For lastvoyages: Fourteenth Vision [Video plus spam]

[can_has_vodka]

 [The shot is of the rowdy interior of the Lash: people drinking, dancing, some maniac sawing away on a fiddle, boots stomping--and Arkady's giggling in the background.]

Come on down, loves! Things are heating up around here and I've got two good hands to sling grog with! Don't tell me you're thinking of sleeping when there's fun to be had!

[Of course, Arkady herself is starting to long for a bit of sleep. Under the smile she is growing tired. A good barmaid has to be quick, cheery, keep a good memory and dodge pinches that come two or three thick at times. So eventually, she asks her cohorts to cover her while she ducks outside to grab some air. Once out the door, she finds a clear spot on the wall and leans against it, puffing out her breath and reaching up to rub her aching temples.]

Comments

[championoftime]

[And nearly as soon as she's yanked out, her wrist is grabbed by someone who yanks her around the side of the establishment. Away from prying eyes and right into the shadows. And he pulls her up next to him with an arm wound tightly around her back and grins in a way that shines for miles.]

And there's m'lovely star to guide me by.

[can_has_vodka]

Eeee! [It comes out startled and turns delighted once she sees who it is.] Oh, you came by! My night just got much better. [She throws her arms around his neck and nuzzles his cheek.]

It's been such a day! Oh, I met a boatload of Spaniards and traded readings for three of their crew for the Spanish deck the Gypsies use, and we got the new glasses shipped in, and the weather was fine, and I think only one person died all day.

[championoftime]

Better day than I gave ye credit for then! Only one person at that. [He puts his arm up behind her neck and returns the nuzzle.]

They'll be wearin' ye thin if yer not watchin'. Wear ye into nothin'. I'd be losin' all my patience if that were to happen. [He's mostly teasing. He knows she tries to do a lot for everyone and it makes her happy to do it.]

[can_has_vodka]

OH, someone has to polish the pirates around here. But you've a fair point. I want to save my best for those closest to me, after all. [She beams down at him, bright blue eyes sparkling.]

Anyway, I shan't let all this wear me down. I have the Boss and two good people giving me a hand. And I don't plan to do this forever. [She plays idly with his curls.]

[championoftime]

What is that yer plannin'?

[He actually has a great deal of money set aside- the monetary portion of what he pillaged. It's how he's never run out of drink. He doesn't brandish it around, though. Not even to her, because he supposes the sort that comes through here would try to take advantage of his affections to get a way at his money.

But when he passes on his map, it might be nice to leave. He's older than her, getting on in life. He'd like the two of them to be doing well before he's off in his worst years.]

[can_has_vodka]

Well...[she giggles a little. She has no idea that he's sitting on any particular wealth; instead she's planned for this for years. Every extra penny she has is being saved toward a particular dream; the difference between a few years ago and now is that she's started thinking of sharing that dream with another.]

In two years I shall have enough coin saved for a little cottage and a bit of land. No more than enough to live on of course, but nice enough for these parts. I could read to bring in extra money....

...and there'd be room for two. Or more. [Blinkle.]

[championoftime]

[He lets go of her to tug nervously at his collar.]

What if-

What if ye dinnae have to work here for that long. What if I could take ye right out of here at the drop of a hat.

...I'd have to steal a vessel but I doubt I be that out of practice.

[can_has_vodka]

Oh...well...that would be lovely! Except I'd have to find a good replacement for down the pub. I owe everyone that--the lads and Simone. And I'd need to train at least one of them in the cards, because it's how we make our best tips.

[A slow blink as it fully sinks in that he's serious.]

Why? Did you have something in mind, luv?

[championoftime]

I wasn't... Well, hopefully, soon the matter will be resolved lass 'n' I'll tell ye all of it.

[All he needs is to find the right person to pass on the artifacts too.]

Don't worry yer sweet head on it. [And he has to lean up to give her a proper kiss. Thus is the agony of being a small man with a very profound lady.]

[can_has_vodka]

[She kisses him back with a soft happy sound and forgets about talking for a bit. But when they come up for air she coos,] Well, all right, but I'm willing to bet you could save yourself some trouble if you took what I've saved up and hired a crew instead....

[championoftime]

I'd never dream of taking what all ye've saved up! Ye've worked too hard on it. [Though he could use some better clothes. And generally a place to regularly stay, rather than "wherever is good to sleep". But people are less suspicious if he looks like that sort, the sort that just happens upon the kindness of strangers to keep him in the drink.]

[can_has_vodka]

Oh well, all right. I shouldn't worry anyway, you're so clever you've probably got all the details sorted already. [She boops his nose gently.]

[championoftime]

I'm playing it entirely by ear but only somewhat. [He makes a motion to her.] When do you get off work? [Because he has a window that could use sneaking into.]

[can_has_vodka]

[She giggles and covers her mouth with her hands.] O-oh, Four Bells. Then Simone should come back in. [She gets his meaning and is glad her little blush is lost in the dim light.]

[notafuckingnut]

[Richie's finally managed to get himself down to the nearest tavern, but he's stopped short by the girl standing outside of it.

...Well. He assumes it's a girl; she looks like she's got girl parts, but she's bald. It's a little weird. Either way, he tilts his head at her curiously, smiling faintly. Cheerful. Friendly, if self-conscious.]

Long night?

[can_has_vodka]

[She gives him a cheerful but tired smile.] Got to look after everyone. Many a ship came in today after months at sea, and I'm to make sure everyone gets a drink, a lime and a hot meal.

[notafuckingnut]

[It's almost a sympathetic expression.

...Almost.]

All by yourself?

[can_has_vodka]

Oh no, love. [From a pocket of her apron she fishes a lime, a little knife and her sugar-box. She slices the lime and sugars the top of one of the halves, then offers it.] There's four of us counting Stoneface, the owner. Have you been properly fed and watered yet?

[notafuckingnut]

[...Lime. Right. As far as he's concerned it's better with alcohol of some kind, but he'll take it. A slurp and a not particularly enthusiastic tear and he pulls a face because it's sour, but the sugar manages to cut it so it's really not so bad as he makes it look. He does have the decency to swallow before answering, though.]

Nah, I just got here.

[More lime slurping. You didn't want elaboration, did you?]

[can_has_vodka]

[Arkady's always pushing limes on newcomers. She's seen what scurvy does and has no desire to see anyone spitting blood and teeth over a lack of limes.]

Tut tut! Well, let's get you in and settled and fed then. I promise it's a dozen times better than hardtack and watered grog.

[notafuckingnut]

...But what about your break?

[Not that he's really complaining; of course he wants real food and actual decent booze.]

[can_has_vodka]

Oh now see, half the lads wouldn't even ask me that. Come on, I can take my break later. [She heads for the door and knocks twice to be let in.]

[notafuckingnut]

And I wouldn't trust the ones that would. Mostly.

[Never say Richie can't be nice when he wants to be.]

Alright, if you're sure.

[And he trails after happily enough; it's nice to not be low man on the totem pole for once.]

[can_has_vodka]

[She leads him in to a corner table, after carefully levering a drunk off the stool onto the floor and wiping down the table thoroughly with lemon-water in case of drool.] Someone should be by for him shortly. We've chicken stew besides fish tonight, if you've missed it.