to attention as the captains intimidating figure looms over them. "Get yer sorry ass moving and grab a plank, the ship is almost close enough to board." "Right away, captain," Robin yelps before scurrying off to complete the captains request. They bolt down to the lower decks, making a beeline for a stack of sturdy wooden planks in a far corner of the ship. But the pirate stops short as they catch a glint of silver out of the corner of their eye. Resting near the planks is an open crate of different swords, half empty from all the people preparing to fight. Robin takes half a second to ponder the box before snatching one from the bin for themselves, sheathing it in their belt before continuing with their task. As they drag the plank back above deck, the Verdantian ship inches ever closer. The neaerer the opposing boat sails, the louder and busier the pirates become. The salty air is thick with the heat from the sun and multiple moving bodies. The tension before battle strings the pirates along, aparent in everyones expressions and rushed movements. As the enemy ship glides close enough, the action explodes; the flag waving from the Griffins Gambit is replaced with the sigil of the Ethertide pirates, the planks are thrown down to make for easy passage from ship to ship, a battle cry rings out from the crew as they charge into the fight. Robin struggles through the crowd, lost in the mix of bodies knocking against each other. They fight their way to one of the rope ladders, searching for higher ground to regain their senses. From their new vantage point, the cabin boy surveys the other ship. A loose rope dangles next to them from their perch, and an idea pops into mind. Robin had seen a few other pirates do it in past raids with success, so why couldn't they do the same? Grasping the rope tightly, Robin throws themselves from the ladder. Spray from the sea below sprinkles their face as they soar above it. The pirate thinks they hear their name being called from the crowd below, but they pay it no mind as they leap from the rope, their feet slamming into the deck of the other ship. Robin hastily brandishes their sword and looks for someone to fight. [[Enemy 1]] [[Enemy 2]]

The battle dies down quickly, and the clashing of steel and battle roars are replaced with jovial laughter and idle chatter. The crew starts making their way around the frigate, collecting what they can and bringing it back to their own vessel. After exploring the lower deck of the ship with some other crewmates, Robin finds a chest filled to the brim with precious metals and decides to take it back. Leftover adrenaline gives them the last bit of strength they need to lug the heavy chest back over to the Griffins Gambit. The moment their feet touch the deck of their own ship, Robins exhaustion catches up with them. The slashes from the previous fight sting where the salty air brushes against them, staining their garments with blood. The young pirate sighs and sets the chest down with a thud, leaning against it to catch their breath. They get a moments respite before the steady //thump// of footsteps approach. The owner reveals to be Will when Robin wearily raises their gaze to meet his icy blue eyes. The quartermasters strong features are twisted into an expression somewhere between rage and concern. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?" Will starts slowly, his voice low and filled with tension. The question takes Robin by surprise. //Did Will not see me fight?// [["I shouldn't be in trouble"]] [["What do you mean?"]]

Robin scans the scene and spots two sailors ganging up on Orion not too far away. They rush into the fray, swinging at the nearest sailor to grab their attention. Their apporach turns into a feint as the plan works, and the young man's attention is drawn to them. Robin dances across the deck as the sailor swings at him, leading the opponent away to lighten Orions load. The sailor has a lighter build similar to Robin, but the pirate proves to be faster thanks to their training. Robin cuts at their opponent as they dodge. Their swings strike true, leaving bloodstained cuts in the sailors once neat uniform. Adrenaline courses through Robins limbs as they fight, blood rushing through their ears. The two fight up the stairs to the quarterdeck of the ship, dodging other fights around them. Robin lunges at the sailor, who dodges behind the steering wheel of the ship. The pirates blade strikes the wheel instead, their blade lodged in the polished wood. Robins opponent takes the oppotunity to slash their arm as they struggle to free their sword. The young deckhand cries out in pain, using the onset of fear to tug their weapon from the wheel. Ignoring the stab of pain coursing through their bicep, Robin thrusts their sword toward the Verdantian sailor once more. Their form grows more sloppy, and the sailor manages to get a few more cuts in as the two fight. Will's voice flits through Robins mind, reminding them of their training. Robin instinctually takes a more defensive stance as their opponent advances. The sailor lunges once more, and Robin parrys his attack, the steel of the swords ringing as they clash. Robin uses the mans weight against him and swings a leg out to trip him. The sailor cries out as he topples forward and over the edge of the ship, unable to catch himself before he plummets to the ocean depths below. The young pirate swells with pride at their hard earned victory, secretly hoping that some of their crewmates saw it. Robin turns to see their crew winning the fight as more Verdantian sailors are picked off or surrender to the pirates. [[After the raid]]

As Robin scans the scene, a burly man lunges towards them. The man swings his sword at Robins chest, only giving them a second to dodge away. The pirate dances across the deck before counterattacking, cutting their sword towards their opponents abdomen. The sword nicks the sailors uniform, failing to do any more than slice a button off of the fancy clothing. The man smirks at Robins failed attempt, and drives his sword forward into their gut. Robin lets out a sharp gasp of pain as the steel slides into their stomach. They lurch away from the sword as the sailor pulls it out, letting Robin stumble back to grasp the rail of the ship. The pirate clutches at their wound, watching as their opponent casually wipes Robins blood off of his sword. Robin swings their sword feebly at the sailor once more as he approaches, but they feel their strength leaving as their blood pools on the deck below. The sickly metal scent fills the air bewteen the two as the Verdantian sailor effortlessly knocks Robins sword out of their hand. Without a shred of emotion on his face, the sailor places a hand on the pirates chest and gives a fierce shove. Robin topples over the edge and into the cold water below, giving in to the pain and darkness that soon follows as they drown. You died Want to try again? [[Robin]]

{(set: $angry to false)} "I shouldn't be in trouble." "You //shouldn't// be in trouble? What part of "swing over to the enemy ship and fight the first person you see" is part of your training?" "Well maybe if someone had trained me properly, I would've known better." Robin accuses, crossing their arms in reproach. "You will be trained, I promise. I have a lot on my plate right now, you just have to be patient." "When will that be? I can't remember the last time we had a training session." "I know, Robin, I know. But there's a lot more to running this ship than training you." Will pauses for a moment to rub at his temples, as if the very thought of his duties pained him. "There's always something that needs my attention, and I can't drop everything at a moments notice." "It's always the same excuse. I'm sick of it! I'm ready to fight, and you know it." Robin shoots back, pushing themselves up to fully stand before the quartermaster. "You think you're ready just because you had one sucessful fight? It takes more than that to survive. Discipline, strategy, knowing when to fight and when to hold back. That’s what I’m trying to teach you." Anger claws at Robins throat, threatening to tear it to shreds in an effort to escape."Then teach me! How am I supposed to learn anything if you're always too busy to show me?" "Do you think I like seeing you run headfirst into danger? Do you think I want you to get hurt or worse? Every time you disobey orders, you put everyone at risk, not just yourself! And when you do, that responsibility falls on me!" Will's outburst stuns Robin into a moment of silence. For the first time, Robin takes a good look at their mentor; his dull, disheveled hair, the dark shadows under his blue eyes, the lines of worry etched into his face. A wave of regret dulls Robins anger as they remember how much Will has already done for them. "I just... I just want to prove myself. To you and to the crew." Robin admits, lowering their voice and averting their gaze to the wooden ground. "You will." Will sighs, his voice softening. "But you need to understand that proving yourself doesn't mean throwing yourself into danger without thinking. Give me time, and we will get back to your training. I promise." Robin nods reluctantly in response. "Fine. But I'm holding you to that promise." "I wouldn't expect anything less." Will agrees, and the two share a small smile. "Now get some rest and tend to those wounds." "Yes sir." Robin grumbles as they head off. Will picks up the chest Robin found and hauls it down to the hold while Robin makes their way to the surgeons quarters. [[A day later]]

{(set: $angry to true)} "What do you mean?" "You know exactly what I mean." Will is clearly trying to keep his composure, but the intensity of his emotions are betrayed by his eyes. "Well, if you mean I did something wrong by helping our crew in a fight, then sure, I do know. Otherwise, I am completely clueless." The cabin boy crosses their arms in reproach. Robins remark is unproblematic in itself, but the snarky tone makes Will's eye twitch. "Your training is not complete yet. You shouldn't have been over there, and you know it." "But I handled myself just fine! Didn't you see me fight?" "Whether I saw you fight or not is irrelevant. You could have gotten yourself killed." "I'm still alive, aren't I?" "But you're injured." Will points out a slash on their cheek left by their earlier opponents sword, which Robin hastily tries to wipe away. "You're not ready for fights like this." "Well maybe I would be if someone would take the time to train me!" Robin snaps, pushing themselves up to fully stand before the quartermaster. "You will be trained. I have a lot on my plate, you just have to be patient." "You say that every time! How am I supposed to ever learn anything if you're too busy to teach me?" Robins voice shakes with anger as it raises in volume. Passing pirates offer a quick glance to the two bickering, but nothing more. "Do you think I like seeing you put your life in danger? Do you think I'm content to push you off the deep end with what little training I've given you?" "If you bothered to see me fight, then you would know how capable I am." "I don't care how well you fought today. I care more about keeping you alive!" Will's voice raises to match Robins in volume, nearing on a shout. "I don't care if you're trying to keep me alive! I would rather die proving myself then live stuck under your thumb!" Robins last outburst rings in the air around them, tightening the tension between the two. Will stays silent for a terse moment, fixing Robin with a furious glare. "That's enough, Robin. You're wasting my time." Will's voice goes cold, and he turns on his heel and stalks away from the young pirate, leaving them fuming on the main deck. [[A day later]]

The sun is already halfway across the cloud-speckled sky when the small Avalondalian village fades into view. Silhouettes of the bigger cities inland dwarf the humble abodes scattered along the coastline. The seas had been kind to the pirates through their journey, and today is no different. The ocean lazily laps at the sides of the ship as the pirates aboard gather around Will once more to hear the full plan for the upcoming raid. "With the village in view, it's time to go over our plan of attack." Will starts, his voice ringing out loud and clear from his perch on an empty crate so everyone can see him. "The crew will be split into three groups: one will be the main raiding party, led by me and the captain. Another group will be sent to patrol the outskirts of the village for any sign of reinforcement from the inner city guards. That group will be led by Orion. The last group will stay behind on the ship and make sure we have a swift getaway if things go south. I doubt this group needs a leader, just wait for an order from the captain or myself to set sail at a moments notice. Do I make myself clear?" Will pauses for any commentary from the crew. The usually rowdy pirates stay silent, a clear air of apprehension looming over everyone. "Very well." Will continues, ignoring the tense stillness. He lists off who will be in each group, starting with the main raiding party. Robin holds their breath, hoping for their name to be called, but to no avail. Instead, they get placed on the lookout crew with Orion, much to their disappointment. Will finishes his list and gives one final order. "We have to lay low until sundown, then the plan will be put in motion. So everyone rest and prepare yourselves." The crowd of pirates disperses, and Robin stomps up to Will as the quartermaster hops down from his crate. { }(if: $angry is true)[The two pirates lock eyes as they apporach, and Will sighs in annoyance, pinching at the bridge of his nose. "What do you want, Robin?" "I want you to put me on the team that's raiding the town." Robin demands, the irritation clear in their voice. "No." "What do you mean, no?!" "You are lucky to even be leaving the ship. If I had it my way, you would be staying behind to keep an eye on things with everyone else. Consider this a compromise." Will's tone is cool and flat, which only flares Robin's anger. "But I want to help the crew!" "Being on lookout is helping, believe it or not. This is an ambitious job, every role is important." "But I don't get to use any of my training." Robin whines in response. "There's more to being a skilled fighter than how well you wield a sword." Will scolds. "Being a good swordsman requires a heightened sense of perception, and that can be used outside of battle too. You should know this if you've been paying attention to what I say during our training sessions." Will raises an eyebrow at Robin, waiting for them to disagree. Robin starts to say something, but bites their tongue as they reluctantly realize that their mentor is right. "Why do you bother training me if you won't let me prove myself?" Robin asks, the frusteration bubbling under their words. Will's expressions hardens. "This is not about you proving yourself. It's about knowing your place and the importance of every role on this ship. You may not see it now, but your time will come." "But-" Robin starts, only to be cut off by Will's raised hand. "Enough, Robin. Here's another lesson you could afford to learn: know when to accept defeat." His voice is final, leaving no room for argument. Will turns away, dismissing his student with a curt nod, signaling that the conversation is over. ]{ }(else-if: $angry is false)[The two pirates lock eyes as they apporach, and Will offers a tired smile. "Are you doing alright? How are your wounds healing up?" "My wounds are fine. What isn't fine is putting me on lookout instead of the main raiding team." Robin snaps. "You know I can't do that." Will sighs. "Why not?" "Because I don't want to see you get hurt before you're ready." Robin opens their mouth to argue, but Will cuts them off. "I know you want to prove yourself. That's why I put you on the lookout team. That way you're still getting off the ship, but you're not in immediate harms way. Consider it a compromise." "But I want to help the crew!" "Being on lookout is helping, believe it or not. This is an ambitious job, every role is important." "But I don't get to use any of my training." Robin whines in response. "There's more to being a skilled fighter than how well you wield a sword." Will lectures gently. "Being a good swordsman requires a heightened sense of perception, and that can be used outside of battle too. You should know this if you've been paying attention to what I say during our training sessions." Will smiles knowingly at Robin, waiting for them to disagree. Robin starts to say something, but bites their tongue as they reluctantly realize that their mentor is right. "Right, the training sessions that we haven't had in months." Robin grumbles, folding their arms across their chest. Will sighs again, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Now that you mention it, I think we have time for a quick lesson." Will relents. Robins eyes light up in excitement. "Wait, really?" Will nods, a grin ghosting across his face at Robins obvious eargerness. "Now listen closely, this is one of the most important lessons you could ever learn." Robin perks up, awaiting any wisdom their mentor has to offer. "An important part of being a skilled and smart fighter is knowing when an encounter is too challenging. Know when to accept defeat, and save yourself from any future harm to make sure you live another day." Robin noticably slumps, disappointed and frusterated with Will's parting lesson as the quartermaster turns away with a swift nod. ] Robin stays locked in their place on the main deck, their anger seizing their limbs and rendering them tense and motionless. Their anger swirls in an endless typhoon, consuming their thoughts as they glare after Wills retreating figure. //Accept defeat? What kind of bullshit lesson is that?// The pirates frusterations are interrputed by a sudden influx in crewmates crowding on the main deck, each holding a heavily used mug in hand. Someone had opened a keg of ale, and everyone is clamoring to get their fill. The pirates fill their cups and offer cheers to each other, downing the contents quickly before going back for a refill. Before long, the ale loosens the crew up, temporarily easing the earlier tension. Robin grabs their own cup and nurses a single drink of the ale on the side of the gathering, chosing to watch everyone else make a fool of themselves. Valeria stumbles around the deck on her sixth cup, talking loudly and laughing along with her crewmates. Orion and Draven are off to one side, having a quieter conversation as they sip their drinks and lean casually against the rail of the ship. Jack, Isla and Tamsin take turns arm wrestling and making fun of each others losses. The various voices and random choruses of laughter fill the air, calming the nerves of everyone aboard. After a peiod of jovial chatter among the crew, the melodius strum of a lute interrupts the conversations, coming from the lead bard Eddie. Robin watches as everyone gathers around the musician, who leads the pirates in popular sea shanties like "Drunken Sailor" and "The Wellerman." Eddie perches himself on a large crate as he plays his instrument and sings, and is soon joined by the other bards aboard the ship. Robin watches in mild amusement as some of the pirates try to dance along to the music, letting the crews goofy moves dull their irritations. Robin finds themsleves nodding thier head to the rhythm of the music and humming quietly along, aware that they are ever so slightly off key. The music and dance continues as the Griffins Gambit sails smoothly into the harbor. Eventually the captain comes over and scolds the crew for making too much noise this close to the town, not wanting to draw too much attention to the ship before the raid began. The crew obliges and opts for quieter conversations amongst themselves, keeping their voices low so they don't invoke the captains wrath again. The pirates begin to sober up and sit around eating a light supper as the sun drifts slowly towards the horizon. Robin finds thelselves listening in on a conversation between Draven, Valeria, Tamsin and Eddie. They're swapping stories of yesterdays raid, their voices a mixture of excitement and pride. "Did'ja see the look on that merchant captains face?" Valeria chuckles, her golden eyes glinting in amusement. "He never saw us coming." Tamsin grins and nods in agreement. "Aye, and those idiot sailors were scramblin' like rats. Might as well have been from Ebonreach, considering how easy they were." Eddie, always the braggart, leans in. "Took down a good lot of 'em myself. Didn't even break a sweat." Valeria snorts in exasperation. "What, with your lute? What did ya do, sing the sailors to death?" "Hey, I can fight jus' as well as anyone! I'm more than just a bard, ya know." Eddie shoots back. Valeria just giggles in response, clearly enjoying teasing the musician. Draven smirks, talking around the hardtack in his mouth. "They weren't expecting us, that's for sure." The groups energy is contagious as Robin eavesdrops, and they feel compelled to join in the conversation. "Hey, you should've seen me out there." The cabin boy cuts in, a proud grin on their face. "Took down one of those Verdantian sailors all by myself!" The group falls silent for a moment, exchanging looks before bursting into laughter. Valeria wipes a tear from her eye, shaking her head. "One sailor, eh?" She mocks through chuckles. "How cute." Tamsin pats Robin on the back, his smile patronizing. "Wooow, good job. Maybe next time you'll manage two!" "One sailor? Impressive, meanwhile I was taking on six at once." Eddie chimes in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "An' I had ten of 'em begging for mercy." Draven adds with a pitiful smirk. "But one sailor? Sure, that's somethin' to brag about." Robins face flushes with embarrasment and frusteration, suddenly regretting opening their mouth. "It was a tough fight! He was bigger than me, and I still beat him." Robin overexaggerates a detail or two to make their story seem more impressive in a desperate attempt to stop the pirates' teasing. Eddie snorts, crossing his arms. "Sure, sure. And maybe next time, you won't trip over your own feet while you're at it." "Or drop your sword. Remember that time you almost took out your own foot?" Tamsin adds in. "I didn't trip or drop my sword. I fought him fair and square." Robin insists, their frusteration beginning to boil over. Valeria grins, clearly enjoying the banter. "Sure, kid. Maybe next time you'll take down two sailors and earn yourself a medal!" "Or maybe you'll get promoted for your bravery." Draven adds in sarcastically. Robins eyes flash with anger, their hands balling into fists. "Maybe if you all weren't so full of yourselves, you'd see that I'm just as capable as any of you!" Tamsin lets out a harsh bark of laughter. "Capable? You can barely keep up with us." "Maybe if you stopped whining and started listening, you'd actually learn something for once." Draven shrugs as he takes another bite of food. The other pirates nod in agreement. Valeria waves off Robin dismissively. "Now go away. The adults have real business to discuss." Robin lets out an angry huff and storms away from the group, their resumed conversation fading into the background. The young pirate removes themselves to the quarterdeck, seperating from the rest of the crew as they eat their portion and watch the sun slowly begin to sink below the ocean. [[The raid]]

As the shades of the sky change from peach to indigo, preperations for the raid begin to amp up. The apprehension from earlier has returned, resting in the sailors limbs as everyone polishes swords, collects ammunition and steels themselves for the upcoming attack. Will flits around the deck to check on everyones progress. The different teams group together, and Robin joins the lookout team as they gather around the rail of the ship. Two rowboats are lowered into the water, enough for the entire lookout crew to get to shore before everyone else. Robin finds themselves pressed agianst the bodies of their crewmates as everyone struggles to squish into the small dingys. A few benches away, Robin spots Jack anxiously fidgeting with the flare Will gave him in case anybody spots reinforcements. Internally, the young pirate prays that the flare will go unused for tonights attack. The air is quiet and tense as the rowboat floats gradually across the water, the only sounds heard being the quiet breathing of the surrounding pirates and the sloshing of the oars pushing through the water. Lights from the village flicker in the distance, going out one by one as the pirates row closer. After an excruciatinly long and slow crawl across the water, the lookout crew makes it to the docks of the villages harbor. The pirates disembark, and Orion quietly ushers everyone around the houses, making a point to stay in the shadows as often as possible. As the group passes a small farmhouse, the dwelling catches Robins eye. The building rests closer to the edge of the town, and the pirate has fallen to the back of the cluster. If Robin wanted to do so, they could sneak away from the rest of the crew and hide out in the farmhouse until the raid began, then join the main team like they wanted to from the beginning. But doing so would go directly against the quartermasters orders. Will's stern face flashes across Robins mind, causing them to scowl as they consider their options. [[Sneak away]] [[Stay]]

Robin creeps towards the farmhouse and manages to duck behind a hay bale right as the rest of the group turns a corner, their footsteps fading into the night. Dusting loose hay from their clothing, the pirate creeps around the side of the building. They peer into the windows as they pass, wrinkling their nose at the wafts of different animal stenches drifting through the openings. Staying pressed against the wall, Robin strains to hear for any sound of the other pirates, from the lookout group or the raiding group. The area surrounding them is empty, devoid of any signs of life. The information eases Robins tension a little; not only does no noise mean they were successful at sneaking away in time, the village was completely unaware of the pirates in their midst. Everything was going as planned. Robin crouches in the shadows of the farmhouse for a while, and their legs begin to ache from the position they're sitting in. They don't dare move though, afraid that any change will alert the wrong people to their position. Eventually, they hear the distant sounds of footsteps and low mumbles of orders as the main raiding party descends into town. Their limbs tense in apprehension and excitement, the adrenaline from rebelling against orders rushing through their veins. Robin inches out of the shadows enough to spot the pirates as they split off in different directions to investigate various buildings. They can also see the front enterance to the farmhouse; a set of large, heavy barn doors with chipped paint on the edges. [[Investigate farmhouse]] [[Follow the others]]

Robin begrudgingly shakes their head to chase the thought away and quickens their pace to keep up with the other pirates. The crew makes it to the edge of the village, and at Orion's direction, seperates into two groups that begin to patrol in opposite directions. "Keep an eye an' ear out for any sign of trouble. We'll update each other next time we cross." the grizzled pirate orders before leading his group into the night. Robin stays with the opposite group, remembering how Orion scared away their game a few days earlier. Still irked by that slipup, they opt to stay away from the orc for the time being. A soft breeze rustles the grassy hills surrounding the quaint village, sending a shiver up Robins back. The soft chirps of nearby crickets accompany the pirates footfalls as they silently trudge across the landscape. Above, stars begin to glimmer across the steadily darkening sky. The ground underneath is rocky and uneven enough to trip any traveler who wasn't paying enough attention to where they place their feet. Shadows deepen as the night stretches on, adding an eerie gloom to the patrol. Robins eyes sweep over the rolling hills, looking for any signs of movement. All their eyes catch is the faint rustling in the nearby trees as the wind disturbs their branches. Distracted with their gaze turned outwards, Robin jumps in surprise when a sharp jab catches them in the back. They whip their head around to glare at the culprit, a tiefling pirate named Kael. The gunner gazes back with a question lingering in their silver eyes. [["Watch it."]] [["What was that for?"]]

"Watch it." Kael raises their hands in an unspoken apology. "I was trying to ask you a question and you weren't responding." "What is it?" Robin's question bites through the air. "I was asking if you saw anything out there." Kael paces their question carefully, sensing the frusteration boiling in Robins words. "No. It's all clear." Robin keeps their response cold and short. The last thing the young pirate wanted to do was talk to the other members of the group they didn't even want to be in. "Good. That's all I wanted to know." The two lapse back into silence, a new sense of awkwardness lingering as they walk. Robin huffs in annoyance and turns their attention back to the hills beyond. In doing so, they completely miss a loose rock appearing under boot, starting to stumble forward. Kael catches them by the arm before they topple over completely. "Woah, easy there. Everythin' okay?" [["I'm fine."]] [["Mind your business."]]

"What was that for?" "I was trying to ask you something and you weren't responding." Kael admits, raising their hands in defense. "What is it?" Robin's question bites through the air. "Calm down, kiddo. It's just a simple question." Kael tries to ease their tone with a chuckle, but it only succeeds in lighting Robins fuse. "I //am// calm. And don't call me that." "If ya say so. Anyways, I was asking if you saw anything out there." Kael paces their question carefully, sensing the frusteration boiling in Robins words. "No. It's all clear." Robin keeps their response cold and short. The last thing the young pirate wanted to do was talk to the other members of the group they didn't even want to be in. "Good. That's all I wanted to know." The two lapse back into silence, a new sense of awkwardness lingering as they walk. Robin huffs in annoyance and turns their attention back to the hills beyond. In doing so, they completely miss a loose rock appearing under their boot, starting to stumble forward. Kael catches the cabin boy by the arm before they topple over completely. "Woah, easy there. Everythin' okay?" [["Mind your business."]] [["I'm fine."]]

"Mind your business." Robin rips their arm out of the tieflings grasp, their pride stinging from the near fall. Kael balks at the cabin boys response, their look of concern shifting into annoyance. "Can you calm down for two damn seconds? I'm not out to get you." "I don't need your help." "Kid, all I did was break your fall. I'm just trying to watch your back-" "Stop calling me that!" Robins anger boils over and their voice raises to a shout, echoing off the nearby hills. "I'm not a kid." Some pirates turn their heads briefly at the young pirates outburst, but nobody makes a move to intervene. Kael's eyes narrow, their patience wearing thin. "I will continue to call you a child as long as you keep whining like one. If you want to be treated as an adult, then stop acting like a brat." "I am not a brat." Robins seethes, eyes ablaze with defiance. "I would disagree." "I agree with Kael." Another voice pipes up from somewhere in the small cluster ahead. Robin squints to find the owner and sees Jacks head turned back towards them, his firm eyes gleaming in the starlight. [["Shut up, Jack!"]] [["I don't need to hear this from you."]]

"I'm fine." Robin rips their arm out of the tieflings grasp, their pride stinging from the near fall. Kael's brow furrows, a hint of irritation seeping into their voice. "Sure doesn't seem like it. Why are you always so damn defensive?" "I'm not defensive." Robin snaps back, crossing their arms. "I just don't need you treating me like I'm some helpless kid." Kael's eyes narrow, their patience wearing thin. "I will continue to treat you like a child as long as you keep whining like one. If you want to be treated as an adult, then stop acting like a brat." "I am not a brat." Robins seethes, eyes ablaze with defiance. "I would disagree." "I agree with Kael." Another voice pipes up from somewhere in the small cluster ahead. Robin squints to find the owner and sees Jacks head turned back towards them, his firm eyes gleaming in the starlight. [["Shut up, Jack!"]] [["I don't need to hear this from you."]]

"Shut up, Jack!" Robin snaps to the pirate who has the audacity to join the conversation. Jack raises an eyebrow, unfazed. "Touchy, aren't we?" However, the pirate still turns his eyes back to the path ahead, leaving Robin and Kael to finish their argument. "Calm down, now. Iif you keep acting like this, you’re gonna get yourself or someone else killed." Kael scolds. "You don't get to tell me how to behave." Robin's hands ball into fists as they struggle to keep their voice down. "Well someone has to." Kael retorts, their voice low and stern. "Because right now, you're nothing but a liability." Robins voice wavers when they speak, holding beck tears of frusteration. "One day, you will see that you're wrong." With that, the deckhand storms off, seperating from the rest of the crew. The last bit of conversation they hear is between Jack and Kael before they stomp out of earshot. "Shouldn't you call them back? Robin can't just walk away during patrol." Jack offers his concern to Kael, who scoffs in response. "Let them. I'm not a fucking babysitter." Gritting their teeth, Robin picks up their pace, making a beeline for the shadowed buildings of the village. [[Into the village]]

"I don't need to hear this from you. You don't understand anything about me." Kael sighs, shaking their head. "Maybe I don't. But I do know that if you keep acting like this, you’re gonna get yourself or someone else killed." "You don't get to tell me how to behave." Robin's hands ball into fists as they struggle to keep their voice down. "Well someone has to." Kael retorts, their voice low and stern. "Because right now, you're nothing but a liability." Robins voice wavers when they speak, holding beck tears of frusteration. "One day, you will see that you're wrong." With that, the deckhand storms off, seperating from the rest of the crew. The last bit of conversation they hear is between Jack and Kael before they stomp out of earshot. "Shouldn't you call them back? Robin can't just walk away during patrol." Jack offers his concern to Kael, who scoffs in response. "Let them. I'm not a fucking babysitter." Gritting their teeth, Robin picks up their pace, making a beeline for the shadowed buildings of the village. [[Into the village]]

The cabin boy ignores the main road, chosing to cut over a small hill instead. The grass flattens under Robin's boots as they stomp towards the shadowed buildings, rage thick in their throat. The pirate wasn't sure where they were going, they just knew they wanted to get away from Kael. They push past a small bush as they pass over the hill, the shrub rustling as they disturb the delicate leaves. Adrenaline from their anger pushes Robin's feet faster, carrying themselves swiftly to the entrance of the town. The soft grass turns into paved cobblestone as Robin starts wandering the winding streets of the village. So lost in their fury, the young pirate barely notices the figure of a lean elven man as it barrels towards them, nearly knocking them over as he rushes past. They barely have time to notice the small chest clutched in the mans arms before he races away. Robin balks, cut off guard by the sudden appearence. Curiosity and alarm race through the pirates thoughts, and they take off in pursuit of the runner. They pick up their pace to match his, and soon manage to catch up as the hurried man stops to fiddle with the handle of the door to a simple townhouse. He looks up at the sound of Robins boots thumping against the stone, and lets out a small yelp of surprise before throwing the door open and rushing inside. The pirates hand is on the handle the minute it's slammed shut, forcing themselves into the house after him. [[The house]]

Robin bursts through the front door to see the man desperately trying to hide the chest. He whips around to face Robin, clutching to the box like a lifeline. The pirates imposing silhouette reflects in the mans circular glasses. "Hand over the chest!" Robin demands as they draw their sword. The man shakes his head, backing against the wall. "I can't. This chest- what's inside- is too dangerous." His voice trembles at the sight of the pirates blade. Robin narrows their eyes. "Dangerous or valuble?" They take a few steps closer, keeping the tip of their blade pointed at the man. "Dad?" A tentative voice calls out from an unseen part of the house. "Who is that?" The head of a young half-elf boy, looking to be around eleven years old, peaks his head around the corner of the wall that the man is backed up against. The boys freckled face, looking very similar to his dad's, is full of concern and fear. "James, stay back!" The father shouts at his kid. The distraction is just long enough for Robin to take initative in grabbing the chest. They have only moments to decide what to do. [[Tackle]] [[Threaten]]

"Fine. I don't have the time of day to deal with cowards such as yourself anyway," Scarlett says coldly. Glaring at the pirate who insulted her one last time, she stalks away form the pirates to leave them to their bickering. By the docks, she catches a glimpse of an empty dingy resting lazily near the docks and acts fast, hauling herself into the boat. The effort rocks the small vessel violently and sends splashes of water up. She places her hands against the worn dock and give a firm push. The water sloshes beneath her as the dingy drifts away from the ransacked village, ensuring Scarletts safety. As she grabs the oars, a deafening crack makes her wince. She looks back to see the burning house collapse in on itself, the wood splintering and cracking with every movement. She watches in horror as the pirate crew scrambles away from the toppling house, their silhouettes barely visible at her distance. If she squints, Scarlett can count the number of pirates, and there doesn't seem to be a new member among their ranks. Whoever that poor kid was, they died in that building thanks to their crews indecisiveness. With a heavy heart, she throws her weight against the oars and rows across the harbor as the house collapses and the pirates flood back to their ship. Want to play again? [[Play again|Start]]

The new pirate is up bright and early, leaning over the rail of the ship. Scarlett watches her homeland drift further away, along with her old life. She thinks back to all her memories from the rebellion and the connections she made. Her heart aches for those who are still suffering, and she silently prays to any god that may be listening that they will be able to continue forward without her. As she thinks about home and what the future has in store, Will approaches and clears his throat behind her. She twists her head slightly to show that she's listening, but her eyes stay stuck to the horizon. "Uh, Scarlett right? Remember the person you saved last night? They're awake, and asking to see you," The quartermaster prompts, keeping his explanation brief before briskly walking away again. She whips around and swiftly follows Will to the infirmary. Inside, the young pirate she saved last night sits reclined against the wall, peering at them both as she enters. A thick bandage covers the upper right half of their face, concealing the injury Scarlett spotted last night and crushing their thick curls. Their good eye meets her gaze, the amber tones reflecting warily in the natural light from a nearby porthole. "It's good to see you awake." Scarlett starts warmly. "How's the eye?" "Fine." Robin mutters, their pointed ears tilting back ever so slightly. Will stays in the doorway, regarding both pirates when he speaks. "Well, I'll leave the two of you to talk. I have some things to clear up around the ship." Scarlett offers a small wave as Will retreats, letting the door swing shut behind him. An awkward tension fills the room, neither person knowing where to start. Scarlett shifts her feet uncomfortably, sweeping her gaze around the infirmary and taking in the numerous cots lining the walls. Robin finally breaks the silence, revealing a set of fangs when they speak. "Who... who are you?" "Oh, I'm Scarlett. Your quartermaster must have told you about what happened last night?" "Yeah, yeah he did." The cabin boy lapses back into silence, averting their gaze to find the next words. "Why did you save me?" The new recruit tilts her head at Robin in confusion, silently taken aback by their question. "You were trapped in a burning building. What was I supposed to do, walk away?" "But you didn't have to." Scarlett shrugs. "Doesn't matter. You were in danger, and I wanted to help. That's all there is to it." Robin scowls at her. "Well, you shouldn't have. You don't know me, you don't know what happened." They cringe at their own outburst as soon as it happens, gritting their teeth. Internally, Scarlett feels a stab of pity for the young pirate. Whatever happened in that house last night must have taken a toll on them. Scarlett manages to keep her face neutral despite Robins outburst, and cautiously shifts to sit on the cot next to them. "You're right. I don't know you, or why you were trapped to begin with. But I do know that nobody deserves to die like that, not if someone can take action to stop it." Robin frowns, mulling over Scarletts words before speaking again "Thank you. For saving me." Their voice sounds choppy and forced, but an air of genuine grattitude accompanies their words. "Dont thank me." Scarlett shakes her head. "I'm just happy you're alive." As the two sit in the infirmary, the tension begins to seep away. Scarlett stares at the wooden floor of the ship below her, as if the planks could give her a new conversation topic. Robin saves her the effort by changing the subject first. "So, uh," Robin starts, their voice tinged with uncertainty. "How did you end up on the ship?" Scarlett pauses for a moment, dread dragging at her heart. Her thoughts stray back to the events that led her here; Aleric, the jail cell, escaping into the night. She doesn't feel ready to reveal everything to someone else, not so soon after her former best friends betrayal. "It's a long story," Scarlett admits, dodging the question. "We have time," Robin prompts, their expression curious yet cautious. Scarlett falters, uncertain of how much she can trust the cabin boy. They did just meet after all. She weighs her options regardless, and settles for masking her troubles with a soft smile. "Maybe another time. You should rest." The cabin boy narrows their eyes at Scarlett in suspicion, but thankfully stays silent. With that, Scarlett rises from the cot, swaying gently as she turns to leave the infirmary. She feels a mix of relief and lingering unease at Robins response to her deflections as she emerges onto the main deck once more. She drifts back over to her spot at the rail of the ship, leaning against the edge and letting the soft ocean breeze cool her skin. Her mind wanders back to the cabin boy, and how conflicted they seemed throughout the entire interaction. Curiosity burns within her to know what happened to Robin last night to get them trapped in that house fire, but she knows better than to pry. It's the least she can do out of respect for Robin not asking further questions about her life. She closes her eyes, finding solace in the rocking motion of the ship and the calls of the seabirds overhead. As Scarlett stands there, absorbing the sounds and sights of her new life at sea, a sense of determination settles within her. She vows to make the most of her new life, whatever challanges may come next as the ocean glitters beneath her. The end Want to play again? [[Start]]

She rounds one last corner close to the shortcut and activates her magic, covering herself with an illusion that matches the brick wall behind her. The thundering of boots and metal get closer as the guards gain on her position. A stack of empty crates rests close to the corner she's hidden behind, just tall enough for her to crouch behind. She could move to use them as cover, but with how fast the guards are moving, she may not make it in time. [[Stay against wall]] [[Hide behind crates]]

She rushes at the passage, throwing herself through the opening and beginning to shimmy her way through the narrow walls. Just as she thinks that she's far enough away from the main alley, a firm hand grabs one of the longer braids in her dark hair and tugs. She cries out as searing pain courses through her scalp, and the guards throws her onto the pavement head first. Her head bounces against the stone and stars suddenly scatter the afternoon sky. The guards fall on her quickly, restraining Scarletts arms and holding fast as she squirms against them. Scarlett screams and kicks and scratches at their faces, but it's no use. There are too many of them, and she doesn't have enough energy left to keep fighting. She continues to struggle helplessly in the strong grasp of her captors, heart heavy with dread as they drag her out of the alley. [[Retry|Scarlett]]

Scarlett stays pressed against the wall, holding her breath as the guards begin to run past. Unfortunately, one of the guards swings his arm a little too firecely as he's running, and the metal armor bracing his forearm smacks into her ribcage. She hisses in pain at the impact and clutches at her side. Her concentration is broken by the blunt force to her torso, and the illusion breaks to reveal her to the guards. One of them cries out and points at Scarlett, and the rest follow. The guards fall on her quickly, restraining Scarletts arms and holding fast as she squirms against them. Scarlett screams and kicks and scratches at their faces, but it's no use. There are too many of them, and she doesn't have enough energy left to keep fighting. She continues to struggle helplessly in the strong grasp of her captors, heart heavy with dread as they drag her out of the alley. [[Retry|Scarlett]]

She shuffles across the wall to hide behind the crates. As Scarlett attempts to make herself small enough to use the crates as coverage, her elbow nudges one of the lower placed ones. The movement sends the haphazardly placed crates to topple onto the floor, the wood echoing as it bounces off the pavement. She mutters a curse and drops to the ground behind the now fallen crates, trying to be as small and quiet as possible, even with the illusion. The guards round the corner a second later and see the mess she made. "She must have gone this way!" One exclaims, pointing down the hall. The others voice their agreement and take off as a pack down the hall, passing right by Scarlett. She watches them go with amusement, wondering how people who were tasked with keeping the city safe could be this stupid. She hoists herself off the ground and quickly dusts her clothes off before shimmying through the shortcut. Satisfied with how lost the guards will be now, she decides to go back to the base and let the crew know that the rebellion will sucessfully live another day. [[Back to the base]]

After an hour of weaving through shortcuts and main alleys, Scarlett finally makes it back to the base. She stands in front of an abandoned house that rests as one in a line of temporary housing units used years before for refugees during wartime. The houses were meant to be able to hold hundreds of people if they were all crammed together, so the houses are bigger to accomadate that. The roof sags and droops like a leaf, and the wood is old and has a plethora of holes from termites. To any passerby, the house would look like it was on the verge of collapsing, much less livable than even the poorest, dirtiest homes in Avalondale. But for a secret organization, it was the best facade they could ask for. She pushes through the rickety front door and winces at the shrill squeak of the hinges. Inside is a lengthly and sparely decorated room lined with cots from wall to wall. A good ten members of the rebellion dot the large room, set there to help play up the facade of being poor working class citizens who can't pay for a decent living space as well as to keep watch. The real rebellion, and the space where everyone actually gathered to meet and plan, was underneath the floorboards. For whatever reason, when the line of temporary houses for refugees was built, whoever designed them decided to connect them all through a giant cellar that stretched underneath all the houses, making for a perfectly spacious hideout for the Avalon Outlaws. She paces to the entrance of that cellar now, pulling at the rusty handle to open the hatch. The cellar underneath is even longer than the houses, stretching so far that the furthest wall is obscured with the dim lighting. Countless shelves line the walls, filled with rations, blankets, simple clothing items, medicine kits, and other essentials. The room is abuzz with the noise of many different people conversing, the echos of their voices bouncing off the rocky walls in a cacophany of chatter. Several heads turn as Scarlett jumps down into the room, her boots bringing up small clouds of dirt when she lands. She meets the eyes of the people who turned to look and offers them a small nod of courtesy. Despite the ache of her legs crying out for rest, she begins to tread through the room in search of her partner in crime and co-leader, Aleric. He is talking with a group of younger, newer recruits. He seems to be in the middle of lecturing them when he catches Scarlett out of the corner of his eye. "I'm not done with you quite yet. Wait right there, I'll finsih explaining after," he explains to the recruits with a wave of a caramel-colored hand, turning to Scarlett as she approaches. "Welcome back. I assume the soldiers were taken care of then?" "They're gonna be lost for days with how turned around they are," she smirks. Aleric doesn't find the joke amusing. He merely grunts in approval and changes the subject. "The guards keep getting closer and closer every day. I don't like it," Aleric worries. "Actually, these guards were different." Aleric raises an eyebrow in intrigue. "Oh? How so?" "They were guards from the capitol. I saw it on their crests." "What? What the hell are guards from the capitol doing here?" "I dunno, but they got way too close for not knowing the area," she notes worriedly, wondering how their existence here in Avalondale will affect future actions. Aleric runs a hand through his smooth shock of white hair, messing up the slicked back look he tries to maintin. "We need to get intel on them, and fast. Do you think you can get a group together to send out and collect information?" "Already on it," Scarlett replies, shooting him one last glance before walking away. It takes about twenty minutes to gather a crew, and Aleric does the same for a different mission. By the end, there are six people who are willing to take on the mission to gather intel. The smaller the party, the better, so Scarlett makes a mental note to not include every person who offered to go. She meets back up with Aleric in a far corner of the cellar, the small band of recruits traveling behind her like ducklings. Aleric also has his small band of recruits circled around him with big burlap sacks slung over their shoulders and more piled at their feet. "Charity run?" Scarlett nods toward the bulky bags. "Yes, but they need two more people. Too many bags to carry," Aleric states, eyeing the group behind her as he says so. "Well, you and I could tag along with one of the groups, and we could swap around people based on who we go with," Scarlett suggests. "Sure, let's do that. I don't care which group we go with, so you chose." [[Help give supplies]] [[Gather intel]]

{(set: $lowerclass to false) (set: $higherclass to false) (set: $captain to false)} "Let's go with the group gathering intel. I'm curious to know what they're doing here." Aleric nods and divys the group based on that decision. The groups seperate, the charity run leaving the base, and the intel group following Scarlett to a seperate corner to discuss the plan. "So, here's the plan I have in mind. We start with finding a patrol of the capitol guards. I just led a few away from our base today, so they have to be patroling the city elsewhere too. You'll know who they are by the King's sigil on their breastplate. Then we follow them back to wherever their base may be, then formulate plans for sneaking in and gathering information." The recruits listen with rapt attention, staring at her with wide, alert eyes. Scarlett finishes explaining the plan as Aleric catches up after grabbing some small supplies to bring on the journey. "I hope you were listening Al, 'cause I'm not gonna explain it again," she jests, tilting her head to look at him with mock disdain. Aleric lets out a huff akin to laughter and rolls his golden eyes. "Don't worry about it. I'll just read your mind to get the information," he responds dryly as he hands her a small pouch with some essentials for the mission. Scarlett takes it gratefully and leads the crew out, going single file up the hatch and into the alleys surrounding the base. ------------------------------------------------------- As Scarlett leads her comrades through the main roads of Avalondales inner city, she keeps her eyes and ears alert for any sign of the capitol guards. The city is bustling with vendors selling their wares and lower class citizens traversing the cobbled roads, each with their own agenda and destination. The rebellion crew members are wearing rather simple outfits, blending right in with the rest of the crowd. It's hard to gauge where the outsiders might be, as Scarlett doesn't have the route of the capitol guards memorized like she does for the local ones. And it doesn't help that the streets are more condensed at this time of day, the flow of foot traffic spannnig most of the area between the cramped buildings that line the streets. Scarletts brow furrows as she lets out a small huff of frusteration. Aleric suddenly taps her shoulder, causing Scarlett to jump slightly. She spares him a quick glance, and his eyes flit over to the right. Scarlett follows his gaze and catch the King's sigil reflecting the late afternoon sun, displayed front and center on the brestplate of a guard. She melts into a crowd of lower class passerby, aiming to get closer to the man. He seems to be off duty, taking his time going to all the street vendors and checking out the sales. Scarlett tries to mirror his behaviors as to not seem suspicious, and the rest of the team follows suit. One of the younger recruits picks up a fruit from one of the crates and pretends to examine it. Scarlett pretends to be very interested in picking the best slice from some sad portions of pork for sale. This pattern continues down the road, starting and stopping in time with the oblivious guard. Eventually, the guardsman seems to grow tired of window shopping and makes his way towards the center of the street. Scarlett panics, dashing away from a kiosk that was selling obviously fake gemstones to keep her eyes on the target. She doesn't slow down for the rest of her group as she nudges past men and women alike to force her way down the street. She can barely see the clean-shaven head of the guard through the clusters of people, and she finds herself grateful that this man is on the taller side. After what feels like hours of fighting her way against the flow of foot traffic, she sees the guard turn left through a gateway that's barely noticable next to all the dull buildings of the poorer area. Scarlett fights her way sideways through the passing crowds, finally getting a moments respite in the shadows of the awning of a general store. The otehrs follow a few moments later, nugding their way past everyone with muttered "excuse me"s and apologies to catch up. Once everyone is together again, Scarlett points towards the modest gateway. "That's where he went." The other follow her hand, and Aleric compares with a map of the city he always carries on him. "Hm, how odd," he mutters, his brow creasing as he studies the map. "What is it?" Another recruit chirps, repositioning themselves to peer at the map as well. "According to this map, the gateway our guard just went through is supposed to be a cluster of temporary houses, just like the ones we work from. But the ones here were torn down a few years ago, and I haven't heard any news about updated construction of any replacement buildings," Aleric explains as Scarlett tilts her head in confusion back towards the gateway. "It would be better if we could see the area for oursleves. Here, follow me." She waves a hand frantically and slips into the alleyway beside the gated area. Once out of sight of the main road, she scruitinizes the stone wall dividing the alley from the potential base of the capitol guards. The wall rises a good seven feet and obscures her vision, however, Alerics taller build might come in handy. "Aleric, can you boost me up? I think I might be able to get a peek over the wall if you do." Aleric shrugs and kneels down to prepare, but the action is inturupted by the same recruit who was way too interested in a fruit earlier. "Let me do it. I'm strong, and I have a good sense of balence," he insists. She eyes the man up and down, gauging whether or not she can trust his words. He certainly has the height, being at least a head taller than Aleric. But unlike Alerics stockier build, this kid has the gangly arms and figure of the teenage boy he is. But his stormy eyes glow with a fierce determination, and she finds herself faltering at the idea of saying no to this kid. [[Let him try]] [[Say no]]

Scarlett sits alone in the cellar, tucked away in a corner so she can collect her thoughts. She hasn't seen Aleric since he ran off last night, which led to a night of her tossing and turning in her cot. She absentmindedly tugs at her braids as she thinks of what to say when she //does// see Aleric. {(if: $truth is true)[//Where could he have possibly gone last night?// She wonders to herself, hugging her knees closer to her chest.] (else-if: $truth is false)[//Aleric knows. He has to. Why else would he leave so suddenly last night?// She thinks to herself, hugging her knees closer to her chest.]} Scarlett and Aleric have been fighting side by side for years. He was even the first person she worked with to get the rebellion started, as just another servant for a high class family that she gave her stolen family heirlooms to for him and others to sell. And ever since founding the Avalon Outlaws, the two had been inseperable. They went on every mission together, made every decision together. Certainly her secret couldn't sever that connection. Would he really betray her so quickly? Scarlett continues to mull over her thoughts as the soft plod of footsteps make their way to her ears. She jerks her head up to see Aleric staring at her through narrow eyes. She jumps to her feet at his approach, trying to seem unaffected by his sudden appearence. For a moment niether person speaks. The tension grows thicker with every second, and Scarlett strains to find any conversation topic to break it. But her mind feels strangely empty. "We need to talk," Aleric says curtly, finally breaking the apprehensive silence. //He wants to hear my side of the story.// She realizes, hope flashing in Scarletts brain and across her face. //If that's the case, then he hasn't turned me in yet. He's willing to listen to my reasoning.// "Gladly," she responds, her shoulders dropping in a moment of relief. "We can't do it here though. I don't want anyone overhearing. Follow me." Aleric starts towards the cellar door, and Scarlett hastily follows him. --------------------------------------------------------- Outside in the fresh morning air, Scarlett and Aleric pace through the alleys surrounding the base. The two of them walk quietly through the still, serene paths, directly contrasting the ball of anxiety forming in Scarletts chest. Aleric won't meet her eyes, instead focusing on the cracked walls of the alleyway as they pass through. This habit wasn't new for the two of them. They had spent many hours before wandering through the backalleys and talking, whether it was related to the rebellion or not. Only no walk had ever been this silent. The tension from the cellar is back, hanging like a thick mist around the two friends. Scarlett longs to break the silence, but fear of what Aleric has to say causes her to hold her tongue. Aleric is once again the first to break their quiet walk. "So, you have magic," he mutters, almost to himself instead of her. Scarlett hangs her head and nods slowly. "Have since I was seven." "How were you not sent away?" "I got lucky. My parents didn't want to lose the only heir to their house, so they hid my secret so they could keep me." "Were you ever going to tell us?" "Honestly? No, if I could have helped it. What happened yesterday was a slipup on my part. You were never supposed to know." Scarlett hangs her head in shame, kicking herself for her previous actions. "Why become a rebellion leader with such a dangerous secret? With magic like that, you jepordize the existence of the Avalon Outlaws," Aleric patronizes her, and another wave of shame hits Scarlett full force. "If I had told you guys, I would just be arrested one way or another. I have no choice if I want to stay in this city." "Then why not leave?" "Because I care about the people here, Al! I, no, we have worked too hard to just abandon everything," Scarlett exclaims, halting to lock eyes with him. "I have a purpose here, magic or no magic." "But your magic makes you a threat to everything we've built." "I'm not a threat! I'm still me, Aleric. I'm still Scarlett, your best friend. Right?" The desperate plea hangs in her voice with the last question, her gaze never leaving Alerics fierce golden eyes. A pained expression passes over his face. "I don't know who you are anymore," he murmurs. Suddenly, a clanking sound echos somewhere down the alley behind Scarlett. She peers over her shoulder to catch silver plates glistening in the morning sun. Her eyes widen in fright as several guards emerge from the shadows, marching straight for them. But Aleric doesn't seem surpirsed by their arrival, his face switching back to a mask of indifference. The realization hits her as she stumbles away from him. "How... how could you?" her voice cracks from the anguish. Hot tears threaten to flood her vision as she stares at him in shock. Aleric doesn't say a word as he bows his head, avoiding her eyes. Guards emerge from behind him too and shove their way past to surround her. She searches frantically for a way out, failing to find any opening through the metal-clad bodies. The panic rises in her chest as a hand grabs for her wrist. Instinctively, she kicks out against it, her movements fueled by desperation. Shouts fill the air as the guards move in to sieze her. She whirls around, punching and kicking the multitude of limbs coming at her, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Through the sea of helmets, she barely sees Aleric's face. His expression is unreadable, but she clings to the hope that he might still help her, that this is all some terrible mistake. She wants to yell out for his help, to remind him of their bond, but she holds back as she remembers that this is his doing. The realization cuts deeper than any sword ever could. An arm wraps around her chest to restrain her, and a white cloth is pressed firmly over the lower half of her face. A sickly sweet stench fills her nose and the world becomes blurry. She feels her strength seeping away as the sleeping drug takes hold, dragging her into unconsiousness. As the darkness closes in, Scarlett's mind clings to the sound of Aleric's voice. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, barely audible over the chaos. The sorrow in his tone is unmistakable, but it offers no comfort. Instead, it deepens the wound, twisting the knife of betrayal further into her heart. "Goodbye, Scarlett." [[Prison]]

{(set: $lowerclass to true)} Scarlett points towards the house on the left. "Be quick, don't let anyone see you and find as much information as you can. We want to be in and out of here fast, so don't take more than five minutes," She heeds to the pairs before the other two groups take off. Everyone nods and splits off without another word, eager to get the information needed and get out of there. Aleric leads the way and pushes the door open to a room filled with shabby cots, much like the ones in the rebellions base. Crates full of supplies hapazardly line the far wall, which Aleric makes a beeline for. Scarlett follows and starts sifting throough the supplies and personal belongings of the soldiers. As the two search, the doorknob begins to rattle. Aleric dives behind one of the taller piles of crates and presses himself into a corner. Lacking a place to hide, Scarlett panics and activates her magic before pressing her body flush against the back wall, mimicking the wood pattern behind her. A group of four younger soldiers burst into the room laughing, too engaged in conversation to be aware of two extra presences in the room. Despite her magic, Scarlett still feels exposed just pressed against the thick wall. She tries to stay as still and silent as possible as she watches the young soldiers converse. Except it's less of a conversation and more just the boys trading jokes and complaining about the bad food being served at supper, and it's hard to follow any one person when they're all constantly speaking at once. The chaotic rabble continues as the boys take off their armor, revealing simple street clothing underneath. They throw the metal pieces in random places across the room before leaving once more, still all talking at once, nobody listening to the other. The door clicks shut and the room is quiet once more. Scarlett exhales and lets the illusion fall. "Well, so much for getting information. I could barely understand a word they were saying," she jokes in exasperation. Scarlett turns to find Aleric staring wide eyed while still crouched in his hiding place, his face painted with a look of concern and fear."What?" "You can use magic," he whispers, his voice barely carrying in the spacious lodge. Scarletts heart leaps into her throat. In the frantic haste to remain hidden, she had forgotten to keep her magic under wraps. //Aleric isn't stupid, and he must have seen me use the illusion.// Scarlett ponders, kicking herself for the slip up. Then again, maybe she doesn't have to lie. Aleric is like a brother to her, surely he would keep her secret... right? [[Tell him the truth]] [[Brush it off]]

{(set: $higherclass to true)} Scarlett points towards the house on the right. "Be quick, don't let anyone see you and find as much information as you can. We want to be in and out of here fast, so don't take more than five minutes," She heeds to the pairs before the other two groups take off. Everyone nods and splits off without another word, eager to get the information needed and get out of there. Scarlett opens the door to a room filled wall to wall with nicer looking cots, likely a perk to being a higher ranking soldier. Piles of crates used for the travel over rest on the far side of the house, haphazardly balanced on one another. Aleric makes a beeline for those crates, rumaging noisily through the different supplies. She inspects the cots, almost jealous of the quality. The frames are also raised a lot higher than usual, allowing for extra storage underneath. Lots of the soldiers had clearly taken advantage of this, shoving armor or an extra pair of boots under their respective sleeping area. As Scarlett investigates, she hears the doorknob rattle. Aleric ducks down behind the crates, and Scarlett instincively activates her magic and dives under one of the cots, mimicking the shadows cast by the quickly fading light outside. Two soldiers, one with a green sigil and one with a blue sigil, enter the room whilst deep in an argument. Their boots clank and stop right next to the cot Scarlett is hiding under, causing her muscles to tense in apprehension. "Listen to me! We need to tell him that it's a waste of time. We have better things to do then be stuck here searching for proof of a rebellion that doesn't exist!" the first one exclaims, his voice assertive and of a slightly higher pitch. "We have a job to do, Toby. I'm not about to abandon my post because you want to go home," the second gruff voice cuts in, clearly annoyed with this Toby character. "Come on, there's no rebellion here. I've heard no information about it from anyone in this city." "Just because you haven't heard any information doesn't mean that it isn't worth investigating. We're here on orders from the king, or have you forgotten about that?" "Of course I haven't, Dad. I'm just saying, what if the king was wrong? It's possible that it's just a false rumor that someone spread to get a fraction of the kings guard out of the capitol." "That's ridiculous and a stupid excuse. Why would anyone make up that type of lie if they wanted to get the soldiers out of the city?" "I don't know! I just..." the voice falters for a moment, then lets out a deep sigh. "I'm worried about mom. We're out here, and she's stuck home alone. What if something happens while we're here? Who will take care of her?" A moment of silence follows, and Scarlett covers her mouth to stifle her breathing. "I know you miss her. I do too, believe me." The older voice softens, taking on a more caring tone. "Then how can you stand being here while you know she's suffering?" "I keep faith, and assure myself that she is in good hands. I left a note for the local apothecary before we left with instructions for a house visit at least once a day." More silence follows, and the son eventually lets out another heavy sigh. "You're right, as usual. I shouldn't have brought it up. Sorry." His tone is dejected, and Scarlett almost feels bad despite not knowing this boy at all. "It's alright, Toby. Now come, we don't want to miss supper." With that, the father and son exit the house once more. Scarlett waits until the door fully clicks shut before allowing herself to exhale, deactivating the illusion and sliding out from under the bed. She dusts herself off as Aleric peers over the crate. He sees her standing in the open and follows suit, coming back around to meet his friend by the cots. "Did you find anything useful in the crates?" Scarlett asks absentmindedly as she struggles to remove the dust from the fabric of her clothing. He doesn't answer, and she shifts her gaze from her grimy tunic to see concern painted across Alerics face. "What?" "How were you not seen? They were talking for so long, and you were under the bed right next to them," he articulates, trying to make sense of the predicament. Scarletts heart leaps into her throat. In the frantic haste to remain hidden, she had forgotten to keep her magic under wraps. //Aleric isn't stupid, he would see through most of my lies.// Scarlett ponders, kicking herself for the slip up. Then again, maybe she doesn't have to lie. Aleric is like a brother to her, surely he would keep her secret... right? [[Tell him the truth]] [[Brush it off]]

{(set: $captain to true)} Scarlett points towards the middle house. "Be quick, don't let anyone see you and find as much information as you can. We want to be in and out of here fast, so don't take more than five minutes," She heeds to the pairs before the other two groups take off. Everyone nods and splits off without another word, eager to get the information needed and get out of there. Scarlett and Aleric enter the captains lodge and are met with very ornate interior design for such a simple house. A desk sits on the opposite wall of the lodge, scattered with official-looking papers. The cots have been moved to the side for a proper bed with a thick mattress and a fancy quilt draped over it. Scarlett balks at the lavish decor, her face scrunching up in intense judgement. Aleric doesn't waste a second, going over to check a handcarved dressing stand that rests next to the bed, ripping drawers open in search for anything. Scarlett follows suit and makes a beeline for the messy desk, briefly scanning each paper in turn for anything useful. All the papers are filled with jargin about the capitols policies for traveling to different cities, none of it useful information. She switches her search to the polished oak drawers of the desk and kneels down to open each one in turn. In the top one, Scarlett finds a sealed scroll with the kings sigil on it. She picks it up and unfurls it, the texture of the fancy parchement sliding smoothly against her fingers. Scrawled in a fancy script is an official order from the king to the captain of the guards, demanding him to take his best men and investigate rumours of a revolution in Avalondale. There's more information regarding what little intel the capitol has on the details of the revolution, which eases Scarletts worries. As she reads through the letter, her ears catch the faint sound of a door opening. She instinctively activates her magic to blend in to the light wood of the desk and crawls into the opening where a chair would usually go. She holds her breath as the intruder rounds the desk and starts rumaging through the papers on top of the desk, revealing himself to be the captain as he approaches. Scarlett shrinks against the wood as the soldier stands over the desk, willing her breathing to be quieter than the rustling of parchement. He stands there and shuffles through the papers for an agonizingly long time, and she starts to worry that he will never leave and trap her here for the forseeable future. Judging by the captains calm demeanor, he doesn't seem to have noticed two extra presences in the room, and he eventually finds what he was looking for and exits the house once more. Scarlett only dares to let herself exhale once the door clicks firmly shut. She deactivates her illusion and pulls herself out of the hiding place, sweeping the room in search of Aleric. He reveals himself from under the bed, dust bunnies clinging to his hair. She gets ready to fire a quip about his new look before noticing his concerned expression. "What?" "How were you not seen? He stood at the desk for so long, and you were right there," he articulates, trying to make sense of the predicament. Scarletts heart leaps into her throat. In the frantic haste to remain hidden, she had forgotten to keep her magic under wraps. //Aleric isn't stupid, he would see through most of my lies.// Scarlett ponders, kicking herself for the slip up. Then again, maybe she doesn't have to lie. Aleric is like a brother to her, surely he would keep her secret... right? [[Tell him the truth]] [[Brush it off]]

{(set: $truth to true)} (if: $lowerclass is true)[Scarlett sighs in resignation and runs a hand through her braided hair, averting her gaze from Aleric's. "Yeah, I can use magic. Illusion magic, to be specific," she admits to the scratched wooden floor. "After all this time?" Scarlett lifts her gaze back to him to see his reaction. His eyes exhibit fear and betrayal, a rare state considering his usual air of cold confidence. This was a new side of him. This wasn't Aleric the rebellion leader, the analytic brain behind most of the Avalon Outlaws operations. Her friend huffs and crosses his arms over his chest defensively. "And you never told us. Why?" "I coudn't! You know what happens to magic users here," Scarlett exclaims, raising her voice. Though slight, the volume change is enough to make Aleric flinch. "Sorry, I just... It's hard to explain." She lowers her voice once more and steps towards Aleric with the intent of comforting him, but he shys away from her touch. A pang of guilt courses through Scarletts chest, unable to bear seeing her best friend cower in fear. "Aleric, please listen to me. This doesn't change anything. I'm still your friend. I can still help lead the rebellion. I'm not a danger, you have to believe me," Scarlett begs. For an agonizing moment, he doesn't repond. His eyes flit between Scarlett and the entrance to the house as he thinks. "We can talk about this later," he responds curtly before making his way back towards the door. She follows him out and tries to supress the sense of impending doom tugging at the back of her mind. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group found an official letter from the king dictating orders to the captain to investigate the rebellion due to rumors being spread, while the other overheard a conversation between two soldiers about their personal opinions of the existence of a rebellion. Apparently all the guardsmen are skeptical at best, which gives Scarlett a little ease of mind. Scarlett shares the information, or lack thereof, that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence.] (else-if: $higherclass is true)[Scarlett sighs in resignation and runs a hand through her braided hair, averting her gaze from Aleric's. "Well, the truth is that I can use magic. Illusion magic, to be specific," she admits to the scratched wooden floor. "After all this time?" Scarlett lifts her gaze back to him to see his reaction. His eyes exhibited fear and betrayal, a rare state considering his usual air of cold confidence. This was a new side of him. This wasn't Aleric the rebellion leader, the analytic brain behind most of the Avalon Outlaws operations. Aleric huffs and crosses his arms over his chest defensively. "And you never told us. Why?" "I coudn't! You know what happens to magic users here," Scarlett exclaims, raising her voice. Though slight, the volume change is enough to make Aleric flinch. "Sorry, I just... It's hard to explain." She lowers her voice once more and steps towards Aleric with the intent of comforting him, but he shys away from her touch. A pang of guilt courses through Scarletts chest, unable to bear seeing her best friend cower in fear. "Aleric, please listen to me. This doesn't change anything. I'm still your friend. I can still help lead the rebellion. I'm not a danger, you have to believe me," Scarlett begs. For an agonizing moment, he doesn't repond. His eyes flit between Scarlett and the entrance to the house as he thinks. "We can talk about this later," he responds curtly before making his way back towards the door. She follows him out and tries to supress the sense of impending doom tugging at the back of her mind. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group found an official letter from the king dictating orders to the captain to investigate the rebellion due to rumors being spread, while the other had to suffer through a conversation that was indecipherable between several younger guardsmen. Scarlett shares the information that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence.] (else-if: $captain is true)[Scarlett sighs in resignation and runs a hand through her braided hair, averting her gaze from Aleric's. "Well, the truth is that I can use magic. Illusion magic, to be specific," she admits to the scratched wooden floor. "After all this time?" Scarlett lifts her gaze back to him to see his reaction. His eyes exhibited fear and betrayal, a rare state considering his usual air of cold confidence. This was a new side of him. This wasn't Aleric the rebellion leader, the analytic brain behind most of the Avalon Outlaws operations. Aleric huffs and crosses his arms over his chest defensively. "And you never told us. Why?" "I coudn't! You know what happens to magic users here," Scarlett exclaims, raising her voice. Though slight, the volume change is enough to make Aleric flinch. "Sorry, I just... It's hard to explain." She lowers her voice once more and steps towards Aleric with the intent of comforting him, but he shys away from her touch. A pang of guilt courses through Scarletts chest, unable to bear seeing her best friend cower in fear. "Aleric, please listen to me. This doesn't change anything. I'm still your friend. I can still help lead the rebellion. I'm not a danger, you have to believe me," Scarlett begs. For an agonizing moment, he doesn't repond. His eyes flit between Scarlett and the entrance to the house as he thinks. "We can talk about this later," he responds curtly before making his way back towards the door. She follows him out and tries to supress the sense of impending doom tugging at the back of her mind. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group had to suffer through a conversation that was indecipherable between several younger guardsmen, while the other overheard a conversation between two soldiers about their personal opinions of the existence of a rebellion. Apparently all the guardsmen are skeptical at best, which gives Scarlett a little ease of mind. Scarlett shares the information that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence.] "I just realized there's something I forgot to do. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up later." "Oh? What is it, I can go with you-" Scarlett begins to offer, but he immediately cuts her off. "No! I mean, no that isn't neccesary. It would be better if I do this alone anyway." She frowns at his response, but doesn't question any further. "If you insist. I'll see you back at the base." Scarlett fails to keep the unease from her voice as she tries to read her friends motives. Aleric nods curtly in response and runs off in the opposite direction. She watches him go with growing concern before continuing the walk back to base and to bed, where she finally gets some rest. [[Next morning]]

{(set: $truth to false) (if: $lowerclass is true)["What? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Why do you get that idea?" she plays up an act of disbelief, and Alerics expression shifts more towards confusion. "But I saw you morph. You blended in with the wall behind you." "No? I crouched behind the crates, just like you did. You must be going crazy." Aleric goes quiet, eyeing Scarlett with suspicion. She cringes under his scruitiny, knowing the weakness in her lie. Thankfully, Aleric doesn't say anymore on the subject as he emerges from his hiding spot. Scarlett watches him with apprehension as he moves back towards the entrance without another word before following him. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group found an official letter from the king dictating orders to the captain to investigate the rebellion due to rumors being spread, while the other overheard a conversation between two soldiers about their personal opinions of the existence of a rebellion. Apparently all the guardsmen are skeptical at best, which gives Scarlett a little ease of mind. Scarlett shares the information, or lack thereof, that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence. ] (else-if: $higherclass is true)[ "I guess I just got lucky," she shrugs, hoping that's enough to convince her friend. Aleric goes quiet, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. She cringes under his scruitiny, knowing the weakness in her lie. Thankfully, Aleric doesn't say anymore on the subject. Scarlett watches him with apprehension as he moves back towards the entrance without another word before following him. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group found an official letter from the king dictating orders to the captain to investigate the rebellion due to rumors being spread, while the other had to suffer through a conversation that was indecipherable between several younger guardsmen. Scarlett shares the information that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence.] (else-if: $captain is true)[ "I guess I just got lucky," she shrugs, hoping that's enough to convince her friend. Aleric goes quiet, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. She cringes under his scruitiny, knowing the weakness in her lie. Thankfully, Aleric doesn't say anymore on the subject. Scarlett watches him with apprehension as he moves back towards the entrance without another word before following him. Once eveyrone is together again, each group shares the information they gathered. One group had to suffer through a conversation that was indecipherable between several younger guardsmen, while the other overheard a conversation between two soldiers about their personal opinions of the existence of a rebellion. Apparently all the guardsmen are skeptical at best, which gives Scarlett a little ease of mind. Scarlett shares the information that she and Aleric learned, but Aleric is strangely quiet through the whole conversation. Scarletts stomach twists in knots as she tries to read his face. All she sees is a stone wall of indifference as Aleric watches the information exchange, and his behaviour only increases Scarletts anxiety. As the group begins the long trek back to the base, Aleric taps his friend on the shoulder and breaks his long silence.]} "I just realized there's something I forgot to do. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up later." "Oh? What is it, I can go with you-" Scarlett begins to offer, but he immediately cuts her off. "No! I mean, no that isn't neccesary. It would be better if I do this alone anyway." She frowns at his response, but doesn't question any further. It's the least she can do after Aleric chose not to pry into her business. "If you insist. I'll see you back at the base." Scarlett fails to keep the unease from her voice as she tries to read her friends motives. Aleric nods curtly in response and runs off in the opposite direction. She watches him go with growing concern before continuing the walk back to base and to bed, where she finally gets some rest. [[Next morning]]

Scarlett kneels down next to Fido and tentatively reaches her hand towards his mouth. She moves slowly as to not startle the poor mutt. Her hand inches forward to rest on the oxidized metal of the ring, and a low growl sounds from Fido's throat. The sound causes her to immediately back off, quickly withdrawing her hand from proximity of the dogs mouth. //Clearly that won't work.// [[Back|Take keys]]

"Alright. Boost me up then," Scarlett shrugs. He kneels excitedly, cupping his hands for Scarlett to slide the toe of her boot into. She does so and wavers a little bit as he hoists her up. He is tall enough to get Scarlett seeing over the top of the faded wall, but his grip is shaky at best. She's barely able to see what's on the other side before crashing to the ground again as the boys arms give out. She hits the ground with a thump, managing to land in a somewhat poised position despite the circumstances. Scarlett sighs inwardly as the boy starts apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry, I don't know why that happened. Please, let me try again. I know I can do it, I swear-" the boy rambles, but Aleric cuts him off. "Shut it. We don't have time for second chances, so get over yourself." Aleric snaps, reaching down a hand to help Scarlett up. "Aleric! Leave the kid alone," Scarlett snaps, fixing him with a glare as she stands before comforting the poor recruit. "Don't worry about it. You can try again some other time, alright?" She offers him a warm smile for his efforts, which he gladly returns. Aleric takes the same position that the kid did and lifts Scarlett up to peer once more over the wall, offering a much sturdier hold as she grasps the ledge for extra support. She peers over the edge to see three long houses of the same style as the rebellions reused refugee homes, just as Aleric described. But these ones look much cleaner and more put together. Everything seems newer and the wood has a polished varnish to it, making it gleam in the slowly setting sun. Soldiers mill about the houses, some practicing their skills against each other and others resting against the wall. The rank division is clear amongst the guards, as shown by the color of the sigil on their chestplate. Those with blue symbols stick together in large crowds, and are more often seen resting or chattering excitedly to each other. //They must be lower ranked,// Scarlett decides as another guard with a blue sigil exits the house on the left. As that guard crosses the yard, she catches two guards with green sigils as they finish up a practice round and start toward the building on the right. //If the green guards are higher ranked, then that leaves the middle house to be specifically for the captain of the guard.// Deciding she's seen enough, Scarlett nods down to Aleric to set her down. He does so, and she gracefully hits the ground with a soft thud, sending up a small cloud of dust. "So? What did you see?" Aleric inquires. "There's three houses, one for each rank division. Aleric was right, the area was originally used for temporary refugee housing, just like ours," Scarlett explains, gesturing to her friend as she does so. "The main difference is that someone, I'm guessing our oh-so-lovely government, called for the houses to be refurbished. I wouldn't be surprised if they were cleaned up specifically for the guards from the capitol." "That's great and all, but how does it help us get in?" a recruit butts in, her tone indicating frusteration. Both leaders shoot her a stern look before Scarlett continues. "I was getting to that. Something that I didn't see was any sort of mess hall, and there's no way that all those soldiers are able to gather and eat in such a condensed area. The sun is starting to set, so my guess is that the soldiers will all file out to a mess hall in a different area soon." "And that is when we sneak in," Aleric finishes for her, connecting the dots to the plan. Scarlett nods in conformation and meets the gaze of the girl who had the outburst earlier. "Does that answer your question?" she asks politely, not entirely succeeding at keeping the indignation out of her tone. "Y-yes, it does." the girl falters as her face flushes bright red. "Right. I say we lay low back here until we see them leave, then take our opportunity once we're sure everyone is gone." Right on cue, the sudden chatter of voices gets louder, and therebels hear rather than see a flood of armor-clad men emerge into the main streets. Scarlett creeps a little closer to the exit to the main roads to see the metal plates reflecting the oranges and pinks of the sky as the guards make their way out of the gated area. She tries to count how many there are, but the soldiers are moving too fast to keep track. Once the flood of silver dies down, Scarlett beckons to her crew and leads them through the gates, slipping through quickly and quietly. "Let's split up here, two per barrack," Aleric orders, and pairs up everyone accordingly. Scarlett tends to follow Aleric wherever he goes, so the two leaders are a pair. "Where do you want to go?" [[Lower ranked soldiers]] [[Higher ranked soldiers]] [[Captains lodge]]

"That's okay, Aleric can do it," she assures the kid, not fully trusting his claims. He looks a little dejected, but he nods in response and steps back for Aleric to kneel near the wall. Aleric lifts Scarlett up to peer over the wall with ease, managing a sturdy hold as she grasps the ledge for extra support. She peers over the edge to see three long houses of the same style as the rebellions reused refugee homes, just as Aleric described. But these ones look much cleaner and more put together. Everything seems newer and the wood has a polished varnish to it, making it gleam in the slowly setting sun. Soldiers mill about the houses, some practicing their skills against each other and others resting against the wall. The rank division is clear amongst the guards, as shown by the color of the sigil on their chestplate. Those with blue symbols stick together in large crowds, and are more often seen resting or chattering excitedly to each other. //They must be lower ranked,// Scarlett decides as another guard with a blue sigil exits the house on the left. As that guard crosses the yard, she catches two guards with green sigils as they finish up a practice round and start toward the building on the right. //If the green guards are higher ranked, then that leaves the middle house to be specifically for the captain of the guard.// Deciding she's seen enough, Scarlett nods down to Aleric to set her down. He does so, and she gracefully hits the ground with a soft thud, sending up a small cloud of dust. "So? What did you see?" Aleric inquires. "There's three houses, one for each rank division. Aleric was right, the area was originally used for temporary refugee housing, just like ours," Scarlett explains, gesturing to her friend as she does so. "The main difference is that someone, I'm guessing our oh so lovely government, called for the houses to be refurbished. I wouldn't be surprised if they were cleaned up specifically for the guards from the capitol." "That's great and all, but how does it help us get in?" a recruit butts in, her tone indicating frusteration. Both leaders shoot her a stern look before Scarlett continues. "I was getting to that. Something that I didn't see was any sort of mess hall, and there's no way that all those soldiers are able to gather and eat in such a condensed area. The sun is starting to set, so my guess is that the soldiers will all file out to a mess hall in a different area soon." "And that is when we sneak in," Aleric finishes for her, connecting the dots to the plan. Scarlett nods in conformation and meets the gaze of the girl who questioned her earlier. "Does that answer your question?" she asks politely, not entirely succeeding at keeping the indignation out of her tone. "Y-yes, it does." the girl falters as her face flushes bright red. "Right. I say we lay low back here until we see them leave, then take our opportunity once we're sure everyone is gone." Right on cue, the sudden chatter of voices gets louder, and the group hears rather than sees a flood of armor-clad men emerge into the main streets. Scarlett creeps a little closer to the exit to the main roads to see the metal plates reflecting the oranges and pinks of the sky as the guards make their way out of the gated area. She tries to count how many there are, but the soldiers are moving too fast to keep track. Once the flood of silver dies down, Scarlett beckons to her crew and leads them through the gates, slipping through quickly and quietly. "Let's split up here, two per barrack," Aleric orders, and pairs up everyone accordingly. Scarlett tends to follow Aleric wherever he goes, so the two leaders are a pair. "Where do you want to go?" [[Lower ranked soldiers]] [[Higher ranked soldiers]] [[Captains lodge]]

Robin's good eye flutters open, and they groan in pain as the injury begins to throb once more. Above them, the ships surgeon looks down in concern, though Robin can see the glint of relief in his red eyes as they come to. "Oh thank the gods, yer alright. How are ya feeling?" His voice is husky, but warm with care for the young pirate. Instead of answering, Robin reaches up to feel where their right eye should be. Their hand meets the soft cotton of bandages that wrap around their head, concealing the wound. The surgeon makes a comment about needing to change the bandages before scurrying off. It takes immense effort, but Robin manages to push themselves into a sitting position. Somehow, they are in the infirmary of the ship, surrounded by cots lining the walls as sunlight streams through the porthole windows. The sound of the ocean waves sloshing against wood emits from outside, and the floor rocks ever so slightly with the sway of the ship. The door to the infirmary creaks with effort as someone slowly eases it open. Will's head pokes through the opening, his sandy blonde hair falling in his eyes as his head tilts. The quartermasters expression lights up when he sees Robin, and Will throws the door wide open as he fully enters the room. "You're alive!" He exclaims as he approaches Robin's bed. "I was so worried, you looked awful when we got you back to the ship." Will goes to place his hand gently on the cabin boys shoulder, but Robin shrinks away from his touch in shame. A flash of hurt crosses Will's face as he lets his arm fall back to his side. "Are you okay?" "I... I'm sorry." Robins voice trembles and cracks as they attempt to apologize. Their scarred hands wring the sheets as they refuse to meet their mentors gaze. "I didn't listen to you. Again." Will balks as he registers the apology, then sighs. "I would say it's alright, but it isn't. We had to scramble to escape the village before the military caught up to us." Guilt and frusteration bubble to the surface as the young pirate thinks back to the events of last night. "It's all my fault. If I had just followed orders, if I hadn't entered the village or that house, if I.. I-" Robin stutters as they falter to explain what happened in the house last night. They let out a shuddering breath as the memories come flooding back; the chest breaking open, the vials exploding, the fire, the father burning alive, the glass stealing Robins vision, James... A tender touch on their shoulder brings the deckhand back to the present. "Robin, look at me." They lift their eye to finally meet Wills gaze. Their mentor regards his apprentice with a look of fondness. "What matters is that you're alive. Everyone managed to get out, nobody else got hurt. Hell, we even gained a new crew member." He adds with a wry chuckle. "We did? Who?" "Name's Scarlett. She's the one who saved you last night." //I was saved by a complete stranger?// Robin is taken aback, asking their question with the look they give Will. "Where is she now?" "Somewhere on the main deck, I think. Captain Blackthorne has yet to fully introduce her to the crew. Why, do you want to meet her?" Robin nods silently, slightly embarrased about the favor. Will smiles softly and exits the infirmary without another word, leaving them alone. Robins thoughts return to the events that led them here, reeling over the new information. //I was ready to die. Why didn't I? And why did Scarlett decide to save me? I don't deserve that.// The questions swirl around their head as the infirmary door opens once more. The quartermaster appears first, and in tow is the girl who must be Scarlett. She finds Robins gaze immediately, a powerful kindness glimmering in her hazel eyes. She has a slightly curvy build, and long, dark braids cascade down her back, held back by a faded red bandana. Her rich complexion gleams in the reflected sunlight. "It's good to see you awake." Scarlett starts warmly. "How's the eye?" "Fine." Robin mutters, suddenly flustered by the new recruits presence. Will stays in the doorway, regarding both pirates when he speaks. "Well, I'll leave the two of you to talk. I have some things to clear up around the ship." Scarlett offers a small wave as Will retreats, letting the door swing shut behind him. An awkward tension fills the room, neither person knowing where to start. Scarlett shifts her feet uncomfortably, sweeping her gaze around the infirmary. Robin finally breaks the silence. "Who... who are you?" "Oh, I'm Scarlett. Your quartermaster must have told you about what happened last night?" "Yeah, yeah he did." The cabin boy lapses back into silence, struggling to word their next question. "Why did you save me?" The new recruit tilts her head at Robin in confusion, as if the answer is obvious. "You were trapped in a burning building. What was I supposed to do, walk away?" "But you didn't have to." Scarlett shrugs. "Doesn't matter. You were in danger, and I wanted to help. That's all there is to it." Robin is irked by her explanation, the familiar anger creeping up their throat. "Well, you shouldn't have. You don't know me, you don't know what happened." They cringe at their own outburst as soon as it happens, gritting their teeth. A wave of shame extinguishes Robin's anger in an instant. Scarlett keeps her face neutral despite Robins outburst, and cautiously shifts to sit on the cot next to them. "You're right. I don't know you, or why you were trapped to begin with. But I do know that nobody deserves to die like that, not if someone can take action to stop it." //That's where you're wrong.// Robin thinks to themselves with disdain, but keeps their mouth shut. Instead they meet Scarlett's kind gaze once more, letting the fact that the girl sitting before them saved them from a firey death wash over them. "Thank you. For saving me." They admit. The words feel choppy and unfamiliiar, but they force it out regardless. "Don't thank me." Scarlett shakes her head. "I'm just happy you're alive." As the two sit in the infirmary, the tension begins to seep away. Robin wrestles with conflicting emotions- guilt, frusteration, gratitude, shame. Wanting to shift the conversation away from their turbulent thoughts, they change the subject. "So, uh," Robin starts, their voice tinged with uncertainty. "How did you end up on the ship?" Scarlett pauses for a moment, her hazel eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions that Robin fails to read. "It's a long story." "We have time," Robin prompts, suddenly wary of her guarded response. Scarlett stays silent for a moment as a series of expressions cross her face, finally shifting into the same soft smile she greeted them with. "Maybe another time. You should rest." The cabin boy narrows their eyes at Scarlett in suspicion, but decides not to pry. With that, Scarlett rises from the cot, swaying gently as she turns to leave the infirmary. The pirate watches her go, a sudden wave of exhaustion carrying away their lingering questions. They recline and sink back into the soft folds of the cot, turning away from the sunlight gleaming through the porthole. The quiet rocking of the ship lulls Robin into a much-needed, albeit uneasy, sleep as their first interaction with Scarlett and her unexpected kindness settles into their dreams. The end Want to play again? [[Start]]

The childs body hits the dirt, rocks grazing their skin as they fall. Robin watches in teror as pirates round up the citizens of their tiny village. They see familiar faces like the baker who always snuck them free pasteries, the blacksmith who let them watch as he worked, the general store owner who always gave the brightest smile, all bloodied and bruised from the surprise attack. The pirates jeer and sneer at the hostages as they rampage the houses, looting anything they can find. The villagers are thrown into a line, cowering before their captors as the rain soaks their clothing. The pirates tower over Robin, barely giving them a moments glance as everyone is rounded up. Next to the kid, Robins mother quakes from the cold and terror of the situation. She refuses to look at Robin, her gaze darting around as different shouts emit from all directions. A looming frame stalks up to the prisoners and starts scrutinizing each villager. As the figure inches down the line, the tailored black coat and aged leather hat become more visible. His clothing is much fancier than that of his crew, and braids adorned with beads drip rainwater from his thick black hair. The captain nears Robin and their mother, and the child hears their mothers breath hitch. Suddenly she bursts from the line of hostages with a desperate wail. She flails her fists wildly at the man. "Leave our village! I won't let you take me!" "Mom, stop it!" Robin cries weakly, their voice barely heard over the onslaught of rain. The pirate raises an eyebrow at their mother as he sidesteps her swings with ease. He raises his longsword, and before the crazy woman can react, cuts her clean across the throat. Robins mother makes a strained gurgling sound as she clutches at her throat before collapsing to the muddy ground. "No!" Robin shrieks, rushing from the line to kneel beside their dying mother. Blood gushes from the wound, and Robin hastily puts a hand to her throat to try and stop the bleeding, sobbing as their mother gasps for air. "Let this be a lesson tah anyone else who dares step outta line," The captain declares, his voice booming over the patter of the rain and the shouts of his crew. The child cradles their mothers head in their lap as her blood stains their oversized clothes. Her chest slows as her breath eases, and her eyes glaze over as life leaves her frail body. Robin glances up at the captain as he regards the child with cold, unnerving eyes. There's a slight pause before the pirate turns on his heel and trudges away without another word. Despair, anguish and anger roil and mix like the blood, water and mud smearing on Robins clothes and skin as they watch the captain retreat. "You're a monster!" Robins voice echos into the darkness as the dream ends, reverberating in their head as they regain conciousness. [[Wake up]]

{(if: $retreat is true)[Robin backtracks, nearly stumbling over themselves as they slink back to the shadows to avoid detection. Will passes by without any indication of seeing or hearing Robin, and the young pirate breathes a quiet sigh of relief as they sneak back to the farmhouse. ]} They pry open the front door of the barn and slip inside. The stench of the animals is much stronger, causing the deckhand to gag a little as they ease the door closed. Horses and sheep snort quietly as Robin sneaks between the different stables. The ground is littered with loose hay and large patches of dirt. The little moonlight that streams through the windows reveals shadowed figures of animals large and small, all sleeping or uncaring of the new presence. Despite the larger size of the building, there isn't much of interest to a pirate. Any crates or barrels that Robin comes across contain various feeds and slop for the animals, or tools used for cleaning. They consider stealing one of the animals themselves, but decide against it in the end. Carrying an animal around would be difficult, much less trying to sneak around with a live one. Instead they poke around the different containers in the faint light, searching for anything of value that would be easy to grab. When they come up with nothing after an hour of searching, Robin huffs in frusteration and wanders back towards the front of the farmhouse. Their gaze drifts to one of the windows looking out at the streets of the village, the cobbled roads gleaming in the moonlight. It looks so peaceful outside, nobody would ever guess that the village was being raided by pirates. At least, that is what Robin is thinking when a figure suddenly dashes across their line of sight. Leaning closer to the window, Robin makes out the lean form of an elven man clutching a small box to his chest as he dashes through the street. Curiosity and alarm race through the pirates thoughts, and they shove open the farmhouse doors to pursue the runner. They pick up their pace to match his, and soon manage to catch up as the hurried man stops to fiddle with the handle of the door to a simple townhouse. The man looks up at the sound of Robins boots thumping against the stone, and lets out a small yelp of surprise before throwing the door open and rushing inside. The pirates hand is on the handle the minute it's slammed shut, forcing themselves into the house after him. [[The house]]

{(set: $retreat to true)} Robin emerges fully from the shadows and stealthily follows behind a group containing Valeria, Tamsin and Morgan. Their stomach twists in jealousy at the fact that Valeria made it into the main raiding party instead of them. The group, with Robin close behind, makes their way through the dimly lit streets to a jewelry store nearby. The windows looking into the shop are dark, the store clearly closed up for the night. The building it resides in is modest and smaller, squeezed in next to other miscellaneous stores stretching out along the street. Nobody seems to have noticed Robin yet, which they're grateful for as they keep close to the edge of the main paths, ducking around the few light sources provided to stay hidden. Robin watches as Valeria leads her group up to the windows, peering into the shop. She seems to deem it empty, as she moves to slowly push open the polished wooden door of the shop. As she does, a small chime emits from somewhere within the building, making the dwarf cringe and pause her movements. Everyone waits with baited breath, even Robin from their distance, as Valeria listens for any reaction to the presumed bell. Getting nothing, she pushes the door open fully and ushers the others into the shop. As soon as the door closes, Robin rushes from their hiding spot and makes a beeline for the same shop. They make to grab the ornate brass handle, but pause at the sound of approaching footsteps, the sound matching a gait they know too well; Will. The pirate whips their head around to see the quartermaster making their way down the street. Luckily, he's distracted giving orders to a half-orc pirate named Jax, whose lumbering gait adds extra noise to Will's methodical steps. Robin mutters a curse at the sight of the two pirates, and looks around frantically for an escape. Will may not have noticed them yet, but Robin is in for it if Will discovers that they had directly disobeyed his orders. The young pirate considers dashing back to the farmhouse. Judging from what they heard inside, the building seemed to be abandoned. Nearby is another store with a half opened door a mere ten steps away from where Robin is currently frozen. Robin knows they have to act fast, before Will notices their presence. [[Retreat to farmhouse|Investigate farmhouse]] [[Hide in nearby store]]

Robin nearly stumbles over themselves as they dash to the store, slipping inside just as Will approaches. They wait, breath shallow and quiet, as they hear his whispered voice drift into the shop through the still-open door. Miraculously, Will passes by without any indication of seeing or hearing Robin, and the young pirate breathes a soft sigh of relief as they inch the door shut behind them. They turn to survey the shop they snuck into; a modest general store lined with shelves of various tools and basic weaponry. Traveling cloaks hang from the walls, and the different products on the shelves are lined neat and orderly. The faint moonlight dancing through the window bounces off the polished steel and metal surfaces. To a pirate, it's a treasure trove of goods to steal. Robin snatches a pack from a line of satchels and rucksacks and begins to stuff it with a random asortment of weapons, tools and ammunition. They fill up the first pack quickly, and as they go to grab another, Robin sees a single chest sitting on what looks to be the clerks desk. It's a smaller box, with intricate silver engravings lining the edges. The wood encasing is glossy, looking about as well kept as all the other tools in the store. The wood floor beneath Robins feet creaks as they approach the desk. Eyeing the chest, they reach out a hand to inspect the latch. As their finger grazes the metal surface, a figure suddenly bursts from the shadows. The form of a lean elven man snatches up the box and shoves past Robin as he sprints out of the shop, the door clattering shut behind him. Curiosity and alarm race through the pirates thoughts, and they shove open the store door to pursue the runner. They pick up their pace to match his, and soon manage to catch up as the hurried man stops to fiddle with the handle of the door to a simple townhouse. The man looks up at the sound of Robins boots thumping against the stone, and lets out a small yelp of surprise before throwing the door open and rushing inside. The pirates hand is on the handle the minute it's slammed shut, forcing themselves into the house after him. [[The house]]

Robin surges at the man and slams a hand across his chest, using the other to position their sword against his throat. The elf cries out in pain at the impact. "Hand it over, or I'll slit your throat right in front of your kid," Robin hisses into the mans ear. He winces as the steel blade gently grazes his neck, drawing a few droplets of crimson blood. "Let go of him!" James cries, rushing at the pirate. He trips over a dusty brown rug, topples into Robin, and knocks them off their feet. The two land haphazardly on the floor, caught in a cloud of dust from their impact. "Get off of me." Robin growls through a cough. The father takes the dirstraction to pull his son up by the arm and make a break for the door. But as he starts running, the cabin boy grasps at the mans ankle. They trip him up as they latch onto his leather boot. A domino effect begins as the man collides with his son. The two stumble to the ground together with a shared grunt of pain. The chest bursts open against the ground, the contents spilling all over the rug. "What is this?" Robin mumbles as they scrutinize the glass vials filled with colorful liquids that tumble forth and scatter across the floor. "It's alchemical ingredients," the man groans, shifting on the floor. "Highly volitile-" Before he can finish his sentence, one of the liquids ignites upon contact with the air, sending a burst of flame across the floor. The fire spreads quickly, fueled by the spilled chemicals. The man and child catch on fire, screaming in agony as the flames lick at their skin. Robin rolls away from their flailing forms, but isn't quick enough to dodge a second vial exploding. Shards of glass fly at their face and leave shallow cuts in their sun-toned skin. One shard manages to pierce the pirate directly in their right eye. Their vision blurs, the pain excruciating as hot blood pours from the wound. Robin writhes on the floor as the injury pulses in time with their accelerated heartbeat. The entire side of their face burns along with the fire as it engulfs the wooden building. The flames roar all around, adding to the cacophany of agonized screams from everyone inside. Robin struggles to their feet and grasps wildly for their sword, disoriented by the sudden loss of vision. Their breath comes in shallow, pained gasps as they study the flames surrounding them. The fire covers the walls, embers jumping out and setting the few pieces of furniture inside ablaze. The heat is overwhelming, and the thick smoke enters Robins lungs as they stand. Caught in a coughing fit, Robin notices the absence of screams. The figure of the pirates opponent lies at their feet, his features barely recognizable. The father has been reduced to a charred corpse. The smell of burning flesh fills the air, choking Robin along with the smoke. Nearby is James, cowering in a corner and shaking violently as he stares down his fathers dead body. Burns run up and down every inch of his body, and most of his pale blonde hair is singed black. The boy looks on the verge of collapsing as his chest heaves with ragged breaths. Robin approaches him, and the kids amber eyes flick up to meet theirs, filled with unshed tears of utter terror. "You're a monster." James' voice quakes when he speaks, barely heard over the crackling flames. The accusation reaches Robins ears, sending them reeling into a memory. The echoes of rain imitate the crackle of the fire, and Blackthorns scornful face leaps from the flames. A wave of self-loathing courses through the pirates chest as they compare themselves to the ruthless captain, realizing that they have become the very thing they hated. Their heart drops in their chest as they look on at the boy, seeing the same scared kid they were that night. But now Robin fills the shoes of the villain who took everything away from this frightened child. //This is my fault.// Robin realizes as they take in their surroundings. // What have I done?// Eyeing the boy in front of them once more, Robin takes in his condition. The wounds look fatal, James is lucky to still be breathing. But he wouldn't be for long, and if he did, the pirate saw the path the boy would take. In the pirates eyes, becoming the lowly scum who took your life away was a fate worse than death. As the two lock eyes once more, Robin knows what must be done. They kneel in front of him, clutching their sword to feel each ridge on the hilt. "I'm sorry." Robin whispers, tears forming in their eyes and bringing a new rush of pain to the injured one. Surrounded by the flames of their creation, the cabin boy stabs their sword into the childs chest. Thick blood seeps from the wound, and James lets out a choked gasp as the blade drives through his body. His eyes roll back, and his head falls against Robins shoulder as he begins to pass out. Robin continues to mutter tearful apologies, the tears flowing freely despite the agonizing pain it causes, as they tug the sword free and lay the boy down on the ground next to his scorched father. The blood pools around James, the metallic scent joining the stenches of cinder and smoke. He reaches out a weak hand to his father, trembling slightly before his body goes limp, hand still outstretched. Robin stumbles away, sobbing and covered in blood. A familiar voice rushes through their head as they watch the boy die. //"Know when to accept defeat."// The lesson takes hold as memory after memory of every lecture Robin has ever recieved, every time they have gotten into trouble, every time they acted reckless or put themselves and others in danger flood their thoughts. They grasp at their head as a feeling of despair clutches at their chest, threatening to suffocate them. The pirates hyperventilating turns into a mixture of sobs and coughs as more smoke invades their lungs. Robin trips over themselves as their legs give out beneath them, falling to the floor once again and impaling themselves on the shattered vials. They cry out in anguish, but can't find the energy to move. //Let the flames take me. I deserve to die.// Robin thinks in defeat as the flames creep closer. The young pirate lies surrounded by fire, blood and death, and they let the darkness take them as their eye slowly closes. [[A memory]]

Robin sprints forward with a battle cry and tackles the man, grabbing him around the waist. The two stumble to the ground, and the chest bursts open on impact. Both opponents groan in pain as James runs over to help his father up. The contents of the chest spill out on the dusty rug covering the floor. "What is this?" Robin mumbles as they scrutinize the glass vials filled with colorful liquids that tumble forth and scatter across the floor. "It's alchemical ingredients," the man groans, shifting on the floor. "Highly volitile-" Before he can finish his sentence, one of the liquids ignites upon contact with the air, sending a burst of flame across the floor. The fire spreads quickly, fueled by the spilled chemicals. The man and child catch on fire, screaming in agony as the flames lick at their skin. Robin rolls away from their flailing forms, but isn't quick enough to dodge a second vial exploding. Shards of glass fly at their face and leave shallow cuts in their sun-toned skin. One shard manages to pierce the pirate directly in their right eye. Their vision blurs, the pain excruciating as hot blood pours from the wound. Robin writhes on the floor as the injury pulses in time with their accelerated heartbeat. The entire side of their face burns along with the fire as it engulfs the wooden building. The flames roar all around, adding to the cacophany of agonized screams from everyone inside. Robin struggles to their feet and grasps wildly for their sword, disoriented by the sudden loss of vision. Their breath comes in shallow, pained gasps as they study the flames surrounding them. The fire covers the walls, embers jumping out and setting the few pieces of furniture inside ablaze. The heat is overwhelming, and a thick smoke enters Robins lungs as they stand. Caught in a coughing fit, Robin notices the absence of screams. The figure of the pirates opponent lies at their feet, his features barely recognizable. The father has been reduced to a charred corpse. The smell of burning flesh fills the air, choking Robin along with the smoke. Nearby is James, cowering in a corner and shaking violently as he stares down his fathers dead body. Burns run up and down every inch of his body, and most of his sandy blonde hair is singed black. The boy looks on the verge of collapsing. Robin approaches him, and the kids golden eyes flick up to meet theirs, filled with unshed tears of utter terror. "You're a monster." James' voice quakes when he speaks, barely heard over the crackling flames. The accusation reaches Robins ears, sending them reeling into a memory. The echoes of rain imitate the crackle of the fire, and Blackthorns scornful face leaps from the flames. A wave of self-loathing courses through the pirates chest as they compare themselves to the ruthless captain, realizing that they have become the very thing they hated. Their heart drops in their chest as they look on at the boy, seeing the same scared kid they were that night. But now Robin fills the shoes of the villain who took everything away from this frightened child. //This is my fault.// Robin realizes as they take in their surroundings. // What have I done?// Eyeing the boy in front of them once more, Robin takes in his condition. The wounds look fatal, James is lucky to still be breathing. But he wouldn't be for long, and if he did, the pirate saw the path the boy would take. In the pirates eyes, becoming the lowly scum who took your life away was a fate worse than death. As the two lock eyes once more, Robin knows what must be done. They kneel in front of him, clutching their sword to feel each ridge on the hilt. "I'm sorry." Robin whispers, tears forming in their eyes and bringing a new rush of pain to the injured one. Surrounded by the flames of their creation, the cabin boy stabs their sword into the childs chest. Thick blood seeps from the wound, and James lets out a choked gasp as the blade drives through his body. His eyes roll back, and his head falls against Robins shoulder as he begins to pass out. Robin continues to mutter tearful apologies, the tears flowing freely despite the agonizing pain it causes, as they tug the sword free and lay the boy down on the ground next to his scorched father. The blood pools around James, the metallic scent joining the stenches of cinder and smoke. He reaches out a weak hand to his father, trembling slightly before his body goes limp, hand still outstretched. Robin stumbles away, sobbing and covered in blood. A familiar voice rushes through their head as they watch the boy die. //"Know when to accept defeat."// The lesson takes hold as memory after memory of every lecture Robin has ever recieved, every time they have gotten into trouble, every time they acted reckless or put themselves and others in danger flood their thoughts. They grasp at their head as a feeling of despair clutches at their chest, threatening to suffocate them. The pirates hyperventilating turns into a mixture of sobs and coughs as more and more smoke invades their lungs. Robin trips over themselves as their legs give out beneath them, falling to the floor once again and impaling themselves on the shattered vials. They cry out in anguish, but can't find the energy to move. //Let the flames take me. I deserve to die.// Robin thinks in defeat as the flames creep closer. The young pirate lies surrounded by fire, blood and death, and they let the darkness take them as their eye slowly closes. [[A memory]]