Partix Party Party

Grey, dark skies, a chill rain, and a cold win from the east. The weather may not be cooperating but the mood remains festive. Music bleeds through the quiet pitter-patter as the band warms up and mixes with the quiet murmur of a loose crowd moving towards the two ships anchored together to play venue for tonight's party.

A well-muscled woman of obvious Veyshanti descent stands on the railings of the larger vessel, her dark skin decorated with patches of colorful, iridescent scales. She looks the part of a pirate; a buttoned vest, petticoat breeches, and dark stockings. Her black hair is pulled up into a messy bun and her wide, welcoming smile is partnered with a sweeping, beckoning wave towards the gangplanks. "The Reckoners have had their days! Their toils and inventions marveled at this past week's end. Come now, one and all; board our ship and celebrate our labors this day!" Her voice conquers the din, full of confidence and mirth.

The weather was some that had little effect on most sith-makar. The announcement reached them however, and so they made their way down to the port. She was slow to board, mindful of the gangplanks. Once on board, she leaned against one of the railings to listen to the announcement. They smile, even if it was a bit forced. It always was, but the intent was more shaky than usual.

"This is quite the event you are putting on. It must be good news to celebrate indeed." She replies.

Merek walks along and boards the ship, while he takes the time to adjust the dark attire which he wears, from the beltcape to the hood which he pulls back. The man takes a look about the place, and will find a place to settle in and relax for the time being.

Good news and celebrations are a welcome change as of late, even if the joy may be more for others than one's self. Still, Aya approaches the ship-venue amidst the likely throng of celebrants. Perhaps some of the elation and festive attitude will spread via proximity? Said proximity is certainly present as the entrants are briefly compressed moving up the comparatively narrow gangway to the venue proper.

"Ho, yes. Good, great, and everything in between." The woman's blue eyes are full of excitement as she turns to look down at Seyardu, one hand keeping a loose hold of the mizen-stay for balance. "Etra Partix, ship's cook," she offers a quick half-bow in greeting, kicking out one leg behind her, "welcome aboard the Private Ears. Do make yourself at home! There are refreshments on the other ship and once the band is ready there's sure to be dancing."

The Private Ears is easily twice as long as the other vessel anchored next to it, a three-masted, full-rigged clipper with multiple decks running its length. Those familiar with naval vessels will spot mixed construction that marks the ship's transition from merchant- to warship but the masthead is immediately recognizable by (almost) all as a carved depiction of Angoron. One muscled arm extends, raised and flexing, to end in a mighty fist, and the whole thing serves as the ship's bowsprit. His face stares straight ahead in open challenge. The sails are furled and the main deck cleared of everything save a few scattered stools and chairs. The ship flies no flags in port.

A small band of musicians oversees the gathering from atop the poop, winds, percussion, and stringed instruments dropping in and out as they tune and warm up.

Twinned gangplanks flank a large brazier suspended by a pair of heavy chains between the two ships. The former serve as a method of passage between the two ships (for those unable to fly or unwilling to swing on ropes) and the latter is a great source of light as it flares to life with a mighty, air-sucking FWOOOOSH. Two members of the Forge, Reosian clerics, stand on opposite ships to mind the makeshift smelter and pedestrian traffic.

The other ship is a long, unadorned trireme missing its large main mast and a small foremast. The ship is sailless and the drops for slave rowers have been covered with planks of wood. This ship is the smaller of the two and serves mainly as a home for the party's refreshments and a place for small, quieter conversations away from the main celebration. Broken segments of chain as well as opened or sundered shackles drape over the ship's railing as a testament of those liberated. There are several long tables of food, a myriad of bottled spirits, and a half-dozen tapped kegs waiting to be enjoyed.

Aboard the various ships are various people to talk to. Firstly, somewhat behind the greeting woman is a well-dressed goblin. One who is perhaps particularly well-dressed for his kind. He is neat and orderly, his hair slicked back and (mostly) staying in place for the moment and is bright orange. His coat is of a fine make, blue and slightly shiny with the glimmer of well-tooled materials. One of the collar sides a gold sheen that sets off the whole outfit resplendently. He nods politely as people embark onto the ship. "Fullwind Sailgood. First mate." He flashes white teeth when he says it, and it's full of good humor.

Across, on the other ship is a man who looks nothing insomuch as he does like a pirate. A full black beard and a huge scar bisecting his right cheek down to his mouth. He has a stern look to him that doesn't help alongside a pair of giant koi fish swimming up his arms on either side. He wears a red shirt with the sleeves rolled up and loose-fitting brown pants. Hovering near the kegs with a mug in one hand watching as people join him. He doesn't introduce himself immediately.

Hiding on the second ship is another human, dark-skinned with those odd, rainbow scales in patches. He's tall and long-limbed and his loose sailor's attire makes him look especially skinny. His aquiline nose is a trait shared with Etra (though hers has clearly been broken at some point and his is arrow-straight). He smiles idly and turns to busy himself with inspecting the refreshments when someone passes close enough to initiate conversation. His black hair is short and wavy.

Seyardu nods to the woman. "That is quite good then, and you have done an excellent job preparing the food by the smell alone. Peace on your nest."

She seems to sniff at the air, looking back to the gangplank. They turn, and quickly move to the transition between the two boats, stopping to greet some she recognizes along the way.

It seems that the immediate options are food, drink, and ... gobber? Aya considers them prioritized in that order, as well, the proclaimed cook getting a nod in acknowledgement and respect. From her physique and visage it is plain that Etra is not ONLY the ship's cook. "What was prepared?" she inquires of her. While certainly capable of crossing to the other ship to see for herself, she doesn't just yet.

"Most was purchased from local vendors as we were busy with ship's repairs and the like. Meats, breads, and some local fruits. Same with the kegs. Not much time to restock AND cook." The female half of the Partix twins responds after finishing a repeat of the beck and call. "But the some of the spirits are of mine own make."

"The brandy is made from grapes I dried, extracted, and distilled myself. Keeps me sane on long trips." Her smile returns ten-fold, white teeth standing out in stark contrast with her dark skin. Her scales seem to grow brighter and more colorful with her budding amusement. "It's the stuff labeled 'Raisins d'Etra.'"

Food, music, dancing.... party. Those are as close to magic as mundane words can get and Lysos is drawn by them. The miserable weather was almost a deterrent, but it's nothing an over cloak with a hood can't solve. So she arrives with another small cluster of people wishing to check out the festivities, taking extra care on her way up the gangplank lest her bad fortune take this moment to rear its ugly head.

Merek looks to be content to relax for the time being, watching people and while he notices Seyardu he will wave that way.

"Well, that makes sense, if you're restocking while you're here. Perhaps, I may try some of the drinks that are here."

She had seen several people having alcoholic drinks when they were not feeling the greatest, and she was certainly in a similar situation. It was worth a try, at least. She finds one of the glasses from the refreshment ship, and moves to serve herself from one of the barrels. She waves to the other twin, picking up some of the meat and bread to eat as well. "Peace on your nest." She offers again in greeting, turning to watch the musicians setting up.

As the gathering picks up a man exits the ship. Though 'man' might be a bit of a stretch for the individual walking about. He's covered in reddish fur from head to toe, though there are spots of darker colored fur here and there. Notably around his beady black eyes which slide across the deck of the ship as he gathers up two pints of good drink from the table before heading across to the first ship. Once there he offers a smile to the woman offering greetings, and hands her one of the pints. He notices someone staring and grins. "Uki-tan. Pleasure to meet you."

The 'pirate' gentleman with tattoos notices Seyardu gathering up some food and offers her a toothy grin. "Got some appetite." It seems more an approving statement than anything reproachful, and he takes a deep drought of the alcohol that he has in his own mug. "Try the Rasins d'Etra. It'll put..." He laughs. "I'd say it'd put hair on yer chest, but ye aint got no hair!"

The young man offers something of a forced-smile and a shallow nod back at Seyardu, handsome but lacks the confident presence of his sister. He pushes at his belt, tucking back in a pair of working gloves just for the familiarity of the motion. "Welcome aboard," he responds, reaching for an apple and rolling it between his hands. "I'm Beaufort-- Bo. Hello."

The scattered noises of the many instruments die out, one after the other, only to return as a properly-formed band. The music is up-tempo, lively and festive, and carries out from the poop over the water and docks.

Etra takes that as her cue to quit her job at the rails as welcome wagon, hopping down just as Lysos finishes her ascent up the plank. "Welcome aboard the Private Ears! Join in, be merry!"

Following the information, Aya makes her way to the brazier/smelter and beyond, stepping to the other ship where the refreshments reside. She notes Seyardu in proximity to the tattooed pirate and takes her time crossing before approaching the far end of the tables holding food and drink. A mug is taken first, and is even filled with some of the recommended self-brewed concoction. If it turns out she doesn't like it, at least she won't be conspicuous from lack of a mug.

"It is not that much food, is it?" Seyardu asks, looking over to place one of the rolls back onto the plate. She fills the mug with some of the brandy, coughing slightly as they inhale the scent of alcohol. "Peace on your nest, Bo. And yours as well, Aya." She greets to the Mul'niessa who was already walking past.

Lysos pushes her hood back once she's up on deck, giving Etra a broad, toothy grin at the greeting as she shakes the inside of her cloak a few times to shed the moisture off of it. She moves to step further into the fray, but then stops, sidles out of the way of more people arriving, and offers a, "Thank you for your hospitality," before moving further in. Towards the food.

The tattooed man laughs gently and pulls another drink from his mug. "Not saying that at all. No insult meant. I'm Archibald Longfish." He nods to Aya. "Peace on your nest. I meant a complement. I'm the ships doctor after all, and a good appetite is a good indication of a healthy person."

With most people heading over to the other ship, the goblin follows suit. He doesn't get a drink for himself, but rather joins the male twin and looks up at the other man with some small concern to make sure he's weathering the socialization well.

Merek seems satisfied to watch the people, and when he will notice Aya about, he waves to the woman. It looks like there is a lot of people and the man will withdraw a little bit to relax, though he does greet anyone he comes upon.

"Seems you were correct, Aya." Seyardu nods, shifting a bit, tail flicking uncomfortably behind her. "Ah, thank you, Archibald. Most usually say I do not eat nearly enough."

She looks back to Aya, and sighs. "This is not the time for it, but for now Aya, I want to apologize."

Bo brightens visibly when the gobber approaches, reaching down to pat his shoulder in greeting. He seems to take no small amount of strength from the XO's arrival. "Fine, now. Thank you." He lifts the apple and takes a noisy bite (but Longfish doesn't vanish!), munching as he surveys the growing crowd.

The band continues to play, the music drawing more people onto the ship much like the fabled siren's call. People have started to dance on the deck of the Private Ear's now and the sounds of scattered laughter (and Etra's loud, welcoming voice) spill over from the other ship.

Aya returns a nod and starts to lift her mug for a sip. She pauses at the latter comment from Seyardu, then belatedly imbibes. "It may not be the time," she notes, one lip corner lifting slightly, "and I don't know that it is necessary... but that doesn't make it unwelcome." Her mug is lifted in indication or salute and her smirk increased, primarily filled with wry. "Perhaps after a few more of these, the time will be more appropriate... or we will have forgotten about matters entirely."

"I thought as much. That it was not the time, then." Seyardu nods, seeming to relax some, and take a bite of meat, and another of bread, before trying the brandy. "Just be careful, please. Another place entirely, another time may be ideal."

She looks to the other ship, where everyone was beginning to dance. "I have only danced when required to. But it is fun, even if the movements are impractical."

With the dancing beginning Fullwind offers his hand boldly to Bo, a broad grin spread out over his face and an enticing shift of his feet to the man at his side. Across the ship, likewise Uki-tan is offering to dance with Etra. Fullwind cuts a dashing figure, pulling Bo out onto the dance floor, his smile broad and his feet nimble. It's clear that he has experience dancing, and that his care for his chosen partner means that the other man will not fail on the dance floor.

The ship's doctor drinks down another pint, and begins to sing alongside the music. His voice picking up the music with surprising ease, and even more surprising - skill.

Aya's eyes follow Seyardu's and the moving pirates to and upon the deck as they begin to dance. Brows arch. While muscled humans are not those she'd first expect to dance, the gobber and the more lithe one are even more a surprise. "I wasn't aware that gobbers could move in that fashion," she notes (perhaps to Seyardu as one relatively nearby), "Not without detonating themselves or something in the vicinity, at the least."

Bo, the lankier, brown-eyed half of the twins joins the gobber, Fullwind. He smiles and laughs, his cheeks growing a bit darker with embarrassment but he refuses to shirk the invitation. The scales at his cheek and neck seem to almost glow as he passes by the brazier onto the other deck. He knows the steps but there's still that awkwardness of not doing a thing much-- it seems very likely that he's usually the one sitting in a chair watching from the side of the room.

Etra, in turn, meets Uki to draw him out even as the furred humanoid was coming to find her. They spin together and she flexes to lift the fellow in a short hop off of the floor in the process.

Other members of the crew (easy enough to pick out based on their seafaring attire) clap or dance or break or drink or eat. A loose trio gather to enjoy the grizzled physician's singing, swaying along and rocking their glasses.

"I cannot say I know gobbers well, save for those I have worked with. Even then, it is mostly just within the scope of work." Seyardu replies, watching the dancing, and sipping on the brandy. It was quite good, and before long she refilled her drink as well.

Seyardu looks around the hastily covered ship, at how it was crippled. "It is good those here were able to escape and be cared for. Those in the worst shape are being taken care of, I have heard."

"It is," Aya agrees, nursing her own mug, "and I expect as much. The city, perhaps the entire nation, holds a rather dim view of slavery. It is fortunate that as many survived as did." Considering, from what she can see, they were both propulsion and cargo for the captured vessel.

The festivities and merrymaking continue, with music and feast and the diverse crew of the Private Ears reveling in their return from the seas. At some point they begin tossing the broken shackles into the braziers between the ships, cheering and celebrating in honor of the liberated peoples.

"A dim view, and the correct one, at least I feel." Seyardu nods, sipping on the drink. "Getting rid of the shackles like that is interesting. Perhaps the metal can be repurposed. Making something to help people with, instead of restrain them."

"Indeed," Aya agrees and even steps towards the smelter join in that particular portion of the festivities and add in her own contribution. This may or may garner some notice, or seem an oddity to some given her heritage, but she participates all the same. Her mug is also emptied during the process, and she returns to the keg, then Seyardu's vicinity. "It is symbolic, of course, but you are correct; there is no reason to waste the metal. Perhaps tomorrow it will be a plow for a freed individual, or a weapon to free others."

-End