(1874-05-15) Tales of Daring Do
Tales of Daring Do
Summary: Sura comes to speak to Ivo to propose a deal
Date: 15/05/2016
Related: Takes place after Captain's Meeting
NPCs: None
Players:
Sura  Ivo  Hraelfmir  

Ocean Seeker
The open deck of Ivo's galley
Tuesday 15th Mai, 1874 IE

A dark haired woman dressed in a craftsman's garb comes to a stop near the base of the ramp-thing. She lifts a hand to shade her eyes and then calls up. "Hello the ship!"

Ivo is out on deck because apparently it's 'good for him', and continuing to stare at the walls of his cabin might just drive him crazy. Not that he's doing anything other than lounging about just now mind, but he does at least have the decency to lounge out of the way of those of his crew who have work to be getting on with. As the ship is hailed from below the sailor on gangway watch invites the crafter aboard and then glances around for a senior crewmember to handle whatever query she might have. He hadn't been aiming for the captain, but since he's about and not doing anything the d'Armaz feels he should probably make himself useful in some small way, even if it's just directing her to whichever of his crew can best handle the situation.

"How very fortunate." Sura murmurs as she is introduced directly to Ivo. "Good Morning Captain." She offers with a smile. The smile is the sort of thing you'd see on half the young women in any tavern. "Would you be interested in discussing a trade? You will be pleased by it. I promise."

"Good morning madam," Ivo replies back warmly, not having the advantage of her name or position to fall back on. "Please, forgive me for not standing on ceremony, but we recently ran into some primitives and one of them seem to think I was carrying too much weight and tried to assist." His half open shirt does not hide the bandages over his ribs, although given how he's sat it's hard to see the extent of his other injuries bar the scrapes and bruises. "I am almost always interested in discussing trade," he notes with a smile, gesturing for his steward to bring wine, "pray tell me more."

Sura gives the steward a warm smile as he heads off to bring refreshments. "It is those very primitives that coaxed me to come up here today." she explains to Ivo. "I thought in exchange for taking up some of your time I could lend you an apprentice for an equal amount of time." she waves a hand at the ship. "I heard you have seen action although I must say that the ship is nothing like as bad as I expected."

Ivo takes a goblet of wine from the steward as the man returns, then listens to what Sura has to say. "Do not take it the wrong way," he starts gently, "but I feel it would be remiss of me at this point if I did not ask what skill this offered apprentice is learning?" Taking a sip to wet his lips he gestures that she should sit as well, if she desires, then asks, "and you wish knowledge of the primitives in exchange for this aid I take it?"

"Metalworking." Sura settles into the suggested chair. "I am Sura Smith from out of Four Corners." its obvious she expects him to have an idea who that is. "The lad is very talented but he has no practical experience of working outside the forge." she smiles to Ivo. "I'm very grateful to you all for saving us from what I imagine would have been a terrible, terrible, fate." Another smile, warmer this time. "Rather than negotiating a trade perhaps we should simply call it a gift for a gift?"

Ivo nods slowly, either he's passingly aware of the name, or he's choosing to be polite and give that impression. "I'm sure it won't surprise you," he counters, "that as a scion of my house I am no stranger to trade negotiations, but I see no drawback to the exchange you proffer. Carpenters are is greater need, but also greater supply, so I will take your lad and give him some honest labour and in return, ask what you will of the primitives, and I will answers as best I can."

"Good. I had no doubt you would take it of course." Sura gives him a warm smile. "Who would turn down free labor? As for the primitives.. well. I admit I was hoping for a story.. But if it is questions. Tell me.. what they looked like?"

"A story," Ivo repeats back with a broadening grin, "well, why didn't you say!" Taking a larger drink of wine to lubricate his vocal chords he takes as deep a breath as he can without his ribs protesting too much and begins. "We sailed out to investigate the ships that had vanished out on the ocean of late. Redoubt lead the squadron, along with Somerset, making two frigates and my galley." He's going to assume she knows the name of the ship she's sat on, or can at least find it out easily enough. "Now, a squall blew up when we were not long out of port and we got separated just in time for Redoubt to spot our foe on the horizon." There's a slight touch of dramatic license there, but the bare facts are at least correct. "The frigates engaged the smaller vessels, of which there were numerous, leaving the two larger foes to me, for once the fighting started the smoke of battle gave away their position and I was able to close again. Now, usually I'd aim to come round a vessel's stern in a case like this, that's the flat end," he gestures over his shoulder towards the ship's rear, "but these were mighty strange ships, more like giant canoes with two hulls lashed together and we ended up exchanging broadsides with neither able to do much damage to the other."

"Of course!" Sura exclaims at the grin. "If I was after a bland, boring, military report I'd just bribe some tedious old man" She grins back in a way that suggests the bribery comment was a joke but which leaves enough doubt to suggest it may not have been. "I should have said." She agrees. "But I thought I would have to talk my way past all your crew first. Do you have any idea how hard it is to persuade them to let you in a room with their captain just so you can enjoy a story?"
Settling down she listens to the story with nothing but the occasional 'no!' and gasp to show that she's both paying attention and apparently enjoying every moment. "You had to fight the two larger vessels all by yourself?"

Ivo almost, almost makes a comment about how he's sure she'd have no issue talking her way into his cabin, but just about manages to stop himself in time. She's a respected crafter after all, not a doxie. He can't stop the smirk, but then he's enjoying telling a tale of his own valour, so hopes he can get away with it. Getting back on track he nods slowly at her question, he'd lean in conspiratorially, but his ribs are broken and the pain would somewhat spoil the effect. "That was certainly the plan yes. Engage both the bigger ships while the frigates dealt with the smaller ones, then they could join in and help mop up the remains. Sadly, it seems these primitives don't understand how to fight at sea, so while I engaged one, the other just sailed on." Dashed unsporting of them really. "Fortunately Redoubt was able to deal with that one thanks to a lucky shot to their powder store, but anyway, I digress." Taking a sip of wine to wet his lips he continues. "So there we were, broadside to broadside, exchanging fire, when we see the foe on deck. Huge they were, great man mountains. A head larger at least than our tallest, and broad shouldered to match. They were in a great crowd, stomping their feet, slapping their thighs," he slaps his right to demonstrate, "shouting all sorts of indecipherable sounds that I can only assume was some form of limited language they were using to communicate. With our fusillade having little effect on their hull I made the decision to board and put them to the sword, and that my dear, that is where things really started to get interesting."

Sura leans in towards him instead. "A head larger than our tallest and yet you still chose to board? That was terribly brave of you. Most men would have quailed at such a sight." She smiles again. "It's very fortunate that we have men like you guarding our shores."

"At least a head," Ivo confirms with a knowing nod, although his smile turns slightly wry when she calls him brave. "There is, or so I'm told, a thin line between bravery and stupidity. Now, not having faced this foe before, all parties are agreed that boarding was the brave and valiant choice. However, knowing what we know now, anyone who attempts to repeat that act is most definitely in the latter category." More wine is needed, so he takes a drink and considers for a moment how best to phrase the next part of the tale. "It seems that as well as being mountainous, they don't feel pain the way we do," and particularly the way he is right now. "We boarded, as did Somerset, but could make no headway. We wounded them but they did not falter. Redoubt landed a shot right by one, tore off half its face, but it didn't seem to care. They are a terrible foe."

"That sounds horrible." Sura reaches out to touch Ivo's wrist in almost the exact same move a courtesan would choose. "It must have been truly terrible and you are hurt." She smiles and settles back, folding her hands into her lap. "You must have some plan for the next time you see them. The d'Armaz are famed for their intelligence."

From the dock someone hails the ship, "Permission tae come aboard? Captain told me to bring someth'n for the chippie." Hraelfmir could have just sent it over and meant to, but he's a busy man and he was about to go back through by Ivo's ship anyway. So he stands there carrying a leather sack tucked into his left arm and watches the repairs being carried out on the battered ship.
Soon as he's granted permission to return aboard, the Typhoon's Captain comes wandering over, "Thar be a washed up rat on ye deck, Captain. Ye should see yourself." There's a grin and then he pats the hogshead, "I brought the bribe for ye chippie. Trade, as promised." Still dressed in his faded leathers and silks with hand cannons and cutlass, the new arrival looks Sura over. "Pardon, ye have a guest. Don't mean tae be interrupt'n. I can drop this off 'n see the charts for th' location." Nonetheless, Hraelfmir gives Sura a /charming/ smile. Or what he hopes is one.

"It was," Ivo confirms, only hamming it up a little, "but while we could not take their vessel, we did force it to retreat, along with the scattered remains of it's smaller support vessels." That means they won. A clear and convincing victory. Or something like that anyway. He doesn't seem to be objecting to the contact, not in the slightest, but then Hraelfmir appears and now the conversation is three way… no, the Commodore doesn't seem the type. Besides, his ribs probably couldn't take it yet, certainly not comfortably. Sura is given a flash oof a smile and then he turns to look over the newcomer. "Commadore," he starts, lifting his wine in greeting, "you really shouldn't put yourself down so. Why, you hardly look wet at all!" A gesture is made down deck to where the carpenter and his mate are working before he adds, "or pull up a chair as well, he'll be busy there a while and isn't likely to slope off anywhere he can't be tracked down."

Sura turns a bright welcoming smile onto the new arrival. "Commodore." she moves to her feet out of the assumption that big titles come with big egos. "What a surprise and a pleasure. Captain d'Armaz was just telling stories of his heroism. Surely you have some to share as well? Have you heard him tell of the giants he fought?"

Hraelfmir smirks at Ivo, "I was refer'n tae yeself, ye washed up rat. But ye'll be back on yer feet in due time." The hogshead is set down, sloshing full of wine or something. His hat he pulls off, the skull shaped blood red ruby set into a gold ring of his left hand catches the sunlight. "Is he embelish'n the story to charm the lady? I be think'n introductions be in order." Hraelf parks his backside against something here on the deck and doesn't bother with a chair - piff!
He looks to Sura, "I surely do, and I have, but first… I be Commodore Hraelfmir Halfblood o' Four Corners, and if'n I be any judge, ye be o' Four Corners yeself. Whom do I have the honor tae be address'n?"

"I'm not sure how they do it in Four Corners," Ivo grins back to Hraelfmir, "but it's not customary to waltz up a gangway in Aequor and start insulting a captain on his own ship." He doesn't seem to have taken anything to heart though, for wine is also summoned for the privateer, "besides," he continues, "apparently the fresh air is good for me. Or so I'm told anyway." He makes as if to start introductions but when he's beaten to it he makes an exaggerated show of being upset by it, which he's clearly not, and lets them get on with it muttering loudly, "honestly, just waltz up the gangway, insult the captain, charm the lady, and without even a good war story of his own. Barbarians, the lot of them."

A warm smile is offered to Hraelfmir. "Sura Smith. I've heard a little about you Hraelfmir. Everyone says that you are a man on the rise yet this title is a new thing. How did Hraelfmir Halfblood of Four Corners come upon a title like Commodore?"
At Ivo's complaints she returns to her seat and offers the d'Armaz a charming smile. "I do not believe a word that you said was embellished in the least Lord Captain. Did you manage to get anything from these giants? I would be fascinated to see a piece of their armor or a weapon they carried."

Ivo gets a laugh, "Tis because I judge ye to have a sense of humor, and I like sometimes tae push people. See how they react." Bold son of a bitch, seeing what he can get away with! Clearly he /likes/ Ivo. "In Four Corners we be equally rude to all and do as we please!"
To Sura, Hraelfmir gives a wink, all in good fun. "Oh ye heard o' me, have ye? All bad things, I expect. Nae, not a title. I'm nae a noble lord. Tis me rank - I am also a commissioned officer of the Aequor Navy, by Admiral d'Juliano's will. I hunt in both waters for me prey." He gives a shrug, "As to why I was promoted recently, ye be hav'n tae ask the Admiral herself. 'twas a complicated affaire." Hraelf eyes Sura, "So who be Sura Smith? Title or trade?"

"Sadly not," Ivo replies with a shake of his head to Sura, "unless there are fragments of their exploding lances still lodged in the hull. Your apprentice is welcome to go over the side and look for them if you want though." He takes a gulp of wine then adds reassuringly, "on a rope of course." Not that sailors would gang up on a landlubber at all you understand. Totally against their nature. "The one who seemed intent on inspecting the bone in my leg was sadly rude enough to withdraw his blade from my flesh after his second attempt at opening it up, so I didn't get to keep it as a trophy." As Hraelfmir speaks he makes a show of rolling his eyes, then leans very gently towards Sura and whispers loud enough for all three of them to hear, "he means fish." Holding his free hand an inch from the one holding his wine he adds with a sage nod, "like this. Fierce beasts they are, they can sorely wound a man by nibbling his finger for hours. Terrible it is."

"Not many captains can boast more than one ship." Sura points out to Hraelfmir. "As for my name. It is just a name. Even though I am a Master Smith."
When Ivo offers to torment her apprentice in the name of discovery she laughs and once again touches his wrist. "You have my permission to do whatever horrible things you wish whilst he is in your care Lord Captain. He has been looking at the privateers." she waves her hand at Hraelfmir "And getting all starry eyed. I have no doubt that you can cure him of the dream." She shakes her head and adds a "So rude!" when he complains about them taking their weapons with them. Before laughing as Ivo tells her that Hraelfmir hunts fish. "I hear such terrible tales of men ravaged by those tiny silver ones. How do you ever survive?"

Hraelfmir laughs, "Oh, he wishes. Tell'n ye of his injured leg, then speak'n of his wee fish, hope'n tae get a nibble. Keep ye pants on, Captain Ivo." A nod to Sura, "Aye, three ships actually but I just sold the Bonnie Lass. She served me well and I could have kept her but I have expanded me investments into other things besides only ships of th' sea."
"Speak'n of rude, ye nae have offered me a drink since I came aboard. I be more polite company when I'm offered more than a chair. Ye be in need of anyth'n, Captain Ivo? Ye had a good healer look at that leg yet?"

Ivo smilees back to Sura as he slowly and carefully leans back into his chair so it can support his weight again. "Oh I see how it is Master Smith. You offer me his labour in exchange for a story, but now I find you expect me to turn his head from the sea as well? I don't believe that was part of our bargain. I shall have to think of something to even the balance once more or I fear my family might disown me." His light hearted tone indicates that he in no way expects that to be an issue, but he makes a show of considering how to proceed before he offers, "how about you join me for dinner? I'm afraid I can't show you the very best that Lyionese has to offer, but I assure you my cook can make a passable spread." Tilting his head towards Hraelfmir he frowns slightly, a look that appears to be genuine this time, as he notes the man has no wine despite some having been summoned for him. Fortunately the steward arrives with a fresh bottle before he actually has to stir himself to check up on things though, and he gestures for the other sailor to be served first. "My apologies," he offers once everyone has a refill, "I can only assume he needed to fetch another bottle from the hold." Joking about is one thing, hospitality another. "It's been looked at by my doctor aboard," he notes, "he hasn't failed me before."

"Oh!" Sura gives Aelf a mischievous smile. "-That- kind of fish. I had no idea if had reached that level of sport." Ivo's proposed trade gets a cheerful smile. "I have a counter proposal." she says. "I will join you for dinner as long as there is wine and you promise me another story. I've always desired to know more about the sea. Navali sounds like such a beautiful place. Have you been?" She sips at her wine as the men talk about apologies and doctors.

The cup is gladly accepted and Hraelfmir thanks both the Steward and Ivo, "Of course, and me gratitude on behalf of my parched throat." The cup is tasted and Hraelfmir adds, "Jest'n aside, I do much appreciate th' information ye shared with me. If there /is/ anythin' ye need while ye be stuck in these docks getting ye ship repaired, ye will let me know? Ye have enough funds, crew, supplies? I have tae sail wit' the morn'n tide, and I know ye have yet family ties but we do well tae watch each other's backs when we be out on th' water."
Ha! Hraelfmir grins back to Sura like the bastard he is (literally) and then tastes the wine. "I'd ask ye about yer smith'n but I do nae want tae interrupt discussion of places traveled. A /master/ smith is a bold claim for one who looks so young." Just leave that out there.

"Join me for dinner and extract another story," Ivo grins back, "my dear I am sure my family would shudder at the very idea of you continuing to put yourself in my dept despite my best efforts to even the deal. Still, I can't say your offer isn't an attractive one." He makes a show of considering it for a moment before giving a solemn nod. "Done. Dinner and a story, I shall ensure the cook is made aware." He'll leave any comment about Navali til later though, no point telling everything now, then what would they talk about in the evening. As for Aelf, he gets an amused smile back at the questions. "Your concerns are touching Commodore, but I am a d'Armaz armed merchantman, I do not lack funds in Aequor. Sail well though, and watch out for giants."

"Goodbye Hraelfmir." Sura tells him with a smile. "When you are next in four corners go by my families forge. You will have to decide for yourself if I truly deserve to be called a master." Her eyes sparkle. "I do love how you wound a compliment in there though." Again she touches Ivo's forearm. "I hope dinner is happening soon? Otherwise I might have to demand yet another story to fill the gap."

Hraelfmir gives Ivo a wink, "I did nae know if ye were in good stand'n wit' ye family or nae." And upnod then, "Aye, I'll be watchful 'n head the warning. Especially as I aim tae be look'n for them to run in tae them apurpose." If Sura or Ivo are /real/ observant, either one of them might notice that every once in a while the Commodore doesn't always cut off or mangle his words exactly the same way.
Haha, Sura gets a smirk out of the rascally Commodore, "I aim tae please." While jabbing you with pointy words at the same time! Hraelfmir finishes off his cup of wine suddenly, sets it down and then sketches an elaborate bow to the d'Armaz, "I be off then tae see ye chippie on me way out. Good sail'n 'n fair skies, Captain Ivo." And with that, Halfborn turns and scoops up the hogshead to go see some charts below.

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