Booty and rum

As Dahau gazed upon the appealing blueness that was the ocean he was once again confronted with vastness of this world, the infinite sea stretched out before him all the way towards the horizon and beyond. Who knew, the secrets this world may still hold.
While pondering on his place in this unimaginable world life around him continued, especially in a place as busy as Hargeon Town. A notable port town in the Eastern parts of Fiore and home of one of the most eligible guilds, Lamia Scale. The docks were blooming with daily life, the customers bargained with the merchants at their stalls, captains ordered their crew to unload the cargo off their ships and the port master making his daily rounds. Everywhere you’d go you could hear the seagulls scream while they tried to steal the catch of the day from the grizzly looking fishermen. The docks of Hargeon truly were the busiest in the entire country, a coming and going of caught sea life, travellers and goods.
Pulling him out of his own thought was voice calling out his own name and as he turned towards it he could see his client waving happily. ‘Mister Dahau’ he shouted ‘I’m done with the preparations! We can ship out whenever you’re ready!’ The man was clad in a cyan coloured tank top, brown messy pants and wore simple sandals. His head was mostly covered by a white bandana. A total opposite when compared to Dahau’s own attire, who always wore he a battle ready armor that seemed to constantly project authority upon others. Dragging behind him was his long black cloak with the guild insignia stamped on it, one that could strike fear in anyone who knew what it meant. Namely that he was from the darkest of guild, Savage Skull, however since he was in Hargeon they could easily mistake him being part of some pirate crew.
‘Nicely done’ responded Dahau ‘Have you seen Gangting? I’d figure he went with you?'

Gangting was a behemoth of a man, even Dahau thought so who himself wasn’t the smallest person either. In fact most of the time it was Dahau who towered above others, yet when he stood next to Gangting it was the other way around.
He met the man not so long ago, in fact a week had barely passed since the moment he encountered the bulked up mage during one of his recruitment trips to Talonia. There in a forgotten tavern he met the man, drinking in peace yet brimming with power. A man that didn’t seem to care so much for what is good or evil, a perfect soul to join the ranks of the Savages. But despite Dahau’s best efforts he failed to recruit Gangting, no instead by some unforeseen turn of events it seemed the two became comrades. From the bar they landed in the middle of a quest to rid a small farming village from the demons that plagued it. They even managed to increase their party by two, one a young man named Ruvel who seemed to barely have any control over his own summons and Smrt a fellow Savage. From there on out quartet of mages fought against the infestation that took over the town until theirs ways split. Ruvel went back to the Trading Company and Smrt to the guild, leaving only Dahau and Gangting who during their travels back encountered their client in a tavern not to far away from Hargeon.
While travelling back the two decided to stop for a drink, after all the moment they’d reached Hargeon their roads would split, so wanting to celebrate their most recent victory they entered a roughly looking tavern alongside the road called the wailing wench. Its interior and patrons seemed be just as roughly looking as the outside of the building, if not more so. Ruffians, thugs, scoundrels and pirates, it seemed that this place was the watering hole for the local scum. Fortunately the two mages that entered this joint fitted right into this place.
Sitting among the rabble was their client, a young man who told them of his colourful past. Once he served on a navy ship with a famous captain who was known for hunting down pirates, one night the captain set chase through a storm, in the hope that he finally could catch his nemesis the infamous pirate called Blackstasch who was heading for Divide Island to hide a powerful artefact. His plan failed, the storm was to strong. It bellowed around them as the wrath of the sea clashed against the ship. It broke the ship into two and sunk into the unknown depths of the sea taking almost every person wit hit, except one person, namely the sailor sitting in front of them. He didn’t knew how he survived the ordeal, the only thing he knew was that the very next day he woke up at shore. And now he wanted to settle some unfinished business, to locate the treasure and finish those pirates once and for all.
That was were Dahau and Gangting would come in, the sailor needed help as he could never defeat the pirates on his own. He could only ferry them towards Divide Island, but fighting the pirates head on, oh no, that he couldn’t do.

 
 

'Ah you're here' said Dahau the moment Gangting stepped out of his carriage and greeted the renowned dark mage of Savage Skull. 'Seems you are finally among the living again'.
The night before they had been drinking at this rowdy tavern, or well Dahau had been drinking, Gangting, on the other hand, was devouring entire kegs of ale. This went on until he, and most of the thugs were almost passed out drunk, either laying with their heads on the table. Or just flat out on the ground. Either way, the barmaid had one hell of a cleaning job early in the morning.

'Well if you can recall' responded Dahau 'We got talked into doing a job last night by this fellow, about setting sail to the Divide Isles and retrieve some treasure buried in the sands.' What kind of treasure it is supposed to be, Dahau didn't know. However, it if was protected by an entire crew of pirates, then it certainly has to be of some sort of significant worth. It could be a powerful weapon or some mystical item. Or just a sizable amount of jewels. Either way, it was worthy enough to check it out at least, and if not they had the chance to get some training done by beating up some lousy pirates.

Their ship wasn't very big, no instead you could compare it to a simple fishing boat only without the proper tools to catch any fish. And maybe a tad more comfort. At least it didn't reek and it seemed to be in a decent shape enough to ferry the two mages across the sea. However, Dahau wouldn't try his luck be spending any more time on this boat than he had too. It was quite small after all, and every storm could easily throw them overboard and drag them to the dark depths. 'You first' said Dahau to Gangting

"It seems it was quite the night," said Gangting, "I do not recall a thing. But the headache is there as proof." His hand touched his forehead the instant he talked about his terrible hangover. "We got a job? On an island?" Said Gangting with disbelieve in his voice. I would have reminded accepting a job wouldn't I, thought Gangting. "Wait, islands you say?" Said Gangting with surprise his voice. I would never, thought he. He has never been fond of boats, not that he had been on much when he grew up. He lived in the mountains, without any river or lake near him. He had travelled on a few boats on his quest to find the way to kill demons. Gangting got instantly seasick on ships since he received his slayer powers. He had always thought it was because his magic was based on earth, so it made sense that his magic would protest against travelling on water or something. But he had learned in this new era that he didn't like the modern transportation like cars and trains as well. They all had the same effect, sickness. Though he could freely travel with his chariot and on the backs of horse's.

Dahau told him to enter the boat first. Gangting had hoped that it would be a war galley or one of those bigger gallons further in the bay. But now it was a glorified fishing boat. But Gangting refused to show weakness to Dahau so he stepped on the boat. His stomach turned upside down but Gangting tried to pretend nothing was wrong. He walked to the middle of the ship and took a seat against the small mast of the ship. Hoping that the ride would be easy and that they wouldn't ask him a lot, afraid he would throw up.

Post wordcount: 310 words
Total wordcount 2319/12.000 words

After the whole fiasco of Barthenz dragging him quite literally into a bar in Talonia by his hood only to spend all night drinking with the dark mage that he had first encountered within Oak Town that he had ended up fighting and somehow gained a mutual respect of the other. There had been another elder male too that seemed to enjoy the small gathering, he had gotten himself a glass of water and left the three men to it eventually having fallen asleep only to wake with his summon towering over him telling him that instead of heading home that he had volunteered him to go to the Phoenix Mountains to take care of some demons that had seemingly invaded a village there. He tried to argue the fact until Barthenz pulled out his contractual obligations and that had backed the youth into a corner so was forced to go.

He had then met another large male that was foul mouthed and seemed to be quite the brute when it came to strength but he knew that everyone had their own way of doing things, he was surprised that he was as effective as he was but he wasn't about to lie he was glad when it was over so he could go home. When he had returned he had gotten an earful from his adoptive big brother about keeping in better touch when such things happened as he would have came and helped, the who ordeal that he never wanted to be a part of gained him an additional half hour of training for the week. He wasn't thrilled to say the least but he knew better than to argue so accepted his fate quietly in the hopes that such a situation wouldn't happen again but it seemed whatever higher power there was out there had other ideas for the unsuspecting youth.

Ruvel had been up since four in the morning which was nothing unusual for the strange youth, having done his normal routine of washing, dressing taking care of the fledgling swallow family that had taken residence on the bedding that he never used from placing water in the bird bath and feeding them before heading into the guild and headed to the kitchen to make his normal small breakfast before heading back outside to where he slept waiting for the correct time to consume the things where. It was something Cirven was actively trying to break the youth of but it seemed like it was to deep seeded within him. After finishing eating and drinking he moved to the kitchen once more cleaning and placing away what he had used before going to a designated area near the docks "I ssannnnhan thi nnh tshh gairrtiin flinness shaf rredirrtsh" he called out as a screech followed by a sonic boom happened the 16 foot phoenix with seemingly golden feathers flying over the near by ships coming into the dock unaware that one of those ships held two people he had hoped to avoid if he could help it. Bennu landed in the obsidian area he had created due to the head from his feathers. "Morning Bennu, I think I should start preening you" he said lovingly stroking his head watching as Bennu sat down and opened up on of his wings allowing Ruvel to start dealing with any flaming feathers that seemed darkened thus needing removed for his summons health.

Word Count: 573
Total: 2'892/12'000

Before the two could even set off towards the endless horizon, they were met with yet another familiar face. With a loud sonic bang, a fiery bird had appeared in the sky that slowly circled down to the docks. As it got closer and closer it became clear who was sitting on top of that large red bird, a face that both Dahau and Gangting would recognize from the other job they did before. It was Ruvel, riding what Dahau's presumed to be yet another one of the boy's summons. A very special one at that, it wasn't every day you could lay your eyes upon one of the rarest creatures in Earthland, a phoenix. Yes, Dahau could easily deduct the fire red bird was a mythical undying creature called the Phoenix, even though he had never seen one before it was still easy to come to only one conclusion.
As it touched the ground it scorched the stone pavement on the docks, blackening it even more from the sheer heat that radiated from the bird. It seemed it was a familiar landing spot though, as parts of it already did turn into an obsidian area.

"Well, look at that'' said Dahau to his apparent partner in crime Gangting ''Who knew, that that boy had such a creature under his command.'' First, it was Barthenz that managed to impress the Savage mage, a fearless summon that had a tremendous bloodlust for battle. And now a mythical flying bird, one that could be considered one of the rarest creatures in the known realm. In fact, if Dahau had to compare this creatures rarity, it was easily on par with the mighty dragons and the Hane-Sakana the Winged Fish.
Maybe Ruvel could join him and Gangting in their endeavour, to cross the sea and take care of some pirates only so that they could find some hidden treasure. After all, he has proven himself before. Or to be more accurate, his summons have proven themselves to be as capable as Dahau himself.

''Gangting, would you mind fetching that boy for us? He could be a useful asset during our current job.'' Obviously, Dahau wasn't planning on asking Ruvel, instead, he was already assuming that the young lad would join the two of them, if he wanted to or not.

Gangting was sitting against the mast of the ship when Dahau called to him, he looked to what Dahau was seeing. It was a boy sitting on a large red bird. “That’s a phoenix,” Said Gangting out loud, he sounded baffled. “How does he get to ride a bird of royalty! He is not a king!” People from Gangting’s culture believed that phoenix’s where birds of royalty, fit for kings and queens. Gangting jumped up with a haste, almost forgetting that he was motion sick. But when he did get on his feet he noticed it again. He climbed off the ship, next to Dahau, back on the dock.
Gangting looked a bit confused at Dahau but then he realised it, Ruvel’s strength are his summons and not the boy itself. “Of course.” He walked up to the boy and its Phoenix. Gangting noted at the royal birds landing spot was turned into obsidian. If it can create vulcanic glass like this then his flames must be hotter then the hottest place in hell, thought the redheaded warrior.
“Eh, RUVEL!” Bellowed Gangting out, with his voice which was used to shout over the sounds of battle. Many heads turned to the warrior, at least those that hadn’t noticed the giant bird before. “Good to see you here! You come with us and how did you get this bird!” Gangting was eager to learn how a person could obtain a phoenix, it would certainly help his claim as a king. Though if Ruvel had a phoenix himself then how much would it help its claim?
Gangting circled around the magical creature, fascinated by it. “Common, tell me something about the bird.” Gangting wanted to stall the time the moment that he had to enter the ship again. “What are you doing with those feathers?” Asked Gangting, with curiosity. When he noted that Ruvel was pulling feathers out of its wings.

WC:319

Ruvel hadn't paid much attention to those around him and as he done this once a week those around the area didn't pay much attention to him, after a moment however he shuddered almost as if someone had walked over his grave which made him pause to look around. He looked around blinking seeing the two battle hardened men that he recently left at the dock and fell backwards a little "Two people I was hoping not to bump into again anytime soon" he whispered to himself, he was about to ask how they found him then he remembered the two monstrous pets of Dahau had that he could always see on the edge of his vision but gone when he looked 'I swear he's trying to make me doubt my own sanity' he thought to himself but came out of his thoughts as he heard the large bird chirp and start preening his hair "Bennu stop that...!" he laughed stroking the phoenix's head lovingly "I'm meant to be preening you not the other way around." it was clear he ignored the large men for now and dealt with the young phoenix wanting the attention.

Hearing his name being called he looked down from Bennu's back though by then he was hugged onto his beak as if playing tumble or such a game with this summon "Uh... Hello Gangting." he had only heard the man's name been spoken a few times so hoped he got it right. Feeling his summoner being slightly anxious he pulled his head away and looked at Gangting flapping his wings a few times screeching as a warning "Bennu, calm yourself what would your mother say at your actions." he said moving to be on the phoenix's head and peering over to look in his molten eyes "I'll get pouty..." he warned him making the summon settle down, when he did he kissed his forehead before sliding down Bennu's neck. Hearing the 'request' made him flinch a little since he knew it wasn't so much an invitation as if he didn't go willingly then they would just take him anyway. "I have to preen Bennu from the darkened flamed feathers." he said hoping it would be enough to get him off but thought it unlikely. "I was almost his dinner when he hatched." he said the giant bird nuzzling against him "He was sick when he hatched the smallest of the nest" he said continuing to take out the darkened feathers "He was dying... I didn't want him to die..." he said quietly holding back tears

"Blackened feathers are sickness so I preen him to remove them allowing healthy ones to grow in their place. He's the youngest of seven, he lives with his family and his kind are the hottest known phoenix's... oh he's under one year old" he said with a smile "Instead of going where you are going with boat, would you and Dahau prefer flying? I'm sure Bennu won't mind the flight." he watched as Bennu chirped "Sshai enchhaash flahig vitsh nne, int tshiss viash ihhai kin nnikh ssarrh I'nn ssifh" he said only to fall back as Bennu nudged him lowering his wing for Gangting and Dahau to get on. "Seems he doesn't mind but where are we going?" he smiled watching to see if the two would accept his invite, if it where when they where both on Bennu would screech and set off with a sonic boom.

Word Count: 578
Total Word Count So Far: 4'176/12000

Sshai enchhaash flahig vitsh nne, int tshiss viash ihhai kin nnikh ssarrh I'nn ssifh:

''Me? Riding on the back of this bird?'' Dahau didn't care how rare and mythical the Phoenix was. Dahau wasn't planning on riding bitch like some easy naive girl who fell in love with the first prince she saw. No, that was beneath him. However, he had to admit travelling by boat was rather slow and would take to much time. Time he didn't want to waste on gawking at the waves while they crossed the sea. There was a different way though, one he only used to travel back and forth between Savage Skull. Or in some cases summon forth soldiers and his Garm from the grim landscape surrounding the guild hall. ''No, I have other means to cross the sea,'' he said crudely ''behold.''
Dahau gestured to his right and it was as if reality torn itself apart. Similar as if you ripped paper apart with your hand, so did the scene in front of Ruvel and Gangting. Surrounding the crevice were the docks of Hargeon town, where the daily life ushered on. However, the expanding crack showed a different landscape. Namely that of a beach, with gentle waves heading towards the sand.
Once again Dahau showed that he was naturally adept in the ways of magic, in fact, his manipulation of the etherano particles allowed him to even access magic all around him and use it as a means to travel from one location to the other. Given time, he might understand the prowess of magic to the point he could create actual life with it.

''This is Divide Island'' stated Dahau as the image on the other side became clear ''We ought to deal with some rogue pirates there. Who has stolen the treasure from a navy vessel and hidden it away on one of the more remote beaches on the island.... basically we are to kill the pirates until one of them caves and gives up where they buried their treasure.'' Obviously, Dahau left out that the treasure could be a possible powerful artefact. That on a need to know basis, something he definitely wasn't going to share.

Gangting listened to what Ruvel had to say about the magical bird, and had to laugh when he heard the dinner part of the story. "Wasn't there a summon to save you?"
"Flying?" Gangting got a bit nervous, a boat was one thing flying another. Moving and far away from any earth and soil that was utter madness. He was snapped out his though when the bird seemed to answer to Ruvel. And then Dahau told them about his means of travel. Gangting slammed a fist against Dahau's shoulders. "You leave out that we where to fight.. and that you can use portal things! Damm you." Shouted Gangting out as he entered the portal, mad at Dahau.

He left the harbour with its busy streets behind and walked onto a white sand beach. There was no smell of fish her, only the salty breeze of the ocean. The sand muffled his sense's somewhat but there was no doubt. "There is a large group somewhere south of here." Said Gangting to the others, coming through the portal behind him and like that he forgot he was mad at Dahau. "They are still quite far away," Said Gangting as he summoned his large battle-chariot that was pulled by two giant aurochs. "Let's go!" Riding off at low speed, so that both Ruvel and Dahau had to jump on it and couldn't speak up against Gangting's idea.

"This is the best means of travel besides horseback," bellowed Gangting out with a grin on his face, "Much better than a boat or flying beast and there is more to see with as through a portal. Oh, and the plan is this. You guys jump off the chariot when we see the pirate scum and I will charge at them. No worries I will slow down for the jump."

WC: 311

See every thing about Gangting, Thundering Wheels for the looks of the chariot. I is lazy.

Ruvel listened to Gangting as he seemed to mock his magic and narrowed his eyes a little "I didn't ask for summoning magic; in fact for the longest time it was believed I possessed none." he looked down at Bennu's back clenching his fists a little, he didn't have to explain his existence or magic to the likes of him, he knew this but still he hated the fact he got mocked that he relied on his summons for safety. "No, I couldn't summon... I was still new to my magic." he admitted "But what about you, couldn't find a deep enough mine, tunnel or bunch of badgers to rule over that you had to come above ground to bother me?" he said coldly, he was annoyed and that was clear. Neither male knew what he had to go through before Dahau had seen him that day and neither seemed to understand that his magic though was of the summoning tree gave very little power to him. "And I can do more than summoning!" he glared at the bulky elder male before he felt his hair being preened once more with chirping coming from Bennu showing worry making the youth stroke his beak "Sorry I worried you Bennu I'm okay, promise." he leaned forward kissing at his beak.

His eyes once again going to Gangting "Some cultures I've heard, revere Bennu's kind... but from what I understand from his parents there are certain qualities they look for in those they create a bond with. I have a bond with his entire family and am classed as his parent's child as much as he, and he made a contract with me because I protect him from sickness." he said as he continued to remove the darkened feathers that he could see, to him with how Bennu had reacted to his ill ease it was clear that Bennu disliked Gangting but remained quiet as his eyes went the other male watching as he opened a passage telling them both where it was "I know where that is I live on that island." he said bringing up his left wrist revealing the ocean and ice blue West Fiore Trading Company mark that sat upon it. Hearing that Dahau intended for that to be their way to the island and what the task was he shook his head "You have more chance of Barthenz becoming a pacifist than having me go through there." he said in a matter of fact way, he didn't know this magic but understood that Dahau was a dark mage, he still remembered the destruction in Oak Town.

Word Count: 438 + 311 + 3'633
Total word count: 4'382/12'000