Lu rushes past the downed sailor, shield up, charging any who stand between her and the stairs.

A pair of sailors spot Lu as she runs across the deck. Being one of two elven women in armor, infact one of the only two elven women in armor on deck, she stands out. The two sailors run at her, swords in the air.

Init 4

Initiative: 10

Lu sizes the two men up and then takes a battle stance, her sword up and ready.

Melee Weapons

Damage

As the two men move in, the balde comes across in a blar, laying one of the men open across the waist. The blade passes just underneath the bottom of his armor. The man's balde comes in high as Lu slashes him, as the other takes a stab at her abdomen.


Sailor #1 Attck = 6
Sailro #2 attack =8

Lu deflects the first swing off of her own blade, side stepping the second neatly. As she does, Kyla glides up on her left slicing at the man she alraedy took her blade across.

Attack =10
Damage = 14
She cuts across his leg, slowing him more and drawing his attention.

init =9

Initiative: 9

As the sailor turns to attack Ky, Lu steps up and slices her sword up and across his back.
Melee Attack w/Aggressive Attack

Damage w/Aggressive Attack

Avoid Blow

The sailors blow connects just as Lu's does. His however grazes across her armor (did 3 damage) while hers grazes across his spine as the sword passes throug his neck, killing him. Kyla quickly dispacthes his partner, leaving the way clear to the elementalist, save for a dwarf gaurding the stairs.

Lu turns to face the dwarf guard. By unspoken agreement, she and Ky form flanking positions and move towards the stairs.

Air Dance Test

Lu moves towards the dwarf coming up along side him before he has time to react. With one smooth motion she brings her sword up and under his armor, striking at his neck.
Melee Weapons w/Aggressive Attack

Damage w/Aggressive Attack

Lu and Kyla cross in an 'X', confusing the dwarf for a moment. Lu's blade runs across his neck slicing open his jugular, spraying blood across the deak. Kyla glides up past him, heading towards the elementalist.

Kyla runs towards the elementalist. The red robed human throws his arms open wide, a blast of air forming, taking Kyla head on. The blast of air lifts her completely off her feet, sending her off the castle and falling to the deck a good fifteen feet away, barely missing the rail from the angle she flew at.

Init 9

(Bastard better hope he beats my initiative... )

Initiative: 14!

(ooohhh... not a good day for Mr. Elementalist... )

Lu's face tightens with rage. She remains silent as she stalks the Elementalist, beside him before he has a chance to even put his arms down.
You shouldn't have done that. Lu's sword whicks up and catches the Elementalist right below the jaw.
Melee Weapons w/Aggressive Attack & Called Shot

Damage w/Aggressive Attack

The sword shoots up, in a straight true shot. It plunges in to the elementalist's throat, sliding in half way in. Blood gushes up and over Lu's hand as she holds him in place for a moment. She whips the sword out, and the body falls to the ground.

Turning, Lu scans the deck below for Ky.

Kyla's trying to get up, fending off another sailor's sword blows. She swipes at his feet, but being an air sailor, he's quick and dodges aside.

Acrobatic Strike

Damage


Lu takes a running leap off the aft castle, coming down behind the sailor and plunging her sword into his back.

Lu leaps off the rail, coming around in a spin, her sword held in a reverse grips perpendicular to her body, at shoulder height. As she comes down ,the blade comes around in the spin, completing the circuit by planting it's self firmly in the neck of the man attacking Kyla. The blade holds him up as Lu stands.

Kyla quickly takes a long, wide slice, removing the foot of anorher sailor nearby, then stands and finishes the man.

Thanks Lu. Elementalist dead yet?

Lu nods, regarding the scene of carnage around her. Looking back down, she frowns at the dead man still on her sword and with a vicious yank frees it.
Go with whatever Passion you believed in.

As Kyla stands and Lu looks around the deck, it's clear that the Cloud Leaper crew has one. Lu and Kyla alone have accounted for nearly 10 men, including the elementalist. Crew men are already securing the ship, as Ordat flings one of the last sailors off the ship, rather than cut him down.

Lu sighs at the loss of life aboard the ship.
Such a waste. As she steps forward, she winces, aware for the first time of the cut crossing her ribs. Seeing the same type of wounds on Ky's body, Lu smiles at her wanly.
We don't look so bad... comparatively... c'mon, let's check below, see if there's anyone else waiting.

A few crew members from the Leaper are already clearing the below deck areas. They've brought a few passengers up to the deck.

The two ships are secured together, and the Captain is coming over. Lu and Kyla find very few people below decks. It looks like hter eare only a few passsengers, and the cook. Athernon directs the twins to bring everyone on deck.

Once the remaining passengers are on deck ,the Captain addresses them.
I want all of you people to know that we intend you no harm. Our quarrel has been with the captain and crew of the maiden. They're dead now, so we have no quarrel. We'll be taking the ship, and dropping you good people off in Krats. Shold ou have any questions or objections, please direct them to Ordat here. I'm sure he'd be happy to take care of you. Otherwise, please return to your quarters.

It's pretty clear that it is not a request, and the 5 people begin shuffling back to their quarters.

Lu waits till the last of the passengers disappear below decks.
Any orders, Captain Jonthen? Lu asks.

The Captain takes a moment to look the twins over.Yes, get back to the Cloud Leaper and ge patched up. You look like you cold both use a days rest at least.

Still in the Warrior mindset, Lu almost considers the Captains words an insult. She stands still for a moment, eyes narrowed, considering addressing the issue. A moment later, Ky tugs on her arm. Knowing her twin all too well, she speaks softly.
He didn't mean it like that, Lu. C'mon, let's just go. I think I broke a rib.
Lu's anger fades, replaced by concern for her sister. Nodding, she wraps an arm around Ky's shoulders and helps her back to the Cloud Leaper and then down into their bunk. After pulling out her healing kit, she takes a look at Ky's injuries and begins treating them as best she can. Once she's finished, Ky takes a look at Lu.
Your Wood Skin really took those hits for you... but, that.. that's gonna be a nasty bruise tomorrow. Ky points to Lu's ribs, where the sailor had slashed her. There was no wound but the beginnings of an ugly yellow bruise were beginning to show.
I know the Captain said we should rest, but we should probably see to the others. Make sure that no one needs our help. Lu says, getting to her feet.

Hey, orders are orders. Besides, the ship has a medic. We already took out a third of the enemy crew. I think we've earned a bit of rest , dont' you?

I'm going to go up on deck. You get some rest then.
Lu heads back up onto the deck, dressed in her usual outfit: soft leather pants and her homemade vest.
Ky might not be interested, but I for one want to see what this cargo is.

Lu comes back up on deck as the crew is bringing crates, barrels, chests, and even bolts of silk over. Many of the men smile at Lu as she comes up, giving thanks and congratulatinos for the battle well fought.

Captain Jonthen smiles when she walks up, and moves over to her.
Not in the mood for resting my dear? Maybe you should take some time to enjoy the spoils then. I'm considering giving you first pick. You and your sister fought brilliantly today.

We did as you asked, Captain. Lu looks over the cargo being carried aboard, eyeing the silk.
And how did we fare, Captain? The men?

As expected we have a injured. We lost four men. Much better than expected, to be sure. You and your sister, as well as the troll and swordmaster, were certainly an edge in this battle. Otherwise it would have been much longer and likely deadlier.

Would you care to see your stake?

Lu's face falls at the mention of the lost men, men she knew. She gives a halfhearted smile to the Captain at his compliments.
Thank you, Captain... and yes, I suppose I would.

No long faces Luthielien. This is the life we choose. Those men would not have lived it any other way.

This way then. What do you prefer? Coin, perhaps fine silks? There are other fine clothes that would make you a marvelous dress. Perhaps some weapons for the warrior? What is the ladies' pleasure?

As he talks, Jonthen leads Lu towards his chambers, where the chests have been taken. The deck looks almost empty. There are far less men aboard now than before. Looking around, Lu realizes a good number of them are aboard the Maiden, readying it for sailing.

What will happen to the 'Maiden now, Captain? ... or will you make yourself a Commodore? Lu smiles as she follows the Captain into the chamber.

Commodore is a bit pretentious. I'll keep her for now. I may sell her later. There is quite a lot of money to be made in ships. it's also quite expensive to maintain one, much less two. Especially when it comes to paying a crew. We shall see.

He walks over to one of the chests, already jimmied open. He lifts the lid. Inside are numerous small boxes wrapped in cloth. He lifts one out and opens it, revealing a jeweld gold necklace.

The Maiden normally carries trade supplies, from Uruapa to Travar, on to Kratas, then Iopos. Thsi trip she was carrying something extra. Loot from a forgotten citadel. Treasures we have not yet discovered, such as this necklace. Would you like it?

A ship... he might sell.. we could.. At the sight of the necklace, Lu's mouth drops open. She reaches out to caress the cool gold.
I've never... I don't think.. Lu smiles and starts again.
Where I'm going, gold is a luxury that I can't afford. I would be devastated if something so beautiful were destroyed in battle. Thank you, Captain... what do you mean about a forgotten citadel? The future wizard in Lu sits up and takes notice.

Something about a citadel discovered by a group calling them selves the Sanguine. I have no idea where adepts come up with these names some times. They found it to the east of the Dagon Mountains, preactically out of the region we call Barsaive entirely.

This is a chunk of what they brought back. Already bought and paid for by some wealthy merchant lordling. I don't steal from "honest adepts". Fat merchant lords however, are antoher matter. The necklace is yours. I'll have to get onr for your sister of course now, but it's worth it.

Janthen opens up another of the chests. It's full of small bags, listed with silver denomitinations.

And this is the men's payday.

He lifts one out, marked with different markers. He spreads it across his table, letting the gold coins shine.

And this, is mine.

Lu's eyes open wide as she regards the coins.
Quite a payday, Captain. I thank you for the necklace. Lu stares at it for a moment, smiling at the way the sun plays across the gold.
So, how much do you think you'll get for the 'Maiden?

She's in fair shape, so it could be quite a lot. Second hand ships generally get a lower prce, so we'll use her for a while. After all ,we don't want to make too much. Then We would become a target.

Would you care for a few of these coins my dear?

Jonthen holds up a hand full of gold coins, letting them drop slowly form one hand to the other in front of Lu, up where she can see them closely.

Lu smiles knowingly at the Captain.
And if I did? What would I have to do to earn them?

I could use a warrior like you on my ship. I know you may have your own tasks you need seeing to. But after you're done, as we had discussed. Call the gold a down payment. A taste of what you could have perhaps. Stay with me, and you and your sister coudl make quite a lot more of this.

I may even keep the Maiden. I would need a larger crew, and warriors to protect the ships. You could be an Air Sailor. Maybe even my first mate one day, as Athernon would certainly captain the Maiden.

Lu smiles broadly. In a moment, everything she envisioned for her world changes.
I'd love to, Captain. Thank you.

Good. Very good. We'll have to celebrate tonight. Both to our victory, and to your choosing to stay. I'll hate to leave you in Kratas for any amount of time, so we'll have to make it memorable.

First, a drink. A toast, to us. We'll see if we can find you perhaps a pretty bracelet to go with that necklace, and something for your sister I'm sure. Then we'll see about getting the men prepared for a celebration. We land in Kratas late tomorrow, so you will have until then to enjoy my hospitality.

After sharing a few glasses of wine, and Lu picking out a few more pieces of jewelry, the pair come out on deck. The Captain sets Athernon to setting the celebration in order. Flush from their success, it's an idea the crew can get behind. The Maiden's stock of ales and wines is broken out, and before the sun sets, the majority of them are set to getting roaring drunking, and boasting matches about the battle.

Lu secrets away her newfound treasures and then joins the crew on deck. She smiles as they toast the fallen and then toast their own battle prowess.
Humble lot, aren't they? She says to Ky.

Why should they be humble. They won! The losers should be humble Lu! Come on!

With that, she leaps in to the fray, and beigns dancing with the nearest man. Encouraged by her sister's display , Vincet walks up to Lu, and puts his arm around her waist, leading her out to dance.

Lu takes his arm gladly. She smiles as they begin to dance, soon laughing as Vincent swoops and dips her across the ship's deck. Her arms still around Vincent, she smiles all the more broadly when she realizes that she said yes... that this will be her life.

The celebration goes on long in to the night. She dances with Lolindar and Landen, even a short one with Ordat. The crew men spin her and Kyla about, all over the deck of the ship. The ale and wine flow freely all night long.

At one point, she sees the young man again, dancing across the deck, with not a care in the world.

Smiling, she dances across the deck to the young man and bows..
May I have this dance?

He sketches quick bow, then quickly sweeps her up in his arms. The dance is, for lack of a better word, ecstatic. It has little formal form, but is wild and exuberant. He leads her across the deck half a dozen times spinning her, spinning him self, even walking on a table once.

You dance well! You should dance with me more often! You have such zeal!

Lu laughs and yells out over the crowd:
I would dance with you more often, but you're always disappearing on me. She twirls herself out of his arms, still holding onto one hand.

Well of course I am! I have so many places to be!

Still, if you keep me in your heart, some of me will be with you always!

My name is Floranuus by the way. People always seem to think that's so important!

Taking Lu's hand, he spins her quickly. She does six full rotations, her hair flying everywhere.

Gasping at the end of it, Lu smiles.

What's in a name? I'd follow you wherever you went... or let you follow me. Lu winks and laughs.

Well that's just the trick. To follow me, you have to lead! you have to go and be free, revel in life! You can't always follow me around! Just be an axample to others! That's all I'll ever ask!

He bows and does a back flip, then continues dancing.