3. Jay The Forgettable

Jay The Forgettable


  • Love is a Burden

    _"The White Place" Jay called it a few hours he entered the unfamiliar area after his death. He figured he would be in hell by now, or the wall… something along those lines. So much waiting... it felt as if years and years went by. But what is time to a dead man? A faithless dead man who had no god to claim, and no god wanting to claim him.

    The tug of life took him before, but something was holding him back from answering the call. Faithless. A worthless man who contributed nothing. Perhaps it was self loathing. Who knows...

    The ground rumbled near where he sat on the white ground. A large beast appearing, with an uncaring, yet amused look in its eyes. It looked down at him, saying..

    "Let's make a deal.."

    Jay looked up at the thing. Everything inside of him telling it to fark off. 'It's stupid to even talk to it, and you know it..' those thoughts flooded his mind.

    But he made a promise to someone. And so he eventually said.. "Yeah, fine.."

    A price to pay to keep a promise. Love is such a burden. Jay always knew it was, knew that it would destroy him... but he didn't seem to care. That love being stronger than his code.

    No, Jay's story hasn't ended yet... it has only just begun._


  • You got what you wanted

    _Pushed up against the counter at the Coppers in Oscura, his shield raised up to fend off the constant blows as best he could. Guards surrounding him, Jay couldn't manage to count them all. The stings of magic occasionally hitting him. Damn casters. A hopeless fight. The fight being over an insult and an outraged noble who was surprised someone had spoken back at him. Sending the guards in a complaint. They demanded that Jay leave.

    Authority never impressed Jay. Naturally he was defiant against this biased authority, who cared nothing but their own blooded kind. The words of an outsider meaning nothing. He knew he would lose, he knew he would die. But to give in to their demands was worse than death to him.

    So the hits of steel against his shield continued to come. Occasionally he gave a jab when he could, but it didn't deter the attacks much. His arm felt as if it would break soon. It was at times like these he wished he was a hulking half-orc that could push them all back and give him some room, but twas not meant to be. His human muscles not strong enough to push back that much steel.

    Occasionally, he would feel some pain subside. A small hand touching his shoulder as he tried to fight. It seems whenever he is in the fights for his life, or when he must spill a large amount of blood… a priestess of the Queen is there. She was healing him, allowing him to last longer, and allowing him to fight back once a hold spell wore off. He was greatful, but would never get the chance to say his thanks to the priestess. Jack her name was, who encouraged his actions and tried her best to help him.

    But there were too many. Way too many. Though one man cannot take on an entire city. Sharp pains as some of the guards found their mark. It would end soon at this rate. But he had to take one of their lives, he had to. He cannot go down without taking one of them with him.

    With a deep breath, and closing his eyes a moment to prepare himself, everything else seeming in slow motion. He suddenly lowered his shield, and thrust his blade into the stomach of one of the guards. At that moment, all the rest of their blades slid into weak points of his armor. Six or seven swords penetrating his body.

    He almost smiled at that. The pain was bad, but it's what he wanted. To die fighting for crew, or his beliefs, or his lover. Not to live a long life and be an old man dying with a sickness in some bed.

    Both he and the guard he ran through slumped to the ground. The guard dead. A pool of blood forming underneath Jay's body. The last breaths he took were painful, but those breaths were few. Darkness surrounded his vision, and he was gone..

    Meanwhile, days away. Nancy was working in a small village, helping the farmers with their crops, seeming content with this lifestyle. She quickly made friends, and seemed to be doing well. This life style was much more peaceful than in the cities..

    Occasionally she would think about her son. Though her thoughts saw him as someone else. The young boy who would laugh and play.. who would help her bake her famous pancakes and tell her he loved her. Not the man who would never smile...

    She did not know that she had lost him. Blisfully unaware that she had no family left..._

    _The tug of life coming back to Jay as he sat in an unfamiliar place. While he wanted to follow that tug, something else was pulling him…

    The wall awaits.

    A promise he failed to keep. He'd do anything to keep it.

    "Jalle, 'm sorry.."_


  • Cruelty

    _The splash of blood, the screams of pain, the look of anguish on an opponent's face. All of these seem to excite some part of Jay's mind now. Killing is no longer something that he must do for a job or to protect crew, but it is now a hobby. Something he gains joy from. Each victory, each corpse at his feet fuels that dark part of his mind. But how long will it last? Eventually he will be bested. It is only a matter of time. His want for confrontation is digging a deeper hole for himself.

    Perhaps it is anger at what he has done before. His deeds in Hoarsgate. The drowning of a child and her mother. The need to forget that inner conflict by creating others to pile up and block it from his mind. He debates whether it was truly what he wanted or not. Such debates in his mind annoy him, and he drowns it out by inflicting pain on others.

    His "honesty" only stretching so far now. Being given a ship ride home after stuck on some icy island, only to murder the crew giving them passage out and take their ship. It nearly made him smile each time he dug his blade into the stomachs of victims. The priestesses of the Queen gleefully approving as they joined in on the slaughter, encouraging his bloodlust, he in turn, encouraging theirs.

    Disdainful looks are tossed his way by most these days. A dog, an animal. An evil bastard. He believes he doesn't care, but deep down, and perhaps without realizing it, he does. The feeling up his spine is real enough when someone points out how sadistic he really is. But he ignores it, thinking they are just another self-righteous type, hell bent on giving him meaningless lectures.

    His mother sees these changes, and quiet tears fall in the gloom of the night as she lays in bed. Rumors of Hoarsgate reaching the Peltarch docks, as some seem to be asking questions about it, including a guard or two. She doesn't want to believe it was him, but is only deluding herself. Dark thoughts crossing her mind as well, wishing Jay would be felled before he commits more vile acts… such thoughts only make the tears come stronger. A mother should love her son, no matter what he is... more delusions..?

    "Th' world be cruel." Jay once told his mother, after Hoarsgate, " There aint a reason I shouldn' be just 's cruel..."_


  • Darker Still

    _Weeks have passed since the incident at Hoarsgate. Not much has improved with his relationships with some of the crew, though it seems nothing hugely serious has happened. Mostly long talks, some of which ended in fights, though not all the conversations ended badly. In fact, only the conversation with Captain Sabre seemed to end well, albeit after a few tries.

    Despite all that's happened, she has yet to turn her back on him. His only regret in Hoarsgate being that he struck her and other crew in his anger during the ordeal. It seems she has her ways of calming him through those conversations. Perhaps it was smooth talk on her part, though she was clever enough to eventually get Jay to be somewhat calm… and in turn, perhaps saving him and some of the crew some unneeded conflict.

    An old lover known as Jaelle entered his life again, for a time. Their rocky history perhaps dooming the attempt at a relationship again. Though during that time, he forgot his troubles, until she left him for a man with a heart less cold. Alone again. His best attempts to not care seeming to fail. Striking down her new lover in a fit of rage. Even men with the darkest of hearts can feel an emotional pain.

    His "friendship" with Luke ended in his mind. It takes all his will to not wipe that lopsided smile from the blonde sailor's face. But the crew... for the good of the crew he must stay his hand. He has no more trust for Luke. Luke is liable to suffer more, all for attempting to save an innocent child from a madman.

    He notices Yana at fight night. Doing his best to ignore her glances, which seem to hold dissapointment. He knows she will regret ever knowing him, much less being his lover in months past. But there is no reason to hide what he is, and he will not hide what he is, despite how much it might hurt her or himself in the long run.

    Jay did his best, during all this time, to avoid the little dramas of the crew, of the goodly types, of life itself. But even he is not immune to it, no matter how much he tries to avoid it. He may be well trained to dodge a sword, an axe, or a fist... but life's challenges is something he can never dodge._


  • Two Murderers (Part 2 of "Numb")

    _Charles was untied and given his dual weapons back. His family now slain as well, as was Jay's. A man with little to lose, and hell bent on his own revenge now. The two prepared themselves for a fight to the death.

    Charles charged first, swing both of his blades at once. Blocking with his shield, Jay shoved his opponent away, spouting a taunt:

    "Soon yer gunna see yer kid 'n hell."

    Though Jay's cold words had little effect, his opponent focusing on the fight and not giving into the anger… a well diciplined man, Charles was. Jay's opponent stepped forward, swinging blow after blow upon Jay's shield..

    So fast..

    ...a sudden pain to his sword arm, Jay felt. He had been cut. Growling, he slashed his blade across, creating a tear into Charles' leather that was now tinged with red, Charles barely escaping a full chop. Jay lunging forward with a thrust attack, but missing as his opponent side stepped, recovering and beginning a new flurry of sword swipes against Jay's armor and shield.

    Other in his crew watched on, mainly the priestesses, who were getting a thrill from it all. Their cold smiles grew wider whenever Jay drew more blood from Charles. The fight was not one-sided for either opponent, each drawing blood from each other, many slices and swings were missed or deflected. Jay much slower, but protected by his thick armor. Charles extremely quick, but having less protection on his body. Finesse and brute force clashing.

    It was only a matter of time before one of them made a mistake. Charles, in his weariness from the battle and the bleeding, took one weak swing toward Jay. Lifting his shield, Jay blocked...

    ...and there was an opening...

    ...thrusting his arm forward, Jay's sword dug into his opponent's stomach. This was done with such force, that Jay's entire blade went through to the hilt, the blade sticking out of Charles' back. The man slumped against Jay's shoulder, breathing heavily, his mouth full of blood. Jay could hear the breath's slow as he just stood there with his sword imbedded into Charles.

    Finally, the breathing stopped, Jay ripping his sword out... his opponent slumping to the ground lifelessly.

    Now? Now it was time to go home. The Queen was pleased, and the family sacrificed was enough to gain favor enough to bring Nancy back to life through Her priestesses.

    The priestesses approved, though some in the crew did not. Once friends now perturbed by Jay's cruelty and malice. His feelings of this are seen as uncaring, or unaffected. He resumes his work around Peltarch's docks, as if nothing has happened, as if everything was back to normal. It seems now, he is truly a heartless machine. Covered in cold metal with a look just as metalic.

    His mother: She has no desire to know what happened. Though if she knew, she would be heart broken._


  • Numb

    _Charles held true to his word, murdering Nancy in a back alley of Peltarch. Her body limp, cold, and alone.

    Jay was beside himself with rage and mourning. His only thoughts were of payback. He thought to take on Charles' entire gang alone, not really caring if he died or not.

    News of the death reached other ears, however. Friends of the brute, who offered their help in capturing the killer. A "family" indeed, his fellow crew. It wasn't just talk, but they meant what they said. Words of sympathy from thugs and thieves, from priestesses of a furious goddess. It all made him feel akward, he didn't like to be pitied.. but he guessed it was their way of showing support, and did not deny their offer to help. In fact, he welcomed it.

    But their support only went so far..

    The crew set off toward Hoarsgate, arriving to find the Knucklebone gang with large numbers on the docks. This didn't seem to concern Jay, as he wished to just kill them all. Though that was not the plan, and after careful bribing of some city guards, the Sails had free reign to plan their attack on the gang.

    A rival gang offered their help to distract most of the Knucklebone numbers. It seemed that Charles had made a few enemies. The Sails accepted their help, and thus the battle begun.

    Jay and his fellow crewmates stormed Charles' house, while all the other knucklebones were distracted by the rival gang. Inside… was a woman and child. He had a family. An innocent family of his own... Jay seemed to not think as he knocked the woman out cold and grabbed the child. Charles soon stormed in after, and with his young little girl as a hostage, he gave up.. he was promised that his family would not be harmed if he gave up.

    Liars.

    They were taken to the piers out in the water. Where Charles soon found out that his family were the targets.

    Jay took the little girl, saying in a cold tone, "Tell her it aint gunna hurt... tell her y'love her." There was much rage in his eyes. An eye for an eye. A dead loved one for a dead loved one.

    "It isn't going.. to hurt. I... I love you Jessica." Said Charles, a father knowing that his daughter was about to be murdered, unable to stop it and only watch in horror as Jay put the girl under the water... holding her under so she would drown...

    ..but some that came with Jay could not stand by and let him commit such a vile act. A struggle broke out between some of the Sails crew, and the girl was freed from Jay's grasp, swimming out into the water to try and escape with the urgency of Luke, the swashbuckling sailor who dove for her to save her. The priestesses of the wraithful fury Queen were not pleased, and attempted to stop him from saving the girl... which they did. The little body floating lifelessly when the struggle ended.

    When those who objected in the crew were subdued, the girlfriend of Charles was then drowned by Jay himself. He felt nothing as he did it. Not satisfaction, nor did he feel bad about it... there was nothing. His heart cold and numb, unaffected by it. It was something he had to do. He had to protect the only person he really loved. Though no sane man would say his crimes were justified..

    After the family was killed, Jay then decided that he and Charles were even. He allowed Charles to duel him, to have a chance to kill his family's murderer. Whoever won would beable to have a chance at having their family ressurected and get on with their lives..

    ...and so, the two had a rematch.._

    ((To be Continued))


  • Visit From Home

    Another rainy day at the docks. Jay stood, looking out over the water with his arms leaning against the railing on the small pier. Adorned in his heavy armor as it was only an hour or two past dawn. A half full bottle of rum in his hand, his shoulders hunched lazily as he occasionally took swigs from the bottle. His thoughts drifted to various things, until they were interrupted…

    "Looks like you're still alive."

    Came a male voice, sounding young. Jay looked over his shoulder, lofting a brow as he spotted the man behind him. The man looked ordinary in appearance. Short brown hair, brown eyes… though he had a casual smirk on his face. A longsword was seathed at the man's left hip. No facial hair, looking almost like a teenager.

    "Who th' hell are ye?" Jay asked.

    "Nobody you know. But I know you. You were the one at Hoarsgate, killing the Knucklebones along with your friends."

    Jay turned to face the man fully, giving him a cool stare..

    "Yeah, so? Y'got a problem with that or somethin'?"

    The man just smiled

    "Maybe."

    Jay glanced around a moment to see if anyone else was in sight… guards specifically. Seeing none, he looked at the man again.

    "Then do somethin' 'bout it."

    Inclining his head, the man drew his sword… but didn't attack yet. Seemingly waiting for Jay to prepare his own weapons... which Jay did. Raising his shield in front of him, Jay watched the man... who apparently only drew a longsword, and is only wearing leathers of some kind. The man spoke again.

    "Let's see what Marcus was up against when he died, shall we?"

    _He then walked toward Jay, slashing his blade down for the first strike. Jay naturally blocked with his shield, thrusting his sword froward for a counterstrike… but only hit the air. His eyes quickly looked to where the man was. He had side stepped out of the way with ease.

    The fight lasted for a minute or two. The man being terribly dodgy while Jay blocked incoming blows with his shield. Sadly, the man found an opening in Jay's defense, sweeping a foot under and tripping the plated Sail to the ground on his back. Jay attempted to recover, but felt a boot step on the wrist of his sword arm, the other boot kicking him down on the chest. With a grunt, Jay was flat on his back, unable to do anything but glare up at the unkown man._

    "Let me answer the question more thoroughly." The man said. "I had no love for Marcus, and was glad to see him dead… but you had to go and kill most of the gang. I needed them.. so here's what is going to happen.."

    Jay just growled while the man continued to speak.

    "I will let you live for killing Marcus, but your punishment for the other lives you took will be that you, and your friends, are not allowed in Hoarsgate any longer. If you are spotted there, then I'll make you dissapear… now that's a fair comprimise, hm?"

    Defiant as ever, Jay responded with a 'charming' statement.

    "Fark off, 'll go where I wanna."

    The man just shook his head

    "Let me rephrase.. if you or one of your gang are spotted there, I'll make your mother dissapear. Think on that… oh, and I forgot to introduce myself."

    Inclining his head again, the man spoke his name..

    "I am Charles… and I hope we dont ever see each other again.. Jay."

    With that, Charles released Jay from his pinned position, taking off and dissapearing into one of the alleyways. Jay naturally tried to follow, but soon lost him. Muttering under his breath:

    "Damn it.."


  • The Other Side

    _"Waitress! A-another drink… heh..."

    Nancy brought over a few ales to the roudy table of the night at the Ferret. As usual, she took their flirtations and come ons with just a grain of salt. An unwavering patience she possessed. She headed back into the kitchen, taking a small rest. The night was slow, save for the drunk dock workers who worked late that particular night.

    The door to the Ferret opened, and in came her son. Wet and ragged from the rain, his heavy plate armor still on. Nancy smiled, knowing just who those loud, clanking steps came from. She heard his voice..

    "Bein' nice an' calm t'night, aye?"

    The stern voice asked the customers. The bunch just sort of mumbled a "Yeah" and continued drinking. They knew who this particular armored man was, and decided not to ruin their evening by back talking.

    Satisfied, the clanking came toward the kitchen. Nancy looked toward the entry way, smiling as she saw Jay enter.

    "Hey ma." He said.

    "Hello dear. All dirty again I see." Nancy replied, shaking her head as she walked over to brush some mud from the black armor.

    "Yeah, had to work late.."

    "Why do you need your armor on to work late?" Nancy inquired, knowing he was getting himself into trouble again.

    "Just in case, ma." Jay responded dully, taking a chair and plopping into it with a tired grunt.

    "Are you continuing to practice your elvish, dear? I asked you to use it in conversation with me... I've not heard you speak it in awhile. I dont want you to forget.." Nancy said, looking Jay over as she spoke. She found no splatters of blood and such on him. Usually when he wears his armor there is... maybe he's getting smart and washing it all off before coming to see her, she thought.

    "Why do I gotta practice? Aint of use other 'n hearin' idiot elves talk down on folks." Jay grumbled, pulling off the pieces of his armor idly.

    "Your father wanted you to learn it, dear. I dont want you-..."

    "Dad's dead ma. Has been fer awhile." He interrupted, not realizing what he just said until a moment later. Pausing, he looked up at her, "Sorry ma. Didn' mean... y'know."

    Nancy glanced down, having a rather forlorn look. She seemed to be thinking of something, at least by what Jay could tell of her expression.

    "(e) What was he like?" Jay asked, switching the language. "(e) We've never really talked about him.."

    His mother stood in silence a moment, before she lifted her gaze to Jay... she walked over to him, first pulling a chair up to sit in.

    "(e) He was a lot like you. Stubborn, reckless, defiant.. but beyond that, there was good there, and he did what he believed was right.."

    Jay just nodded a bit, running some fingers through his wet hair.. speaking a reply.

    "(e) The elves I see here... they dont impress me. I just hope he wasn't like them. They only make me want to stick to my human side."

    Nancy just nodded a little, sighing..

    "(e) Amar, dont let that come between you and the memory of your father. He loved you, even if you were not fully an elf. Just look at me, I am a human, and he loved me."

    She put a hand to the side of his face gently for a moment, before giving his cheek a little swat..

    "(e) Now stop sulking. You look tired, and I know you were off somewhere dangerous. Get some rest.... please."

    Jay blinked a little, then just nodded, giving an odd reply..

    "(e) Yes mother."

    Nancy got out of her chair and went back to put a few things away in the kitchen. As Jay was about to leave, she spoke again..

    "(e) In the morning, I want to talk to you about something else. Dont think no one saw you.."

    She said with a somewhat stern voice, before continuing..

    "(e) I love you, and rest well dear."

    Jay looked at her oddly, not really knowing what she was talking about... but he would find out in the morning.._


  • _A Different Pace

    Waking up with a lazy yawn, Jay rolled over in his bed, only to be blinded by sunlight, to which he grumbled at. He rolled back over to avoid the horrible light, and found himself face to face to someone whom he shared the bed with. One of the local guardswoman, a "lawful" type. What a strange thing to happen, he thought… but he didn't mind, he was actually happy for once. She wasn't insane, she was just... sweet and normal.

    He was never really the type to go after sweet girls. Usually the type of women whom were rough around the edges. That never seemed to work out for him. A change of pace, and it might've been the best choice he could ever make. He snuggled close to her, and drifted off to another hour of sleep, again waking, but this time finding her gone.

    Jay figured she went off to her duties, so he decided to let mother know of what was going on. Ever the mama's boy, this brute.

    "(e) So what's she like?" Nancy asked him when he came to visit at the Ferret.

    "Yeah, she's nice.." He responded, speaking in common this time.

    "(e) Oh? Just 'nice?'"

    "Yeah, nice.. really... uh.. nice." He left out certain details, not really wanting a lecture today about being with someone so young and inexperienced. He knew his luck with women was horrible, as did Nancy.

    "(e) Why don't you have her come here and meet me. Maybe she'll have more to say about you other than 'nice.'" Nancy teased with a faint grin.

    "Yeah, sure... she patrols th' docks. Name's Yana. Y'prolly know 'er from attractin' attention from drunks."

    Nancy's brow raised with some surprise, "(e) Her? Well, you must've been a smooth talker to get her, hmm?"

    "Jus' me usual charmin' self, ma.." Jay said idly.

    "(e) So did you two...?" Nancy asked cautiously.

    "Ma! Feck, I ain't talkin' 'bout tha' with y'..." He said with some embarrassment. Nancy seeming amused by it. The two talked for an hour or two, as is their ritual since Nancy was rescued from Hoarsgate. She would try to pry more information about this guardswoman, but Jay would continually avoid the subject.

    He didn't avoid it out of shame, but more for the fact he would feel very akward discussing his true feelings. Feelings like that this normal, sweet girl might be the type he could fall for._


  • _A Highway Robbery: Like Father Like Son

    The cool Peltarchian air brushed against Jay's hair as he left the Mermaid. It was cool, yet it was a nice day… for once it wasn't raining. With nothing better to do, Jay took a walk south, heading for the pass.

    Fully armored for the trip, as he wasn't one to take chances, he left the gates. Eyeing the guards with an intimidating gaze, which didn't seem to move them much, given they had several friends nearby. Still, Jay liked to let them know that he was a 'rebellious' type, like most young men. Most young men, however, did not have the prowess with a blade that he possessed. Naturally, this bolstered his confidence somewhat.

    The glaring portion of his morning out of the way, Jay walked passed the tower, remembering nearly being hit in the head with an N'jast catapult rock. That was when he decided to stay out of it and prepare a ship to leave, just in case. Those days were long gone, and he did not miss them.

    Soon, he came near the cave leading toward Oscura, and that is when he decided to just head toward the dark city. Though, it seems he wasn't alone. Hearing several twigs crack behind him, Jay turned around to notice a hefty group of gnolls. Most of them were the shield and axe types, though one of them was heavily muscled, carrying a very large axe.

    About six or seven of them there were. Much like when Jay's father faced against those seven highwaymen, many years ago... and fell. Though that thought never crossed Jay's mind as he looked upon the group. The only thing he heard before the gnolls charged was, "Take his loots!" ..which was yelled by the large, muscled gnoll.

    Quickly, Jay readied his sword and shield, yelling taunts at them... there really was no where to run for him, so he fought. The first gnoll he met he managed to get a good hit, and slice his sword across its throat. Blood sprayed against Jay's shield, as the next three gnolls came forth. A sort of bottleneck was there between the trees, so fortunately for our young warrior, he did not have to face them all at once.

    Jay shoved his shield against one of the gnolls, sending it stumbling back, which gave him time to gut the second gnoll... but the third caught his armored shoulder with an axe swing, cutting into the armor a bit, drawing blood from Jay. The adrenaline made him ignore the pain for the most part, but still, did it hurt badly. He raised his shield against the third gnoll as it attempted to strike again, and it only hit the shield this time, causing it to recoil. Seeing an opening, Jay sliced his sword across its chest, sending more crimson into the air.

    The first gnoll recovered from the shove, and the other two who were killed were replaced by two more. Jay raised his shield as more axe blows came, the sounds of clanking heard throughout the pass. His defense desperately trying to hold as he found openings, occasionally stabbing a gnoll, though usually not a lethal blow. For several minutes this went on, until the first gnoll fainted from too much blood loss. The other two not far behind.

    Jay was not in a good state either, he had taken several blows when a gnoll managed to find a slight opening in Jay's defense. Although not lethal, they also took their toll. Eventually, the two lesser gnolls fell, with only one remaining. The leader.

    Wide were its axe swings, and powerful. Jay's tired shield arm could barely block against it, as his muscles were nearing complete exaustion. But he kept on fighting... not wanting to give up. The leader did not have a shield, which made the gutting easier for Jay... though the leader was exceptionally pain resiliant.

    The gnoll growled furiously, wanting Jay's shiny objects so badly for himself. That in his fury, swung the axe down, causing Jay to side step. The axe was imbedded in the muddy earth, and this is when Jay slashed his sword down, lopping the gnoll leader's head off...

    Panting and bleeding... Jay grinned to himself.. "I did 't.."

    Though he fell to his knees, his body dying from blood loss. Staring at the grass in a daze, he fell forward, and nearly passed out... if not for the aid of the priest, known as Elyl, who just happened to be riding by just as the battle ended, Jay might've died.

    It seems where his father failed, Jay succeeded..._

    ((This was awhile ago, but I just now got unlazy enough to write it. Thanks to Clandra for making a tiny, random event an 'edge of the seat' type of thing!))


  • Mama's Boy

    _It had been a long while since Nancy's rescue. She was still adjusting to working at the Ferret with the rowdy Sails hanging around. Most of them seemed to treat her politely, however… especially when she cooked them some of her famous pancakes.

    One particular night was busy at the Ferret. A large group of men drinking and supposedly celebrating something. Quickly, the group became loud and crude, as most dock workers tend to get when drunk. Nancy was serving them their food, and of course, most of them were hitting on her... but she took it in stride, and only smiled pleasently at them.

    As she was at the table serving more drinks to the group, she heard the front door open to the Ferret. Her son walked in, all wet from the frequent rain that pours in Peltarch. She smiled at him as he entered, seeming more at ease with him there.

    Jay turned and saw his mother, offering a faint smile, but letting it quickly fade. He approached where she was, speaking softly in elven.

    "(e) Hello mother. Everything going well tonight?"

    The two left the table, and began chatting on the way to the kitchen. The two talked while Nancy continued to work, mostly about what's been going on in the crew... but Jay mostly leaves out key details about certain things, likely not wanting to alarm Nancy into being overly-worried for him. For the most part, she thinks he is mostly working in the warehouse these days, with little to no fighting... which is not true, since he rarely tells her he's off to go fight something.

    One of the men yelled from the main room, "Hey! Gimme a drink ya slow dim wench!"

    Nancy just shrugged it off, but Jay seemed highly annoyed by the disrespect... though decided to ignore it for now. The two walked toward the table, Nancy carrying the drinks while Jay continued to talk to her in elven.

    She set the drinks down at the busy table, one of the men commenting, "If you weren't so damned fine, I'd probably slap ya for being so slow.." he said in a slur, and then leaned toward her, "How about ten gold, eh? Fer one night." Before Nancy could even respond, there was a fist in the man's face, which jerked the man's head back a bit. Immediately, the group sprang from the table, drawing their weapons..

    Nancy's eyes widened in shock as she stepped back behind Jay... whom was the one who delivered the punch. Jay had also drawn his sword, but was sadly lacking his shield and armor, only wearing the thin leathers. He readied himself to fight the entire group of about ten men.. a few others in the back also getting up, apparently the group having more friends with them.

    The man who was punched got up, rubbing his jaw, muttering curses... he got to his feet and stood before Jay. "What the fark be yer problem?"

    "Treat th' lady with respect, prick.." Jay said in his usual dull tone.

    All the men seemed to laugh, the man in front speaking again, "I'll treat her how I want, arseface. Now, unless ya wanna face all me friends here, I'm suggestin' you back the fark off."

    Jay only lifted his sword at the ready, when he felt a small hand on his shoulder, and soft voice speak behind him.

    "(e) Amar, don't."

    The hand squeezing his shoulder, a tone of worry from the voice. Jay turned his head slightly to glance back at his mother... and after a moment or two... he relaxed himself, and then just seathed his sword, standing up straight. Naturally, this brought some laughter from the offending group, but Jay... just ignored it, or appeared to.

    Nancy addressed the group, smiling hesitantly..

    "I'll get you your drinks right now. Sorry for the wait.." and she turned toward the kitchen, with some heckling behind her as she left.

    The big brute being calmed into not fighting by his small mother. A mama's boy..._


  • Blood in the Streets ("Home coming": Part 2)

    _Back at Jay's home, the Sails became more aquainted with Nancy. Most of them were overly polite, or were attempting to be, which Jay was thankful for. Nancy, however, saw within the Sails, the same thuggish behavior that the Knucklebones have brought to the docks in Hoarsgate. She was hesitant to give them her full trust, even with her son vouching for them… but there was little she could do about any of it.

    After a healthy feasting of Nancy's famous pancakes, the group decided to inquire about the Knucklebones. For months the Knuckles had grown stronger and thus began terrorizing the docks more effectively. The leader of this gang being Marcus, the one Jay owed money to. Mostly Marcus had bullied the young Jay into paying more money, and then set him up with his own girl so that Marcus had an excuse to charge Jay even more money in exchange for his life. The Sails naturally thought this was unacceptable, and were bloodthirsty to put this gang in their place. Aside from Jay and the Sails, Marcus had other enemies... one in particular that decided to help the group with his own men after his ship was stolen by Marcus and his corrupt militia. One other ally joined the cause of the Sails... Jack's mother, a feared priestess of umberlee in the docks of Hoarsgate. Despite the Knucklebone's strength, it seemed like the small group had a chance to fight off Marcus and his men while making a heroic escape.

    The plan was set. A distraction would be made by the extra help the Sails received, while Jay would lead his mother to the ship, hopefully unharmed..

    ....for a while they waited in the home, waiting for the signal to go. Jay being extremely nervous, knowing that one false move can cost his life or worse: His mother's. All the training he had received thus far came down to this. Every cut and bruise he has received before were now meaningless compared to this...

    ...suddenly, the sounds of battle were heard, men yelling in the docks. That was the signal to go.

    Jay burst out of the front door of his mother's home, running into the sight of dozens of men fighting on the docks. The knucklebones seemed caught off guard by the sudden rush of allies the Sails received, but nontheless, they were more ruthless and hell bent to see the Sails punished.

    "This way!" Yelled Jay, as Nancy and the others followed. A few breaking off to fight some of the Knucklebones that were coming from behind. Jay, Nancy, and Sabre still were heading toward the ship while most of the Knucklebones were distracted. Unfortunately, not all of them were... two of them growling and rushing at Jay. He pushed against them with his shield, grunting as he tried desperately to just kill them as quickly as possible. Nancy watched on in horror, helpless...

    "Look out!" She yelled, as a third thug came behind Jay, in attempt to knock him over the head from behind. Luckily, Sabre found the thug's kidneys, and stabbed them before the man could cause any real problems for Jay. The three then ran toward the ship, ignoring any Knucklebones that were otherwised distracted with fighting someone else. Soon, the other Sails began to follow behind, and eventually, they all made it back to the ship alive.

    Jack's mother was waiting at the docks, stating simply, "Get her below deck, we'll stop anyone else that comes." No one was about to argue with that, and Nancy was quickly escorted below deck.

    Victory. They had made it, and did what they set out to do. But it wasn't completely over, no... Marcus was still alive. The high priestess of Umberlee, Jack's mother, was tired of Marcus thinking he had control over the docks. The Sails, Jay especially, readily agreed with that... loving any excuse to go and kill Marcus. But attacking with brute force would've likely met with failure... an idea popping into Jay's head.

    He would use Marcus's girl to get him out of hiding...

    To be continued_

    ((Sorry if this seems not incrediblt detailed, it's been awhile since the event, so might've forgot some details. Anyway, thanks to Aeo for DMing this!))


  • _Homecoming

    For a while now, Jay has been pondering to go back home to Hoarsgate. He was reluctant to go before, with a gang of thugs waiting for him. The same thugs who he owed a vast amount of money to, not to mention being caught sleeping with the gang leader, Marcus', girl. However, he realized that he had his own group of thugs to help him. After much discussion and planning, the Sails set off with a goal to visit the priestess Jack's mother, and also Jay's… to bring her home to help at the Ferret.

    After a stormy boat ride, they eventually made it to Hoarsgate. They haggled with merchants, and walked about the docks. Memories flooded Jay's mind as he looked to the ships that floated carelessly at the docks. When he was a little boy, he used to imagine being on one of those ships, playing "pirate" with his friends many years back. Little did he know he'd actually become one.

    But they were there to do something, not go on a vacation.

    First, they went to the inn where Jay's mother worked. Sure enough, she was waiting on some men. Unfortunately, those men were the gang that sought Jay for his money.

    The Knucklebones this gang was called.

    One particular member of the Knucklebones began to drukenly display his distaste for Nancy's, Jay's mother, waitressing abilities. A few lewd comments were tossed at the poor woman, which enraged Jay to wanting to just slice every Knucklebone member's head off... but no, he only went up to say:

    "'ey, show some respect."

    The thug just shrugged Jay off in a scoff. The man going back to his drinking, seeming to forget about Nancy, who was walking off toward the bar to fetch the drunk's drink. Jay followed her there, and made himself known to her. As he did, a bright smile came to Nancy's face... and in her excitement, she shouted his true name... unaware he had made himself a false one to protect her. Jay beckoned her to quiet down, and began to explain the situation....

    Meanwhile...

    ...the Sails with him began to protest the Knucklebone's lack of respect. One in particular, Jack, smashed one of the thug's head into the table, knocking him out cold. The thugs only shrugged, and in response, went to get the militia to hide behind the law instead of fighting their own battles.

    Though that tactic did not seem to work, as the militia feared Jay's crewmate, Jack. A dispute began to errupt, but only with words. As that happened, one of the thugs snuck outside... to warn his fellows that trouble is brewing for them.

    As the dispute and arguing began to erupt throughout the inn, Jay talked quietly with his mother.

    "(e) We have to get going." Jay said, looking a bit worried now that his identity had been revealed, and that his crewmates were causing a scene.

    "(e) Now? Why? What is wrong?" Nancy responded with just as much worry, her gaze looking past him to the group of Sails around the inn. "(e) Who are these awful people?"

    Sighing, Jay continued "(e) They are my friends, they look after me... and since you're family, they'll look after you too. They're just a bit eager."

    Nancy nodded slowly, looking up at her son. "(e) It is good to see you.. I've missed you so much, and I've been worrying.." She said in a soft, motherly tone.

    "(e) I want you to come with me back to Peltarch. I don't think it is safe for you here anymore... I will explain once we leave."

    Frowning, Nancy spoke in an even lower whisper.. "(e) We'll go to my-... our house, and discuss this properly without all this commotion."

    Jay nodded in agreement, laying a hand on his mother's shoulder... standing near her in full armor, looking like a trained bodyguard, eyeing every stranger who gets near. Slowly, while the Sails distracted the Knucklebones, he escorted her out... soon the rest of the Sails following. And there, they all went to Jay's childhood home in the docks..

    ...little did they know that the Knucklebones were preparing patrols with corrupt militia, looking for blood from the group that caused them trouble at the inn. The streets of the docks slowly beginning to turn into a battlefield..._

    (To be continued)


  • _Father's Death: A Look Back

    "Are you sure you have to go?" Said Nancy, a look of dissapointment in her soft blue eyes.

    "Yes." Responded a gruff looking elf. He is fully armored in a fine steel plate, an elven warbraid tied into his long brown hair. An elven longsword seathed at his hip. He is readying a his pack for a long journey, putting all the necessities within.

    "Will you be gone long?" She asks, knowing the answer by how many days worth of food he is packing..

    "It is just a routine escort. I will be back soon." Again he replies simply, not wanting to argue or discuss it.

    "You are always out doing some dangerous thing for some noble you hardly know. When will you spend time with your family?"

    Sighing, the male elf paused in his packing, looking over at Nancy. He steps up to her, laying a hand gently on her cheek as he speaks in response.

    "Just this last one… it is a large pay, and it will support us for many years to come. During those years I will retire from the life of a sellsword, and spend it all with you, and our son. But just this last time.. and it will be done, I promise."

    Turning, the elf simply just went back to his packing.. finally finishing, and heading for the door to his home. Though he is stopped by a delicate hand that presses against his chest.. his green hues look back over to Nancy..

    "I will hold you to that promise. I love you."

    The male elf nodded, responding in kind.

    "I love you as well. (e) Fair winds... and make sure he does not get into trouble again."

    Nodding, Nancy gives him a soft smile, stepping out of his way. He then heads out the door, wanting to quickly leave so an emotional goodbye will not be dragged out. He knows the dangers of his trade, and these moments always make his heart ache. Though he must stay strong, and come back to see his family smile at his return...

    The male elf is being paid to escort a rather rich nobleman along the roads. Bandits and highwaymen sometimes harrass or even kill travellers along the way... though it is rare. The trip seemed routine enough, the noble and the elf making it more than halfway.. until the rare occurance happened.

    A band of ten or so highwaymen surrounded the noble and his bodyguard.

    "Gimme all yer gold rich fecker... and ye'll live to see another day. And ye, elf, drop yer weapon." The bandit said, giving a toothy grin to the outnumbered pair.

    "(e) Do as he says... your riches aren't worth our lives.." The elf whispered to his companion... though his companion did not seem to want to comply..

    "(e) I'm paying you to protect me -and- my riches. Do something, make it so we don't need to pay... kill them."

    Grunting, he responds.. "(e) We are sorley outnumbered.. I cannot take them all.."

    "(e) Do it.. or I'll make sure you never work as an escort again."

    Muttering, the elf turned to face who appeared to be the leader of this bandit gang..

    "I shall give you this.." Holding up a bag of gold, he tosses it at the bandit's feet. "There is 100 in there. I hope that will be enough."

    "It ain't, elfie. Yer givin' it all."

    The bandits stepped closer to the pair... the elf resting a hand on his sword hilt, readying himself...

    Three days later.

    A knock was heard at the front door. Nancy stood and went to answer it, near running as she does so, expecting it to be him, especially this late at night.

    But no, it was a messenger... who had a rather solemn look on his face.

    "Miss, this is for you."

    The messenger hands over a parchment, before turning and walking off.

    Nancy looked over the parchment, reading the message... it was from her husband's friend:

    @067dd99a3c:

    Nancy,

    I am no sure how to tell you this, or what the right words are. But I will just say it.

    Mr. Amadur was slain on his escort trip yesterday. A group of bandits ambused him. He managed to slay seven of them before he was killed. I will be stopping by tommorow to talk with you. That is all.

    Your friend and my condolensces,

    Charles

    She just stared at the parchment a long moment, seeming confused at first… just shaking her head. Before realization kicked in... she dropped to her knees, crumpling the parchment in her hand. Tears welling in her eyes, and quickly the dam breaks...

    "(e) Ma! Can I have some w-water pleeease?"

    Asked a small brown-haired child as he ran up next to his mother. Quickly, she wiped away her tears, and kept her face hidden from her son.. not wanting him to know just yet.

    "(e) Go back to bed, Amar.. I'll go... get you some water in a little bit."

    "(e) Thank you mommy!" The little boy said, remembering to be polite and say 'thank you' to someone who has been nice.

    Though the glass of water never came. Jay, only five years old, only heard his mother's quiet sobs. And he would hear those sobs for many many days, weeks, and months to come...._


  • The First Death

    _A standard gathering of Sails in the commons, all of them rough housing or causing some sort of scene in the commons of Peltarch. One of them mentioned gathering riches deep within a cave that lies within the gnoll woods. Jay is not entirely enthused with a long walk, but he goes anyway to look after his friends.

    The trip seemed routine enough. The gold and loot gathering moving along with ease. Confidence soaring within the group as they head deeper and deeper. Until they find odd creatures down there, that have not been there before. The others seemed to act cautious, yet Jay was secretly excited that there was a new opponent to train his skills upon.

    Drow they were called. Sneaky, cunning… they will do anything to win without risking themselves too much. The first group or two were dispatched easily... so the group decided to press on to see what the drow were up to. A mistake.

    Jay stood in front of a door, sword in hand. He then shouldered it open, to see two drow warriors standing there. Jay charged them, shield held up to block any attacks.. yet they still found their way through his shield and armor, their attacks quick and precise. A few soft spots were found, and he was quickly injured. The others in the back just now realizing what was going on, ran to his aid. At this time, another drow came from the hall ahead... though she paused, just watching the fight for a moment or two.

    Some of the others in Jay's group seemed to hesitate, while the other half readily came to help. At that point, the drow female smiled and began muttering a chant or prayer..

    Magic...

    ...there is nothing he can do against magic. It easily claims his mind. It easily penetrates his armor. He hates it, hates everything about it.

    "Dammit.." He thought, though he does not stop fighting the drow warriors, figuring the others will handle the caster.

    Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a watery figure appear next to him in a flash of magic. He has no time to react, as it spreads forth it's arms, sending a pulse to everything around it.

    His chest hurts so much... he cannot breath. He chokes, stumbling back and falling down, gasping for air. As he tosses his head about, he sees the companions that came to his aid in a similiar fashion. The drow warriors smirked and just stepped over him, letting him die... moving on to the others.

    "Ma." He barely managed to gurgle out, before all went to darkness...

    Apparently death is a common part of an adventurer's life in Narfell, yet they are brought back to fight another day or consider their career. When he was brought back... he began considering his career._


  • Bullying

    _Bullying. It is something he is slowly growing fond of. In his youth he was bullied frequently, whether it be by a larger child, or (in his later years) by the thugs who are after his money. To him, it feels good to be on the other side of things. To see the look of annoyance or fear in those he heckles or gives a beating to. However, only certain individuls have the honor of his taunting ways.

    Why be polite? Why put on a fake smile? The world is a terrible place, and one must take advantage of anything they can. That is what he thinks these days. Keep friends close while keeping a wary eye on everyone else. Everyone that is a stranger is only an enemy, until proven otherwise. So far, his methods have worked, and none have betrayed his trust. Of course, such methods can sometimes alienate said friends, though they are quick to forgive… as long as they have someone to hide behind.

    He realizes he will die fighting something... it isn't a death he particularly wants, though it isn't a bad death either. It is only a matter of time before an enemy gets lucky or just simply overpowers him. It is only a matter of time before someone might stand up to him and put him in his place..._


  • Training

    _Ever stronger he becomes, yet he does not want to admit that he may be a skilled warrior, or wish to be even recognized as one. Though he finds himself more confident and… more aggressive. Still, he has many weaknesses.

    He seems to have taken an interest in teaching others of how he fights, and teach the many pains of battle. No grandmaster himself, but he enjoys training others who have not learned the basics yet. It is something he enjoys doing, perhaps it is his calling. Though he never knew his father, he is much like him in the ways of the sword.

    Though training in battle is not the only thing he works on. A woman he fancies, as blunt and brash as him, is not quick to trust. Now he learns patience, and understanding... which he had little of to begin with. Perhaps a harder lesson for him then when he first picked up a sword, yet as he improves, the happier he becomes. Trust. The complete trust of someone is a good feeling.

    He will not fail this lesson._


  • The Lonely Sailor

    _There he sat, almost every night. Same table, same drink. He sits alone, often passing his bottle of rum or ale between his hands, staring at it in thought. His expression is stoic for the most part, though those with a keen eye note that there is a solemn look in his eyes.

    The same waitress brings him his drinks, sometimes giving him a flirty smile or a slight sultry tone when she asks what drink he wants… perhaps to get some sort of positive reaction, or maybe out of pity for the man. He's either too dense to notice, or doesn't pay any heed to her flirty gestures.

    His thoughts roam to his various adventures. Mostly the ones where someone was lost. Someone he could've protected, but failed to do so. Three times this has happened, and two of them were sailors, like himself. Killed at the whims of some elf mage who thought he could handle the situation, or some shady gnome with an immense amount of power.. something he couldn't match, but at least give others time to run. They didn't listen at his pleas to run... why didn't they listen?

    Then there was the fourth time, where no one died, yet he was scolded for his attempts to get someone away safely. The shadow creature that cut him, infected him with its vile taint. Better him than the priestess. To his surprise, he was lectured on how prideful, over-confident, and arrogant he was. No, he wasn't trying to prove something.. there was just no room for him to fail someone again. Another thing that surprised him, is that he was ready to die in order not to fail..

    Day to day, he becomes more righteous and caring... which sends a shudder down his spine._


  • From Weak to Strong

    _Months have passed since Jay's time in Narfell. It seems now he is a different person than he was when he arrived. More barbaric, more confident, more strength.

    Now fully attired in full plate armor, with a variety of weapons strapped to his person. The Sails trained him to be something more than a crate hauler, which he has yet to see. The beatings he took from crew are now less frequent, since he can properly defend himself. Some in said crew equipped him with the tools for killing, and then threw him into the fray against many a monster. With several of the crew watching his back, he has not fallen casualty to the training.

    In their own strange, sadistic way, they took care of him. Showing him things he has not seen before, nor even imagined seeing. Things that seem common to them, such as battle and bloodshed…. which they always laugh about.

    Still, even with all of that, he still feels he is ordinary. Nothing more than a useless speck of life, compared to the many heroes that inhabit Narfell. Does he wish to be a hero? No, not him. That isn't like him. Just someone that is noticed... at least.. in this world.

    A flying ship. One crash landed near Peltarch. Curious, as most are about flight, he bought passage for a trip in the sky. It was not what he expected. The ship took him away from the only world he knew, and to another. This world, like his own, was filled with war and strife. Some of his companions were already known to the residents of this world.

    A king asked for their help, and they gave it. Jay seeming to not want to stick his neck out for people he didn't even know, but he was forced to. He could not very well stay behind and be left there in a strange place. So the group went off, fighting bandits and undead.. as mighty heroes might do in stories. Every great story has a great villian, and in this case it was a lich. Powerful it was. It killed three of his companions before finally going down itself. The strange world was saved. The king knighted all who helped in the quest, including Jay.

    As he boarded the flying ship to take home, Jay realized that he was noticed here, and will likely be remembered for his deeds. It gave him an odd feeling in his stomach.. and when he arrived home, he realized something else...

    Being ordinary is better._