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The Elementalist (Lady Nefrodiel)

Why was he so angry? It was quite obvious that he was since he had walked away from the room. Was he so prejudiced against those who used magic that he couldn't bear to have a simple conversation? She had spoken the truth about the last part. Being caged in any way scared her and when she got scared, she got angry. That was the deception of Alena Boswell. Physically looking like nothing, but a harsh tongue ready to come lashing out any moment. That didn't mean she had her "moments" of weakness, where she just liked to have fun and not be serious. She just couldn't "enjoy" being with her family and the people her family associated with because they represented everything she despised.

So, Alena turned her attention towards the creature that would have offended both of her cousins (even if one of them was a self proclaimed flirt that would flirt with anything on two legs) because that was the only other person in here. Great. Her only chance at an intelligent conversation and he had left. Now she had to deal with an idiot. "Don't call me that, I'm not cute," she replied testily, "And you're not his type." She figured that insulting his masculinity would make her feel better.... although now that she thought of it... Chanting something underneath her breath, the intended effect of the spell was to knock him back to his chair. Alena didn't feel like smelling his intoxicated breath. It was disgusting. And she didn't feel like discussing her cousins or well... just dealing with idiots in general.

---

Victoria couldn't believe it. He thought he was some sort of robin hood. But perhaps she had been judging him too harshly. Maybe she was biased because he posed a threat to her sister- the one charge she wouldn't let go of. He had a point though. "But there is a look," insisted Victoria, "When you first saw it... it was of disbelief. Of course you collect these sort of things, but even then I know it well. I'm surrounded by it. You're seduced by the power it contains." And that's when Victoria realized something. He hadn't said he had heard of her. Which was surprising, because she was something of an anomly in the world of the Boswells. He knew she was the heir, but he didn't know the true extent of her worth.

But all that was thrown out the window as suddenly the woman became very frozen at what he said. Victoria had expected to hear many things from the captain, but having him go down this path. She was stunned into silence. What could she say? Never in her life had she ever thought someone would offer her this to her. Her family wouldn't give it to her- they were part of the problem. Hell, she was supposed to be like them. She would be their leader one day. "I...," the woman couldn't even think to say anything for she was tired. Yes, her life and Alena's was on the line, but physical exhaustion was physical exhaustion. "I'll have to think about that," Victoria finished lamely, finally showing weakness even when she had determined she wouldn't. What was her problem? Oh she knew what the problem was all right. She was divided.
 
Mutch cocked his head at her with a confused look on his face. His? But he'd been sure she'd said something about a girl cousin before... Suddenly an invisible force was shoving him backwards to slam into the wall by the doorway, his body falling to the ground in a heap with the stool. He lay there in startled pain for several long moments before lifting himself up groggily. Oh! That was right! She was a witch! He remembered now the discussion she'd had with Hyam and what the other man had called her and was sufficiently frightened now that she'd used magic on him. He got up quickly, staring at her wide eyed as he stumbled over the stool on his way out the door. Then he was gone too and she was left in the room alone.

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

Jaichim sensed the exhaustion in the woman and decided to use this opportunity to his advantage. "Really?" he said in a considering tone. "You honestly have to think about it? I thought you were of higher moral standards. I thought you would be different from the rest of them, the way you offered yourself up so couragously to save your friend. Listen," he said leaning across the table as he talked, his eyes getting an empathetic look in them. "I'm not asking you to completely abandon your family. The monopoly of power has to stop somewhere. There comes a time when you just have to say 'enough is enough' and stand up for what is right."

Captain Chuliandred sat back some in his chair and took a deep breath as if about to say something personal. "I have a dream," he said in somber tones. "Of one day, magic-users and humans living together in harmony as equals. I may never be able to achieve my goal, but I can at least make it a level playing field for everyone. Magic-users will still be able to use their magic. All I'm asking is that you help me take away their weapons of control. You want to be sure the Inzilom is used for a good cause? What better cause is there than this?" There was sincerity and deep conviction in his voice and expression, almost as if he were baring his soul to her.
 
Noting the confused look on his face, a satisfied smirk couldn't help but form itself on Alena's face. In reality, Alena was just as bad as everyone else. After all, that's why the phrase "kick the dog" was such a common one. They were the enemy. At least, most of them were. And even though this would inconvenience her family greatly, Alena wasn't so single minded in her goals that she would advocate piracy. Besides, they viewed her as the enemy and at any time could threaten her. She was after all, one magic user against many. Her only ally was Victoria. Where was her older sister by the way?

As the man ran out of the room, Alena was happy to be alone. She may have been captive, but at least nobody could see how low she had fallen. After all, she did have her pride. She could think to herself and not worry about men watching over her. She would not be at anyone's mercy. Even if the cold reality... she was. With that, she settled into thought as she began to memorize the area around her. Alena had a feeling she would be getting to know it quite well.

---

"But I'm not different from the rest of them," protested Victoria tiredly. Where did he get that idea from? She may have had doubts, they were just merely moments of weakness, right? Things were fine with the way they were, the monopoly the magic users had on the non gifted. That was the way it was supposed to be. But in her heart, she knew there was an imbalance. After all, she was her mother's child. Irene Langdon had been part of a group of magic users that thought that, in fact she had been an important part of their movement. So, important she had been deemed a threat and Elliot Boswell had been assigned to seduce her from her ways. What Elliot had not counted on that he fell in love with her and she with him. And so, they married with Irene officially relinquishing her radical position. Although she never did completely cut ties with her former allies. Alena may have inherited her mother's looks (except for the Boswell green eyes) and political position, but Irene's loving personality had definitely been passed onto Victoria. "The only reason I did such a reckless thing was because she's my sister. It's my job to make sure she's fine- that's what being the oldest is about. You're responsible for the family members who come after you," she explained, "If it were anybody else... I would have let them rot."

Realizing what she had just said, Victoria looked horrified. She had just revealed that if the captain had any doubts what to do with Alena, she would be best used to keep her in line. Indefinitely. But maybe that didn't matter, as she heard Chuilandred reveal his personal dream. Could he be bluffing? Could he be lying? Of if she gave him her help.... would she be creating a new sort of tyrant? Alena would have jumped at the opportunity to stabilize the difference (if the person was worthy enough in her books), but Victoria wasn't her. "You're not the only one with that dream," she answered quietly, "But I'm not supposed to have that dream. After all, it's naive... idealistic. Our kind will always be at war with each other That's just the nature of things.." By this time, she had lowered her gaze toward the table because she was so conflicted. Suddenly though she raised her gaze as if she were sure of one thing, "Besides, I don't trust you. I have everything to lose and you have everything to gain." But what if he wasn't lying? Was she a coward then? Victoria didn't like to think of herself as a coward, but the truth was... Alena was the braver of the two of them. Alena followed her heart so fearlessly, while she had done her best to train her heart the best she could. And she thought she had accomplished that; to mold her heart's desires to the Boswell's desires.

Although all this talking did leave her rather parched. But dare she drink anything? She'd take the risk. She was making mistakes as it was right now, could things get worse. However she wouldn't ask him right now, not right after confessing she didn't trust him at all.
 
The other girl was her sister! Of course! How could he have been so blind? People did not just jump onto pirate ships to save friends. He did admit he'd suspected the girl was part of the family when he'd kidnapped her, but he hadn't known the relationship between the two women. He listened to what she said in response to his offer and 'dream' with pursed lips. She wasn't going to be as easy as he'd thought, maybe even impossible to convince. Jaichim was not a man to take the hard road if there was an easier one. Well, this new information wasn't completely useless. She was here for her sister and he got the feeling that was important. Maybe if he threatened to let the men rape the girl, it would convince her to comply? But then his whole "nice guy" facade would be ruined...

So, he smiled at Victoria easily and stood from his seat fluidly, straightening his jacket as he spoke. "Well," he said in congenial tones, smiling pleasantly. "My mistake. I thought I had you figured out." He strode to the doors purposefully. "I'm sure you're very tired, Miss Boswell. I'll leave you to rest for a bit. Make yourself comfortable. You're going to be with us for a while." Then he was opening the double doors and striding out on deck. He turned to the nearest man, which happened to be Saml, his first mate. "Make sure she doesn't eat or drink anything unless I approve of it first," he whispered to the man who nodded with a knowing smile spreading on his face. Saml turned towards the Captain's chambers and entered the room, giving the girl a suggestive look over before just standing there folding his arms.

Then Captain Chuliandred was striding forth across the deck towards the door that led below. But he was stopped abruptly when he caught sight of someone he shouldn't be seeing. Rage contorting his features, he grabbed Hyam by the scruff of the neck and shook the weaker man. "What the HELL do you think you're doing?" he asked harshly, his dark eyes piercing the other man's skull. "I thought I gave you orders to watch the girl! Is she down there alone? She's a magic-user you nitwit!" He seriously looked at Hyam like he was about to strangle the man any minute and all Hyam could do was cower in the Captain's grip. Then Hyam was stuttering out a response, his voice hurried and panicked as he tried to explain. As he spoke, Jaichim's features began to clear and a small smile spread on his face. Oh, this was perfect...

He was lost in thought as he listened to the weaselly man babble on, but suddenly came back to himself and shoved Hyam away in disgust. So pathetic; but he'd been useful in his own way. Then Jaichim was straightening his jacket and gave Hyam a haughty glare. "When I give you an order, I expect it to be obeyed. Next time you see fit to do contrary to what you were told, I will throw you to the sharks. For now, you will lose your cut in the next 10 raids. Now go." He nodded curtly for the man to get out of his way and Hyam was all too happy to oblige, throwing dirty looks at the Captain's back as he walked down the stairs below deck.

Eventually, he made his way to the brig, whistling as he entered and holding an orange he had scavenged from the mess hall, starting to peel it as he neared the cell with the girl in it. He put on his most charming smile as he leaned slanted against the bars of the cell, peering into it cooly at the girl within.

"I just spoke with Hyam," he said as he continued to peel the orange. "He told me some very...interesting things about you. Specifically concerning a discussion the two of you had. I'd like to hear more about it, if that's alright." His eyes were shining and his smile was friendly. Use one sister to get to the other...
 
Yes, that was his mistake indeed. If Victoria were so easy to figure out she'd never get her true agenda accomplished in anything. That was politics. At the end of the day, she was still Lady Victoria Amelia Boswell, heir to the family legacy. And she was going to figure out a way to get out of here because that was what was expected of her. So, yes, she may be stuck here for a while... but definitely not forever. 'Even if he's serious about evening the balance between the magic users and the non magic users?' inquired that doubting side of her. Damn it. That's where things got tricky. Why was she letting that concept trouble her so? It was wrong. If she were to support it in any way, she would be a disappointment to her family. And she wasn't used to any sort of disappointnment in any way- at least not with them.

The noblewoman didn't say anything to the captain; he was correct in that she was rather tired. Victoria wasn't surprised to see another man enter the chambers. After all, she was rather a dangerous woman who needed watching. That didn't mean she liked it one bit. She ignored the suggestive look, what was the point anyways? But however was she supposed to rest effectively if someone was watching her? There was no gaurentee he wouldn't try anything. A yawn fought its way out of the female, her body signaling that it was tired.

Her green eyes glanced over to the bed. It looked rather comfortable from here, much better than attempting to sleep in this chair with her head leaning on the table. Cuddling up underneath those blankets while leaning against those soft pillows... that sounded divine. But at the same time, Victoria felt like she was giving into weakness. Especially when she had no idea where Alena was. Why hadn't she asked where her sister was? She could ask this man... but then she would be tempted to learn as much as she could about him. When amongst the enemy, one needed to know all the information they could get. And she couldn't handle another conversation, not right now when she was tired, hungry, and thirsty.

So, without saying a word the woman got up and traveled over to the bed. Briefly Victoria looked over at the man before she wordlessly she created a clear shield bordering the bedposts. No need to take risks, right and huddled underneath the covers before eventually falling into a sleep. She would eat and drink after her body had rested up.

---

Alena was enjoying her time alone. Sure, it was boring being locked up in some jail cell with no entertainment. What she wouldn't do for a good book! Or just some fresh air in general... A horse ride sounded pleasant. Playing some sort sport sounded even better. But she didn't want to deal with any pirates right now. So, when she heard the footsteps she was rather irritated. Was it the disgusting one again? Was it the magic-hater? Or was it someone new entirely? Alena soon found out it was the man who had originally captured her. "You," she hissed caustically but then raised an eyebrow at what he said. In fact, his whole demeanor was rather friendly. The only thing wrong with this situation was she was behind bars and well he, was the jailer. "What about my discussion with.... Hyam? That's what you said his name was right?" she inquired, tilting her head to the side rather curiously. Why would he be interested in that discussion? And why would he want to hear more of it? Could it be possible... that he had been bluffing to her on the ship? After all, he had no idea that he had chosen the wrong Boswell to hold hostage. It wasn't his fault that he had chosen the one person who would have hated to be indebted to the Boswells.

Hungrily she noted the orange in his hand. That looked so delicious. She hadn't eaten for a couple of hours and food was sounding good to her right now.
 
Captain chuliandred smiled at her through the bars, then looked at the bars themselves. She appeared to still be somewhat cautious, probably from their encounter before on the Boswell's ship. He needed to get her to trust him and that meant showing a little trust in her... Reaching into an inner pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a long, thin skeleton key and put it into the lock on the door, turning it with a metallic grinding noise. Swinging the door open he entered languidly, as if without a fear in the world, and closed the door behind himself.

"Well," he started easily, as he crouched down in front of her. "I'm mostly interested in your opinion of your fellow magic-users." He took a piece of the orange and held it out to her, offering for her to eat. He wasn't going to untie her...yet. That would be too trusting. "My name is Captain Jaichim Chuliandred. I'm sure you've heard of me and my dealings with magic-users, aye?" He paused and gave her an open look. "What if I were to tell you that my motives all these years were inspired by the dream for a better world?"
 
Eyes widened in surprised upon seeing the man pull out the key and eyebrows arched even further than before when he actually stepped into the cell. What was going on? But there appeared to be no ill intentions in his body language. In fact, he had crouched down in front of her to be on the same level of her. Wait, what? He was interested in her opinions on such things? And that's when he revealed who he was. "Yes, I have Captain Chulieandred," she answered. Well, this was wonderful. Once her father found out he would throw a tantrum. It was almost enough to make Alena giggle despite the fact she was currently being held captive. "If that indeed was your motive, I would be greatly impressed. However you're not going to get very far by holding me captive. I'm all for making the world a better place," Alena continued on. A thoughtful expression appeared on her face, "Of course, I'm sure you'll get some money off of my father... a little less money would be good for them anyways. That would inconvenience him, which I'm all up for. He'll be very upset indeed to know that you're the one behind this. I can't say I really approve of your methods though... after all, you're creating more chaos." Yes, this was definitely an interesting development. The tied down girl glanced at the piece of orange offered to her. She was hungry... but she didn't want to eat right out of his hand like some child. Her stomach growling loudly was enough to make her through it out the window and take a small bit out of the orange. Of course, if he really was serious about making the world a better place... he should really untie her hands. She wasn't going to blast him or attempt to fight him if that was his true motive.
 
Jaichim smiled widely when she responded. He loved it when they knew about him, but he let the haughty look fade from his face; there was no time to be gloating about people talking of your bad deeds! This was the time to convince her he was good. As he fed her the rest of the orange piece he stood slowly, to stand over her. "I'm not going to be ransoming you," he admitted and continued quickly. "But! I don't mean to harm you! I...need your help..." He was very good at this act, surprisingly. Pretending to be moral and conflicted about it.

She was still doubtful though, he could see it in her eyes. He didn't really want to risk it, but his gut told him there was nothing to fear. So, making his decision, he pulled a knife from his boot and glanced at the doorway, before crouching down again and cutting through the rope that bound her wrists. Hopefully now, he could get through her defenses, and she would trust him. He stood, replacing the knife in his boot before he rose, looking at her in uncertainty. It was an act of course, but he thought if he was unsure and seemed desperate enough it would win points with her.

"You know of the corruption that plagues the magic-user families," he said, looking at her. "And I'm sure you also know of the pirate bands that terrorize the seas. I'm the only one brave enough to go after the magic-users, so the rest of them are attacking the ships of innocents and slaughtering them mercilessly. I want to put an end to it all. I do not think it is right the advantage the magic-users have over the regular people with their magic items. They use them to prey on the weak and to rule ruthlessly."

"You're right. My methods are not doing much good. It's creating chaos and I'm just as weak as any other human, so the risks I take aren't that big." He paused, biting his lip for affect. "I wish to use the power of the Inzilom Medallion to help me even the odds and make things fairer, so normal people can have a chance. If we take away the magic-users destructive powers, then they're just left with magic. Humans and sorcerers won't be completely equal, but at least we'll have leveled the playing field." Now that she had her hands free, he tossed the rest of the orange to her. "Maybe then, they won't be so power-hungry and corrupt, aye?"

"What do you say?" he asked, giving her a small smile, heaping on the friendly appearance. "Will you help me?"
 
Fortunately for Jaichim, Alena didn't really think too badly of the smile he had. He obviously liked poking at the magic users, and what wasn't to dislike about them? Most of them were haughty and thought lesser of the non-gifted human beings. She finished eating the orange slice thoughtfully and almost choked on her bite. Not ransom her!? What the hell did that mean!? And Alena heard the rest of what he had to say. He needed her help?

And then, out of the blue he cut away the ties that held her wrists captive. If this had been from before, Alena wouldn't have hestiated to resort to violence. But at the moment, she was appeased. She was willing to listen to what he said. So, she did as she caught the orange that had been tossed to her. With the food in hand, she arose to meet him on the same level- well as much as she could. Standing at five foot two, Alena was like a tiny porcelain doll compared to her tall sister.

Concentrating her gaze on the orange she rolled it around in her hand. "Basically you want me to convince Tori to see the light of your ways so you can use the Inzilom to clean up the seas and make it a brighter, more peaceful place?" asked the girl, bluntly getting straight to the point. Releasing her attention from the orange she looked up, "That's much easier said than done. I bet you tried all ready- and she told you no. Not a decisive no, but more of a tragic, 'I'm not supposed to think like this,' sort of no, right?" She rolled her eyes, "I know the end of this story very well- I've been trying for years. But whereas I was bought up to carry on the traditions my mother started, she was bought up to be the perfect epitome of a Boswell. After all, she is the strongest heir in several generations. Perfect twit. But despite all that, she has a lot of potential... she's a very caring person. Which is what makes her so frustrating! With the power that's been given to her and the caring heart to accompany it... she could change so much! And yet, she's covinced herself that things have to be this way!" The young noblewoman paused, realizing she had probably ranted a bit too much. "But I digress, I might be able to help you... it's just going to take time," here she glanced at him meaningfully, "As long as she sees no harm comes to me, her defenses will fall. The longer she's away from the family, the more she'll doubt herself. At least... that's what I think."

And with that Alena had nothing else to say as she daintily began to finish eating the orange, wondering what the captain would have to say to that piece of information.
 
"Basically you want me to convince Tori to see the light of your ways so you can use the Inzilom to clean up the seas and make it a brighter, more peaceful way?"

"Yes, exactly!" Jaichim said excitedly as if he were glad to have an ally. He was, but not in the "pure" sense he was putting on. Internally, he was whooping in glee about his own cunning and how well his plan was going.

He listened to what she had to say and he marveled at the phenomenon that is sisterhood. So odd, the love and fondness combined with the annoyance and general dislike for the older girl. It was an interesting play on emotions running through her voice and demeanor as she spoke. She probably didn't realize she was doing it or how open she was. But Captain Chuliandred could see right through her.

"Yes, I did have that very discussion with her," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "I find her thinking severely flawed in this matter, but I do understand it. She has a lot of pressures on her shoulders, and it's hard to let your heart guide you to do what is right, when you expect people to be watching and judging your every move." He looked very sympathetic and understanding, but inside, he rolled his eyes at the lack of back-bone about it. It was kind of pathetic in his opinion, his true opinion, that someone could be so conflicted about doing the right thing. Granted, he wasn't a man of high moral standards, by any means, and he was also trying to trick the two women into giving him the power he seeked, but that was besides the point. He knew Victoria didn't trust him, but maybe if he showed the same level of trust he had shown to Alena, he would break down that wall a bit.

"Well," he said, nodding and giving her a resigned look. "We've got nothing but time. The Atropos is pretty fast, but all ships take a while to get from one place to another. We'll win her over yet." He smiled and winked at her in a friendly way. "And I wish no harm to come to you either. That's why, I'm going to let you out of here. One thing I do worry about is my crew. I do not mind giving up my sleeping chambers to Victoria and I hope you won't mind sharing with her and I will gladly let you both have free reign of the ship. But although I will inform my men of your guest status, some may not be so quick to obey. For your safety, I would like to keep you both in my sights at all times. The men won't try anything if I'm nearby to reprimand them. Even so," he said, walking a bit closer to her and affecting a concerned tone. "If you have any problems with any of them, I want you to inform me, so I can take proper action. I'll not have my command ignored, aye?"

"Now, what say you to a tour of my ship?" he smiled charmingly at her and offered the crook of his arm to escort her. "Afterwards, I'll take you to see your sister." Hopefully all would work out. Hopefully when the two women got together, Victoria wouldn't attempt to escape--he still had no idea of her complete magical abilities. Hopefully his men wouldn't mutiny when they saw how the captives were being treated. It wasn't something he feared really, but just the normal paranoia nagging in the back of his mind. And hopefully his plan would work...
 
What good luck she had! Sure, there was the whole being held captured thing in the beginning, but how could he know she wasn't like the others? It was times like this that Alena really wished she could erase her last name. She didn't want to stop being a magic user- because she loved magic with every fiber of her being. To deny the gift flowing through her veins would be to deny who she was born to be. There was such blissful joy when she channeled the gift, but Alena was aware that just because she had been blessed with this gift didn't automatially make her better than anyone else.

"Yes, yes! Her thinking is extremely flawed in this matter! I know she has those pressures... but why care about them when they are so clearly in the wrong!" agreed Alena passionately, quite happy to find someone who finally agreed with her. Of course Amelia agreed with her to a certain extent, but that was a whole other story. Suddenly a wave of home sickness came over the girl. She was glad to be away from the clan of the Boswells, but there was one person she missed sorely. Amelia Ashford- the same woman who Victoria had been named after and godmother to all three Boswell children. She was Irene's best friend, the sister she never had and the other leader of the movement the two of them founded. It was Amelia that had enlightened Alena to their ways and it was to Amelia, Alena owed everything to. But she was about to do good here and doing the right thing... called for sacrifices.

Effeciently, Alena nodded her head. "Wonderful! I'm glad to be out of here... I was just going to suggest it would probably be best if you let me out. I can't be very convincing if I'm imprisoned down here and she's... not. I'm the only reason she's here and I'm your only hope of convincing her to our beliefs. I'm her sister and well, no offense but your the one who threatened the life of her precious baby sister," here the green eyes twinkled with a sense of mischief, "That alone marks you as one of her worse enemies. She won't forgive you for that. She's quite protective."

The girl just nodded her head at sharing sleeping quarters with Victoria, she was perfectly fine with that. She was used to the best and her own quarters, but one had to be realistic. Besides Victoria would want to be with her anyways. Alena supposed she wouldn't mind being with Victoria either. This was an opportunity- an opportunity she never dreamed of having.

"If anybody tries anything, they'll be sure to regret it," answered Alena with a dark edge in her voice. Taking his arm amiably, she positively glowed at the mention of a tour of the ship. "Why yes, I would love to have a tour of the ship!" she answered happily. Perhaps this wasn't so bad after all.
 
Piece of cake. This girl was so easy! Well, compared to her sister, she was. He had to really keep up the act and not let it go for a minute, but for now he was enjoying himself. Pretending to be charming and ideologically moral wasn't so bad, especially when he found it so amusing to trick the girl. He smiled a certain way or tipped his hat and she responded accordingly, and he was just eating it all up.

He led the way out of the cell and up onto the deck, with her arm laced through his, stopping only to show her the men's quarters and the galley. Up and out in the fresh air, he took her along towards the bow, showing her the detail of the molding on the railings and the fine wood used for the masts. There were some men about, doing chores here and there, but a lot of them sat around on deck, playing cards together, drinking and telling stories. A few men paused and watched the Captain as he walked with the girl along the ship and he often drew her attention away deliberately. Behind her back he winked or made small gestures at the men and they would smile and nod to each other, knowingly. Just a little thing to let them know, he wasn't going soft.

Soon, they came upon the Bowsprit, where the carving of the maiden holding aloft the shears was, like she was leading a charge as a general; Atropos. Jaichim was very proud of his ship and it showed through as he talked with her about it. "This ship was made for my mother," he said, lying to the girl easily. "My father had it commissioned as an anniversary gift. But, alas, she died before it was completed and my father put it on hold. After he died, I inherited everything from him and decided to have it finished." He leaned upon the railing and looked back over the ship, his eyes shining with pride at all that was laid before him. "My father's love for my mother has enabled me to pursue my dreams all these years." Anybody from his crew would know his words for the crock of shit they were and would smile as if at an inside joke hearing him say them; Captain Chuliandred was actually the bastard of a whore, and the only "dreams" he had were of ruling the seas and being the most powerful being in the world.
 
As they toured around the ship, Alena happily drank up all the information concerning the Atropos. She didn't particularly have a passion for the sea, but she did have a passion for learning anything and everything. After all, one never knew what could come in handy in the future! To Alena, one of the greatest tragedies that could ever happen would for an idea or piece of information to be lost forever. So, naturally she loved to learn anything and everything. Reading and writing were big hobbies and she dutifully kept a journal at the end of every day. Of course, writing down one's thoughts was quite dangerous but that's why Alena took the greatest care to keep it safe. Which reminded her... she had nothing here. Absolutely nothing. All of her posessions were on the ship. Well, she could deal. It was just inconvenient.

For some strange reason, the captain wasn't letting her interact with the men. He was very subtle about it, but Alena noticed. Why was that? She didn't see Hyam and she didn't see the disgusting one (Hyman mentioned his name was Mulch, right?). It was probably for the best she didn't interact with them, right? Although somewhere in the back of her mind it didn't add up. In any case, Jaichim was quite proud of his ship that much Alena could tell.

When they reached the bowsprit, and Alena listened intently to the story. It was a somewhat sweet story, but unlike other girls Alena didn't really dream of prince charming. After all, her mother's prince charming had screwed her over. And Alena, well, didn't really believe in love, or really trust it. At least not for herself. "How sweet, knowing that this vessel represents your father's love to your mother and enabled you to pursue your dreams," replied Alena, as she leaned against the desk. She messed with a stray strand of dark brunette hair from her updo, enjoying the breeze of the sea. "I never knew my mother," added the girl, "She died giving birth to me. But apparently, I look just like her... so says everyone else, except for the eyes. I have my father's eyes. Sometimes I wish I knew her...but most of the time... I don't have very much respect for her. She was weak and let love dictate what she wanted to do. She gave everything up for my father- her friends, her beliefs, everything because apparently she loved my father," continued Alena, her face and tone filled with disgust. She was a Boswell all right. They didn't let things like love of outsiders get in the way of their goals. "But enough about that," stated Alena, not really wanting to talk about her history, "What inspired you to do this? What's your story?"
 
Hmm. Captain Chuliandred thought, as the girl spoke of her parents, specifically her mother. Very interesting relationship with her family. He made note of it all and decided to store it for later. Could prove useful in manipulating the girl at some point if she ever proved to be difficult. Jaichim was caught a little off guard with her next question, not really expecting to have to back up his false ideological views with a fake history. But Jaichim thought quick on his feet and came up with something in a flash, spewing it forth fluidly.

He leaned against the railing beside her, taking a deep breath as if what he had to say was somewhat difficult, but his face looking like a man who's made peace with his past. "My mother died from an illness relating to a magical curse put on her by a lord from the Fawcett family," he said, smiling at her soberly as if the story meant something to him. "He was looking to overtake my father's mercantile business. When he wouldn't step aside for the man, the lord cursed everything he had--his ships, his stock, his workers, my mother. Luckily, I was away at the time and didn't get caught under it, but it destroyed my father's life." Jaichim turned to the girl and looked at her levelly. "The lord had a magical ring that enabled him to put these curses on anyone and anything he wanted. Curses to kill. Curses to cause bad luck. Everything."

The story he told was actually Hyam's, that Jaichim had heard recounted a dozen of times by the weaselly man on their journeys. Apparently he'd been away at school when the magic-user lord had cursed his family and overtook the business his father had. That was why Hyam had joined Jaichim's crew--he'd heard Chuliandred was going after magic-users and had wanted a chance for revenge. He'd eventually gotten it, when Captain Chuliandred had attacked a Fawcett family ship a few years ago, but it had been bittersweet at the least and unfulfilling for the man at the most. Now, Hyam was a pathetic waste of space who found reason to complain about everything but didn't have the balls to take action, riding on the strength of those larger than himself to do what needed to be done.

"At first," Jaichim continued. "I was looking for revenge when I set out on my father's ship and I finally confronted the man who had destroyed my family. He was so...weak without the ring. Still haughty and able to use magic, but his destructive power, the truly destructive power, was gone when I took the ring from him. I was shocked and enlightened by the discovery. Over the years after that, I had seen the effects of magic on normal people and grew tired of seeing this destructive power constantly used and nobody doing a thing about it!" He smacked his fist on the wooden railing angrily, for effect, and stood up straight, sighing. "But apparently no one else was willing to stand up and take these things away from them. I had done it easily enough the first time. I thought, 'Hell, why can't it be me?'" And he made a sweeping gesture with his hand. "And that's how it began and I've been looking to usurp magic-users artifacts ever since." The lie was a magnificently woven piece of art, if he did say so himself...
 
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