WARSHIPS ON THE RISE (open)

[grey]

The S.S. Anzio was a sharp and ominous figure against the horizon and the waves, dark beneath the overcast sky. Grey's eyes examined the crest of the ship with little emotion. There was no feature of his expression that betrayed his curiosity toward the unexplored ship. It was an aspect of Carna territory that he remained unfamiliar with. That day a tenderfoot had believed to have seen supplied dropped on the deck. Grey, with nothing better to do, had gone to investigate himself. He had sent word out through the tenderfoot to inform other Carna about the little "mission" in hopes of attracting some attention and assistance, although he did not really need it.

He decided to wait on the shore to see if anyone would appear. He crouched, elbows propped on knees, and stared with a cocked head toward the semi-submerged ship. He liked it, the way it looked. He had always admired the smooth efficiency of ships and in another life he humored the idea of captaining one.

Grey's father had been an adamant fan of World War II, perhaps due to the fact that the family lineage could be traced back to an aristocratic line of that era, one that played a vital role in the war. Aurick Adlersflügel enjoyed to tell the story of his ancestor, Gerfried Adlersflügel, who served on the Scharnhorst during the War and participated in one of the longest-range gunfire hits in that era's history of naval warfare. He died on the battleship and that is the part of the story where Grey's father had laughed, scornfully. "I could not imagine dying at sea." It was perhaps one of the only times Grey could remember Aurick mentioning a distaste for something, particularly a death, although later in life Grey came to learn of his father's large aversion toward water and even understand it. There had been an entire month of unpleasant sea-side training for the Imperium, as well as weeks of intermittent water-torture to test the endurance of their mercenaries. The experience scarred some whereas it left others stronger, better men. Grey believed he was one of the improved. He liked even the Keeper-engineered ocean. 

The lull of the water relaxed him. Seagulls grappled overhead in the brisk air and he turned his face into his scarf, against the chill. It was a warmer day for that winter but ice still clung to the rocks of the beach and his breath turned opaque on the air and hung like clouds. His eyes were void of color, due to the landscape, and everything about him seemed pale. His health had returned to him in recent months, thanks to Jocelyn, and he now tested the strength of his limbs by standing. He bounced where he stood and swung his arms before crossing them over his chest. Grey was growing impatient for company. It would not be wise to wait much longer due to the uncertainty of the weather and the bone-biting chill in the air. At last he heard the crunch of rock underfoot and he turned, brow cocked, eager to see what member had dredged up the courage to accompany him. 


 

[Ebony Lancaster]

Word had spread through the Carna that a package had been dropped onto the run down ship in their harbour. Ebony had been determined to stay in bed, under her meagre blanket, for as long as she could. The cold was beginning to nip at her, causing her to switch to her warmer gear, hiding away her summer outfit so that prying tenderfeet wouldn’t think to grab any of it and scram. There hadn’t been much of a stealing problem during her time at the Carna, but she was starting to see a fair few new faces around their territory that she was wary of. Strangers were rarely trustworthy and Ebony knew that well enough. Of course, she had trusted Boone, but perhaps that was different. After all, he had saved her life. Regardless, when a tenderfoot barged came past, whispering something about a Keeper packaged, and that someone had already headed out to see what it was, Bonnie was convinced to assist. The idea of some action for the day was enough to turn her agog. Thus, she quickly threw on her jacket and scarf and headed out to the S. S. Anzio. Ebony wasn’t about to let one person have all the fun, no matter who they were. This kind of thing was more than a one man – or woman – job and Bonnie considered herself a good companion. Knife already clinging to her shin, Ebony was ready for a fight if it came down to it. She was almost certain it wouldn’t. Who would be stupid enough to enter Carna purely for a Keeper package? Then again, there were probably some Fulsi who were cocky enough to think they could sneak in undetected and nab the loot. Rogues, however, would be more desperate. One could never survive long as a rogue. The Rings were an excellent form of protection that Ebony was glad she had. Approaching the old ship, she saw a figure standing on the shore. Bonnie knew she had seen him around recently but had never caught his name or rank or any such related information. Regardless, he seemed to be capable enough of such a task as getting onto the ship and grabbing whatever supplies had been given to them. Whilst she was capable of masking her own footsteps, Ebony saw no reason to sneak up on the man. They were allies after all and this was a team mission. There was no need to give him reason to be wary of her. As he turned towards her, Ebony allowed herself to smile softly, raising her gaze slightly to lock onto his eyes. While most saw her height as a disadvantage, Bonnie knew it was quite the opposite. She closed the distance between them, casting a quick glance at the enormous ship. “Mysterious Keeper package huh?” Ebony said, flashing a cheeky look over at the man. “So what’s the plan?” She was grinning in the mere anticipation of such an exciting task. Bonnie hadn’t been on hunting duty in a few days so she was itching for something to do. Looking the boat up and down she quickly remembered her manners and turned back to the man. “Oh, I’m Ebony by the way.” ooc | haven't posted Ebony in a while. also WOTD xD

[grey]

Grey had a habit of assessing everyone he met with an analytical eye. Ebony was no exception. His eyes swept her frame in one quick, curt gesture. He did not find anything noteworthy. Her height and slim frame was irrelevant to him. She had a build similar to Nycole--

He immediately curbed the thought, grateful for her sudden introduction. Grey extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Grey." He was left internally reeling at the thought of Cole. He did not allow it to show in his expression. In fact, he had not even hesitated. He merely returned her cheeky expression with a rather impish one of his own, stepping idly toward the shore. "I managed to convince a friend of mine to let me borrow his rig." He used the term "rig" because the it could hardly be considered a boat. It was little more than a raft and a little less than a fishing boat. He shrugged. "We'll see how well it holds up. My friend called it a 'work in progress', which doesn't worry me... at all." It was clear that he was being sarcastic. 

He liked her sense of humor, he decided. Grey began to walk toward the remnants of the bridge that once led to the S.S. Anzio. Meager repairs had been made in recent years, allowing for a creaky and unstable dock. The "rig" to which Grey referred was tied haphazardly at the end. It was a roughly repaired fishing boat, patched with whatever resources had been available. It shook back and forth with the light waves and he could not decide if it was the dock or the rig creaking. He regarded it with an uncertain eye, his arms crossing in an almost aggressive gesture. He often assumed that stance when dealing with a problem. "What do you think? ... What's your shift?" If it was a smaller animal, Grey thought that she could shift and ride in the "boat". He had thought the same for himself, until he realized that with his added mutation he weighed as much if not more as he did as a man. Grey gnawed at his lower lip and trekked to the end of the dock where he paused. He swirled abruptly on a heel to once more assess Ebony.

Grey had seen her face before, although she had never done anything to stand out to him. He could not even recall her rank. In his mind, all Carna were capable individuals and that was not he was worried about. He cracked a wry grin, however, at what had captured his interest. "What brings you out here, anyway? I doubt it's the sunshine." 

[Ebony Lancaster]

Grasping his hand firmly, Ebony gave it an appropriate shake and then let her hand slide back down to her side. She smiled softly and committed his name to her long-term memory. Grey. Grey. She repeated a few times inside her own head just to make certain it would stick. Bonnie had never been great with names though she found she was gradually getting better. Of course, in general she only cared about remembering the names of those who were important to her. Boone, for instance was a necessary one, as well as the mildly terrifying Lovely, who Ebony was certain would be a useful ally to have not only in the Carna, but also in the Menagerie itself. Her smile widened at the mention of the improvised rig. Knowing she would have no problem making her own way to the Anzio, coupled with Grey’s lack of knowledge on that note, only made the concept more amusing. Regardless, Ebony decided to let Grey continue telling her about the makeshift boat that would take them to their reward. At his clear sarcasm, she let out a small laugh and rolled her eyes the way she always did. “So far the plan sounds like it’ll go… swimmingly,” Ebony retorted, stifling another laugh. She cocked her head sideways at the man to show there was no harm intended by her words. Still smiling, she followed Grey along the dock, quickly spotting the rig he had previously mentioned. Whilst it didn’t look too dodgy, Ebony had no idea if Grey’s shift would make the journey easier or near impossible. Perhaps it would be a good thing Ebony had a shift with wings. Despite her family’s disgust at the shift, Bonnie had become rather glad of it over the years and she was almost thankful for the so-called curse it was. As if Grey had been thinking along the same lines, Ebony looked up at him as he questioned her. “I’m not entirely sure about the flotation capabilities of the rig with people on board. Luckily, I’m an owl shift so it isn’t particularly necessary for me anyway.” Shrugging at Grey, she turned to give the boat another once-over. It would hold her, she thought, but she was unsure if it would even hold Grey in his human form and he seemed like the type to have a rather hefty shift form, judging by his current build. She stayed where she was as he walked off again, merely looking over at him. Surprise crossed her face as he swivelled and looked back at her. At his further questioning however, she smiled curtly. “Some tenderfoot mentioned there was fun to be had. Besides, it was a chance to meet some new faces, or one at least.” She paused, smiling thoughtfully at him. “Besides, I was promised eternal glory,” winking at him, she giggled again, before turning to look back down at the boat for a few moments. “So what’s it gonna be captain? Who get’s shotgun?” Throwing him a daring look, she raised her eyebrows in a slight challenge. ooc | KRISSLEE finally got a reply up! sorry for the wait