The sound of the waterfall washed over the valley as it tumbled down over the rocky cliff. The water was pure and sparkled as the sun's rays danced over the surface. The air was alight with bird songs and the hum of a million insects. The falls exploded, shattering the still water at the bottom, creating a white wave of mist, rising into the air, disappearing into the midday heat. The water settled at the bottom, creating a small pool before flowing like crystal down through the valley. Fish, a rainbow of colors, darted through the rocks, stirring up small amounts of sand and dirt along the bottom. A few green and red plants nestled between the rocks, swaying in rhythm with the water. Small crab-like creatures hid within the sea plants, snapping their claws at any fish that dared to come near them. A massive turtle lazed by the bank, catching the sun's warmth-giving rays. No breeze ruffled the lush valley grass or rustled through the trees' leaves, but the air was cool none-the-less, blending perfectly with the noonday heat.

A giant tree rose nary two feet from the pool, its leaves spreading upwards towards the sun, green with pink blossoms littering the canopy. The trunk was wide, deep red in color, while flecks of gold ran along the length, A perfectly shaped tree where the branches started almost two feet up, thick and able to hold much weight. Two or three small cherries had already fallen from the lower branches, spreading their sweet scent. Few cherries had grown yet, and the ones that had were bitter and under-ripe, but they were preferred by some that way, when the sun was high, and reading was the perfect outdoor activity.

A woman sat underneath the cherry tree her back resting on the thick trunk, a pile of red-pink cherries lying to one side. A book was open before her the title flowed in long loops and high arcs shinning silver, sparkling as the sun's light reflected off it. The bindings were smooth, showing no signs of age, and the black leather smelled newly made. Slender fingers traced along the bottom edge, the nails, unpainted and still a pure white, digging small grooves into the soft material. The pages were a tea brown, the script dark black, crisp floating across the page. Light green eyes, almost a gray in color, traced the words down the page, half closed. Eyelashes brushed her skin, thick and black, setting off her coloring, pale to the point of being translucent more lovely than freshly fallen snow. Thin wrists were adorned with bracelets and jewels, glinting with every movement. A thin nearly transparent, silk flowed down equally thin arms and over the rest of a woman's body. The mysterious material shaped around slim waist, and pleasing hips. The weightless fabric floated around her body. Her legs were folded neatly beside her, tucked in, no shoes adorned her feet. The only thing of color on her was a pair of light pink lips, small and dainty, soft, reading every word silently, and her pale blonde hair. On some days it shone a brilliant gold, but it was a simple blonde left to wash over her body and ground, each piece placed in the perfect spot.

She closed her book placing it carefully by her side, replacing it with a small cherry. She nibbled it, letting the bitter taste fill her mouth. The blue eyes moved skyward watching a bird, more specific a hawk, wheel and tumble, the movement graceful and relaxing. Her lips parted in a smile and she brushed her hair away from her face, a few tendrils still clung to her skin refusing to move. Although the hawk was still too far distant to see clearly she knew his feathers were being ruffled by his freefalls and cartwheels that he so loved to do. Showing off was one of the things hawks enjoyed most. He soared down to the ground, riding the thermals, circling for a few minutes, enjoying the moment, before coming to a soft landing. He folded his wings and plucked a cherry from the pile. Magnificent was the only way to describe him. Golden eyes, like pools of molten glass, simmered, watching every movement, catching every detail. His feathers were whiter than mountain snow and softer than a chick's. It was flecked through with a gray, as color blended as granite, brown was also scattered throughout.

"Hey there," Her voice was light, soft as a gentle rain. "Where have you been?" She ruffled the feathers on his head and laughs as he nipped playfully at her fingers, as cute and sweet as she had imagined him to be. She reached down and plucked another cherry off the top, placing it in her mouth. She reopened her book, settling down against the trunk, searching for where she had left off. The hawk, seemingly unaware of the woman’s touch hopped away and spread out his winds. The cherry still hung from his beak, swaying as he took a few unsure hops. Then he rolled his wing joints and took off into the sky. She was sorry to see the hawk go but was happy he had come down to see her anyway.

(ooc - almost didn't reply because of your ungodly long post, but I hate seeing a char fade away.)

It is cool where Zorgn rests. Under the water, even the sunlight that filters down from the burning heavens is made insignificant. An interesting thing it is to see the lake from below, rather than above. Fishes darted, small creatures went about their daily business, caring not for the being that laid back on the lake bottom wishing death upon them. Zorgn didn't have the power he had before he departed Imythess for the west, no longer could he kill with a thought. These days he was reduced to sitting under ten feet of water and wishing something exciting would happen.

But no, this was not to be. Those he had known from his past had either departed for distant lands, died, or became too powerful to have a close battle. Zorgn felt like a kitten compared to these new incarnations of the people he had known. He had fought with them, for them, and against them, and now he had no reason to be.

So he sat underwater in a city he had rarely visited, staring murder at fishes and making bubbles to pass the time. How pathetic.


(ooc - here I am, make the first move and we can go from there.)

The crashing of the waterfall laughing in his ears; the clean, crisp air filling his lungs; the soft, green grass under his feet; the smooth, silky fabric of his pants brushing up against his legs after every swishing step; Theron stepped casually, sauntering along beside the paths with his bare feet exposed to daylight. With his eyes closed, he held his arms out and let his senses overtake him. Before opening his eyes with his head held high, he wiggled his toes in nature's velvet; and with a deep breath, he sighed.

Bringing himself down to earth, or as far down as he ever willed to go, his head swivelled to find a place to sit and nap for the afternoon. Nothing would make this moment more perfect than a nice nap in heaven, unless...

With a double-take, Theron eyed a very specific cherry tree near the pool graced by the waterfall. His feet took him by their own will as he took in this absolute beauty, one that paled the magnificence around him: a woman. His head tilted slightly to the side, his eyes visibly hungering for more. Slim fingers leading into money, women called it jewelry, but all Theron saw were gems that screamed cash; wrists matching slender hands with a fabric that whispered sweet nothings of what might be as the eyes followed the shoulder and down a hidden bossom. The adventure continued past the book his mind completely ignored. In fact, as soon as his eyes followed her curves, his loins yelled for more. By the time her legs burried themselves in his head, he was next to the tree behind her and leaning against it casually with his hands pocketed. His didn't say anything, but waited for her to look up, if just for him to glimpse into the glory of the moon, itself.

((OoC: Sorry all my posts are gonna be a little on the short side. I’ve been pretty busy lately and I wanted to post before the end of the break. Sorry for making you wait for so lonog. ><))

Ariana could feel the presence of someone behind her, just like she could feel the heat from the sun on her skin. An admirer had found her at last. If there was one thing she loved it was being fawned over by man or woman. A drink here, a little flirting, anything she wanted if only she asked. It put a smiled on her face for a moment before she carefully tuned it back to neutral. She slowly moved her head around to gaze at the man who had approached her from behind.

“Hello,” She cocked her head to one side and gazed at him through pale blue eyes. “Would you care to join me Mr. . ?” She lowered her eyelids and motioned to the ground beside her. He seemed to be transfixed with her and that bode well. Very well indeed. A drink of two, a fun time, another admirer. As long as she was the center of attention nothing could put a damper on her mood. It was the feeling of walking into a bar and knowing that every eye was on you, wanting you.

She leaned towards him and waited for him to find a seat next to her. She was in a rather playful mood this morning. Perhaps she would ask him to join her for a swim. She decided that she really did want to go for a swim today and it might as well be with him.

“Would you care to join me in the water?” She gave him a coy look as she said this.

By the gods... this is surely of Their work.... Such beautiful women were few and far inbetween; Theron would know that better than anyone else on this planet. His brain was screaming something to him, some kind of warning that he was ignoring very skillfully. It wasn't very typical for a woman of her class to be interested in someone of Theron's. He body looked innocent, but her eyes wailed intellegent, something Theron couldn't see at this moment. He was trapped.

“Hello,”

Her voice rang like a chimes only he could hear. The bells and beauty cried for more, just a whiff of her scent...

He gracefully sat down beside her, close enough to share body heat, but far enough so that he wasn't quite touching her. He took in her intoxicating scent before gazing at her face and dismissing the Mr. title with, "If you would only grace me with the name Theron, I would forever be indebted..." His voice was a hundred kinds of soft, yet strong, as he worked his charm.

Her invitation into the water completely threw him off. If anything, it should have been another signal that this woman wasn't like any of the others. If anything, it's like the ones he usually lets go out of sheer guilt when he feels he's taking advantage of them. This time, however... he couldn't quite put the pieces together, but it was almost as if she was using him. The thought was so obsurd, he tossed it aside carelessly. "I would be honored, my sweet." However, he wasn't stupid enough to fun off first, and waited for her to make the first move in removing her clothing... and his gut continued to yell at him.

“Theron it is,” Her eyes sparkled and she smiled at him again. The way he looked at her sent a tingle down her spin. She loved it, loved this. Soon she could make him hers, he might not know it but he would be. She lightly touched his arm and leaned in closer to him, so that their skin almost brushed. “Forever indebted you say?” She whispered then laughed again before she pulled away. Ariana moved her eyes over to the water and she let a smile part her lips. She rose gracefully from the earth and stretched her arms above her head.

She cast one glance back at Theron before she started moving towards the water. She was careful to make her hips sway and catch on the fabric of her clothing. She stopped at the water’s edge and dipped in her toes. The liquid was warm on her skin and she cast a mischievous glance at Theron. She turned back to the water and pulled her dress down over one shoulder, then the other before she let it drop to the ground. It pooled around her ankles and she stepped out of it and deeper into the water. Beneath the dress was a simple undergarment.

Ariana stepped a little deeper into the water before she dove beneath the surface. She came up again and stood, feeling the heat on her face and the warm water on her ankles. Her hair has no longer curled down her back but hung in wet strings and tendrils clung to her skin. “You coming?” She smiled and motioned to the water with her head.

As the woman leaned into him, Theron's heart pounded and his body flushed with heat as the blood started flowing, but Theron's face was a masterwork of experience and held all of it under control with the slightest of looks that whispered lustful volumes into her ear.

Theron took the moment to enjoy the entire view, but it took all of his might not to tackle her as the folding of her gown made that oh-so-sweet ruffling sound in the grass; a sound Theron would never ever forget.

“You coming?”

Theron grinned, as if anything in this world could stop me... he thought, but if his gut had a fist, it would punch itself. Having long abandoned his shirt, he simply stepped into the water, plunging himself as if he had taken the last step out of heaven and plummetted toward the earth. Surfacing ever so quietly, gracefully, he opened his eyes without even brushing away the water and swam within a foot of Arianna. "So, my fine lass, what name do I get to call to the heavens every moment I want to see your face?" He cocked an eyebrow to accompany his ever-so sly grin. "Or could they not find a name for someone so radiant?" His words were soft like a silky caress across the cheek. He inched even closer, to breath her breaths and smell her scents, so that even if he were to die this instant, he would always recognize her trail as he wandered the globe in the afterlife.

Iolanthe trudged through the Waterfall City in search of her captain Theron. She had wonderful news for him, and she decided to be a good first mate and let him in on the little secret. It was the perfect opportunity for ‘ol Theron and herself to go out, get rich, and buy a vessel so they could really sail the Blue. Iolanthe’s face was plastered with a wide smile as she buzzed with excitement. Theron would be equally excited; she could feel it in her bones.

She remembered him saying something about Cascadia, so that’s where Iolanthe found herself. Though, she checked all the bars and inns, and even the alleyways, but no sign of her captain. Putting her hands on her hips she scratched the top of her head. Figuring he’d gone out to see the sights, she headed for the waterfalls. Iolanthe hummed a little drinking song as she merrily jogged down the paths, the wind whistling along with her movements. “Theron’s gonna love the news...” she thought to herself. Perhaps he’d even treat her to some ale.

As she neared the waterfalls, she could hear its thunderous roar and it sent Iolanthe’s excitement to soar. Not only did she love the Big Blue, but she loved waterfalls as well. The sheer power of the water crashing onto the rocks was rejuvenating. Large plants worked against Iolanthe as she searched for Theron. Though, it wasn’t too soon that she came upon the sound of voices. Iolanthe stepped closer, finding it to be her beloved friend and captain, Theron! Iolanthe squealed, rushing through the bushes and into the water about ankle deep.

“Aye, mate! Guess what I’ve found?” Completely ignoring Ariana, Iolanthe continued her tale. “So I was in the City of Istan and I went into the pub like ya know we a’ways do, when I saw a strange lookin’ lass in a corner. Now I asked the bartender, and he said the lass was a lookin’ for adventerers o’ types. I know we ain’t exactly ‘adventurers’ per say, but, this lass was a seekin’ gold!” Iolanthe took a gasp of breath through her excitement. She grabbed Theron by the shoulders, “don’t ye see? We go on this lil quest, get us some gold, and acquire a vessel for the Blue!” Iolanthe smiled brightly and clapped her hands together extending her arms as if she’d just performed a trick. “Whadda say, mate?!”

Though, in the midst of her performance, she had noticed a woman. Iolanthe wasn’t particularly bothered by her, as she understood the wooing ways of Theron, but simply raised an eyebrow. “Ye look cold, lass.” What the hell was she doin’ swimming in a dinky thing like that? Obviously to do some impressing, no doubt. Who knows, Theron probably "liberated" her clothing while she slept. It was definately a scheme he would cook up.

“Ariana,” She smiled and answered. She moved closer to him and was about to touch him again when a woman came running. Ariana watched her curiously as she went through her story. She never said anything, instead waited for the woman to take notice of her. It happened, although not in the way Ariana would have hoped. Women were different though, they were never as drawn in as men were.

“You know it is a tad chilly now that you mention it Miss,” Ariana gave her a questioning look and mimicked a shiver. She gave Theron a helpless look, wondering if he’d still move to warm her with another woman about. They seemed more friends than lovers, but then again Ariana was neither with the men she found so the result was unknown.

The talk of gold though, that interested her as well. She knew if she brought it up though that she would more than likely be pinned as trying to use them for the riches. She’d have to be more subtle than that if she wanted in on the gold. Or. . .She could just get Theron to do it for her. If everything worked out that is. But then again the two might be greedy as well. The way the girl spoke made Ariana guess she was a pirate or some other lower class like that, which meant Theron was probably one too. Taking a treasure from a pirate, she was sure it could be done.

She waded closed to Theron and smiled at the woman. “Ariana,” She extended her hand. Might as well be polite.

"Arianna..." He murmured the name back to her, giving it a much greater divine grace than when she said it herself. He went to move closer into her embrace, but was stopped short at the most familiar voice. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as he stared directly at Arianna, ignoring the most hellish of possibilites that could ever happen at this moment in time. Next in line would be a flesh eating fish biting off his manhood. Needless to say, Theron was mortified. His face turned red in both fury and embarassment. He deliberately sunk himself into the water, pretending to vanish under the surface until his feet touch the waterbed and he started walking off behind his now long, lost love.

He heard Arianna exchange words, but couldn't understand due to having his entire head submerged. He sighed outward and figured he couldn't hide forever, since his lungs did, in fact, have a breaking point. He surfaced behind Arianna and glared at Iolanthe with the most horrendous glare he has ever mustered up. All he managed to catch at the end was, "We go on this lil quest, get us some gold, and acquire a vessel for the Blue!"

He paused a long pause, staring her down just to let her understand how against the rules this really was. She was very lucky they hadn't the money to purchase the ship yet, otherwise he'd be stranding her on the first island he saw, if not at the harbor, altogether. "Yes, fine, whatever. Meet me at the inn in a couple hours. Now, go." His voice was stern, and overly so. He had hoped to continue spending this moment with Arianna despite the interuption, but he wasn't sure how. If she was as greedy as the pair of pirates were, she might just stick around for the gold itself. If that was the case, he might be able to take advantage of her loyalty, even if it was only a couple threads thick. It only takes one string to make a marionette dance... His thoughts were cruel, but his gut was finally settling down. If he didn't know better, his gut was trying to tell him that this Arianna was doing the exact same thing to him...

Iolanthe watched with her head tilted as Theron withdrew, sinking into the water. She nudged Ariana slightly in the ribs with her elbow. “Wha’s his problem? Ye’d think a lad like him woulda been overjoyed at such news. Savvy?” Iolanthe elbowed Ariana again, noting at the fact that Theron had a bit of a shiny tooth. Iolanthe crossed her arms, waiting for Theron to resurface. He was no mercreature, so it was obvious his lungs would give out soon enough.

When he finally did resurface, Theron’s new complexion was quite a sight to see. Now, at first, Iolanthe thought his red face was from the lack of air, but as he opened his mouth with a scornful glare, Iolanthe just sort of raised her eyebrow. “Oi, what kinda thanks is that, mate? I go out ‘nd find us a great opportunity to get some shiny riches and you go and send me off to a bar?” Iolanthe kicked the water; a bit disappointed he did not share her enthusiasm. “Now if I didn’t like me rum so much I might as well tell you to hell!” The She-Pirate turned to Ariana, bowing before her as if she was the goddess Theron probably blindly assumed she was. “Oh please fergive a lass such as me.” Iolanthe turned to Theron, “a’ leas’ she got some manners!”

Now, out of sheer spite, Iolanthe remained in the water. No captain of hers was gonna tell her to go sit in a bar like a little kid. Well, not like she was often told by an elder to go sit in a bar for punishment… Though if that were the case it could explain her love of booze… In any matter, she wasn’t going to be ordered around. Especially on land when marooning wasn’t exactly possible. Oh, despite her hate for land, she’d take advantage of it. She could feel the awkwardness of the moment coiling around Theron and sending his ut most passions sinking to the depths of the pool. A grin spread across Iolanthe’s face. “So, ye like to swim Ariana?” Iolanthe gave her a playful little splash.

Ariana let out a small laugh when Io nudged her in the ribs. She wasn’t sure what to think of the woman except that she wanted gold and that she was undisturbed by her presence with Theron. So they were friends then. She didn’t get involved in the spat the two appeared to be having. Truthfully it was more amusing than annoying so there was no reason to stop it. Actually it made her a little smug on the inside, although she couldn’t quite place the why of it.

Then she bowed. Ariana smiled, but wiped it away before the woman could see and replaced it when a grateful expression. She tried to even fit a little humility and embarrassment into the look, not a lot but a tad. Ariana doubted she’d ever be without manners since she prided herself on them very much, but this woman was so odd, she still hadn’t given her name. She supposed ‘Miss’ would suffice until the woman offered her name as Ariana had done hers.

The woman didn’t leave, instead she remained in the water with Ariana and Theron, which was curious in its own way. She was an odd one indeed. Then the woman splashed her playfully and Ariana responded with a giggle and a splash of her own. If she befriended them then asking to join their quest would be a little easier, and there would be gold. She smiled and pretended it was for Io."The water’s perfect. Care to join us?” Me. Ariana backed up into the water and lightly brushed against Theron before she sunk down below the surface of the water and kicked off. Hopefully this would lighten the tension for Theron, but she could feel the moment had gone. It didn’t mean that she still couldn’t use him though, it would just take longer.

She rose above the surface and splashed at Io again. “Well?” She gave the woman a ‘come on it’ll be fun’ look. Perhaps she might even be able to use both of them. But women were. . .fickle.

Theron's gaze went flat, one that even Io would know is dangerous. His humor was lacking, his mood shot, and his day ruined. The beauty of both this place and the woman infront of him meant nothing. Regardless, if what Iolanthe had said is true, then he really should get the the inn quickly to meet up with this individual looking for brave souls to die for him or her. His eye twitched furiously. The playful mood between Io and Ariana did little to satisfy his nerves. All it showed him was that his would-be lover might have a thing for woman and he was just a game.

Frowning he nodded a bow to the two women before lifting himself out of the lake. Dripping profusely, he said without turning around, "You two enjoy yerselves. I should meet up with this quest-seeker and see if what you claim is true, Iolanthe. If it isn't..." He turned around so that she could see the seriousness in one of his eyes, "I'll make sure your legs are burried on land while the rest of ya roams without a ship for the rest of your days." This was more than likly to cause Io to come after him. If she wanted to, he didn't care. Excuses were little more than that, but at least this display would show Arianna that Theron does not take crap from anybody. He might, in fact, be laying it on a little rough, but in all honesty, Io needed the scare.

He stopped dead in his tracks after a couple steps, sighing to himself before turning around. He eyed Io with little compassion before asking, "...Where was the tavern, again?" This time, the flat stare in his eyes held comtempt for himself for having to ask, let alone ask Io of all people. "And who be the damned quester?"

Iolanthe seemed to lose the brightness in her face as Theron’s face was deathly threatening. She it her lip, trying to figure out why he wasn’t reacting the way she had planned. Yeah Ariana was a pretty lass he was probably trying to woo. But what lass was Theron not trying to woo? Iolanthe couldn’t understand why this one was any different than all the others with the desired flesh. Theron wasn’t exactly one to be picky, as she understood it.

"I'll make sure your legs are burried on land while the rest of ya roams without a ship for the rest of your days."

Iolanthe’s palm met her forehead as she slapped it in frustration. He should be jumping up and down! She folded her arm with an exasperated “Oi!” And followed her captain. Her wet boots sloshed on the soil, making a squeaking noise behind Theron. “Oi, Theron, whacha all sour fer?” Iolanthe rolled her eyes, a flash of irritation thrown towards the woman, putting her captain in such a foul mood. It never occurred to her once that maybe she was the cause for Theron’s disappointment; that maybe it was she who was interrupting something. Though despite any misconceptions or not, Iolanthe had a little fondness for her legs, and intended on keeping them attached to her torso.

Iolanthe slammed to a halt whenever Theron himself had stopped with his trudge, asking her where the tavern was. Iolanthe sighed, knowing she was not at all in good standings with her captain. Iolanthe scratched the back of her head, pointing north, “aye, that way Capt’n.” She figured he’s still want to lead since he was in such a malicious rut. “A lass named Ornell, Theron. Never ‘eard of her b’fore the bartender showed me over.” Iolanthe kicked a rock, wishing to have her playful Theron back. Stupid woman!

Ariana suppressed a sigh when Theron huffed off. This wasn’t the way she was expecting everything to go. But then again it didn’t look as though Theron was expected Iolanthe to come along either. When Iolanthe shot her the irritated look Ariana thought she was dense as well as low class. When she was sure no one was looking she briefly rolled her eyes.

She approached Theron and touched his arm, running her finger down to his hand before she let it drop back to her side. She shot him a look saying ‘I’m sorry’ before she decided to speak with him. “I was just thinking that she could. . .join us.” She whispered these words into his ear and shot him a coy look. “I guess she’s not that type though. . .” She gave him a look of sadness and lowered her eyelashes in mock regret. “Perhaps we might continue this. . . some other time. Somewhere where we’re both more comfortable. A drink always loosens the tongue.” She said the next to herself. “Among other things,”

Ariana touched his arm and backed off, letting him and Iolanthe continue their discussion. She wished in her mind that Theron wouldn’t cast her off. It was the one thing she couldn’t stand. Iolanthe on the other hand didn’t matter much, since women were fickle, and it seemed at the moment the woman wasn’t too fond of her. Oh well her captain was mad at her now and it served her right. Ariana was careful not to show these emotions on her face and just watched passively to see how this would all play out.

The flat look on Theron's face shifted from Io's comment on his sour attitude to Ariana's suggestion that Io join the two of them in bed, or so he assumed. His flat stare shifted slightly with a wincing eye in disgust. He opened his mouth to comment bitterly, but at Ariana's next statement, he clicked his jaw shut. He didn't need to say anything, especially since Ariana wasn't the one that should be getting the rough side of his tongue. But to be honest, Ariana is one woman Theron wouldn't mind crossing sober. Her eyes told of a much hidden intellegence that he might have to persue some day.

Until then... he thought, then turned to Iolanthe with a frown as Ariana stepped back. He was somewhat surprised she hadn't flat out left already. Either she really likes him or she really needs something from him. Theron's gut said the latter and his head agreed for once. He sighed openly, supposedly directed at just Iolanthe, but it was to all intellegent women everywhere who thought they were clever. The world would be just fine without them, in Theron's opinion.

"...I'll meet you at the tavern, Iolanthe. Mention me to this... Ornell if you like, but I'll follow shortly. Ariana and I have unfinished business." No grin, no smirk. No snide comment afterwards. No wink and no movement. He stood still infront of Iolanthe, waiting for her to depart. "Dismissed." He said to clarify that she needed to be leaving. When she did, he would eye Ariana scornfully, now that his gut finally got through to his head. He needed to have a chat with this woman who thought to profit off a pirate. In his books, Theron considered that theft.

"...I'll meet you at the tavern, Iolanthe. Mention me to this... Ornell if you like, but I'll follow shortly. Ariana and I have unfinished business."

Iolanthe stopped in her tracks, her captain staring her down. She raised an eyebrow, becoming rather perturbed with the male’s mood. Even this woman he had leeched to him was better company. She sighed, looking back to the woman and shrugged, realizing her name. She tipped a finger from her brow in a semi-salute, and trudged off, thinking about her captain’s actions.

Wha’d she done wrong? You’d think she shot his woman, robbed his mother, and sailed away on his vessel! All she’d done was informed him on some valuable profits! It was a great plan, and he knew it down in his gut, she knew it. Perhaps… He’d been too many days without a good long lay… Oh! Iolanthe looked back towards the woman, studying her features from afar, and realizing that this was probably no ordinary woman… Especially after that strange comment about Iolanthe joining them. Maybe this woman was going to relieve all the stress that Theron had all coped up in his sarcasm. Iolanthe sighed, regretting her little outburst. Sometimes men could be even more emotional than she, and you know that really itched at Iolanthe’s head.

Why couldn’t he just suck it up? Hell, from all the gold they’d be getting from this little quest thing, ladies would be tripping over themselves to get to him. A fine lady always enjoyed a nice rich pirate… For the bad boy appeal… Or something ridiculous like that. Being a pirate herself, Iolanthe did not meddle in the affairs of emotional ties. Usually it only brought a noose around ye neck. Iolanthe rubbed her temples, hoping her captain would get over himself, and continued towards the tavern.

”Ariana and I have unfinished business."

Well this didn’t seem to be going the way she wanted to. Still she didn’t want to give herself away just yet. She would still have to wait for Iolanthe to leave her and the captain behind. Ariana tipped her head at the woman, although she didn’t shrug back. Seems she had taken the game a little too far. Although if Iolanthe hadn’t shown up then it probably wouldn’t have turned into much more than a physical thing. The gold though, that interested her. And the captain, Theron, he interested her too.

Ariana watched Iolanthe walk away and as the woman left Ariana pondered her next move. She would have to be a little more straight forward once she and Theron were alone. Although she still believed that she could win herself a little gold through certain means. Men were... well men after all. Even though they thought themselves something special they were easy to manipulate... using a certain means... depending on the man. Theron... well with him she might have to rethink this a bit.

She couldn’t decide if it would be better for her to speak first or to let him get his anger out of the way. Now that Iolanthe was gone perhaps he’d lighten up just a tad. Either that or she’d gotten him worked up past thinking clearly. Ariana let a little sigh slip, managing to keep it silent. She wasn’t one to back out of what she started. Then Theron turned a pair of scornful eyes on her.

This was turning out a little bit worse than she thought it would be. She didn’t think he was that mad at her. Well... her fault. She judged wrong and now she had to fix it. Little surprise there.

“I guess we should talk about our business then...”

With his feet planted firmly in the ground, Theron only used his head to follow Iolanthe until she was out of eyeshot. He turned back around to Ariana with a very serious face and frowned when she said "our business." "Your business, I believe is what you meant." On the surface, he wouldn't look any more mad than an irritated supervisor or parent, but since this was Theron, it was remarkably unusual. "I'll have to apologize in advance for my bluntness, but when I get in these kinds of moods, I tend to think a little more clearly than I'd like." He broke his gaze with her and eyed his surroundings. His arms were folded behind his back much like a military official. "I would be more than happy to live my life half intoxicated and never having to think, but unfortunately women who think they can take advantage of me push the envalope too far and I have to intervene."

His eyes fell on Ariana again. "Gold? Take it." He nodded sideways to exagerate his point. "Time? Who needs it." He nodded again. "Hell, take my soul for all I bloody care. But as soon as you start thinking of ways to chain my hands and have me step two-by-two that I just want to skewer you to the top of a tree for everyone to bloody see." His voice was strangely calm during all of this. "If you want to take advantage of my intoxicated behaviors to rob me blind and steal my blood, be my guest. Just don't let me catch you stealing my freedom here or here." He tapped his wrist and then his head to clarify.

All he wanted to do my this point was to shut up and walk away after Iolanthe, but he didn't. His guilt probably kept his feet planted to hear this woman's side of things, though Theron didn't need to. All he speculated were tears and a fake apology, as most women were excelent at offering.

Ariana actually laughed by the end of Theron’s speech. She didn’t mean to sound offensive or as though she was belittle him. It was just that... the thought of taking freedom had never entered her head. A slave would worship you because he had to; a free man worshiped you because you deserved it. Ariana smiled at Theron. What an odd man.

“I had to intention of taking your freedom Theron. You think I would enjoy being a ball and chain?” Ariana laughed again, she couldn’t help it. “To take your freedom I would have to sacrifice mine. You seem the type I would have to follow around day at night if I wanted your freedom.” Ariana touched his cheek and smiled into his eyes. She shook her head slowly and her hair swayed from side to side. Honestly might work... not complete honesty mind you.

“Don’t look so serious Theron. It doesn’t suit you.” Ariana dropped her head from his cheek and moved to face the water. “I didn’t want your freedom. I wanted your gold, a portion of your gold.” Ariana shot a coy glance over her shoulder at Theron, “I’d be willing to pay for it.” Actually when Ariana thought about it she liked Theron. Not in the way a woman would normally like a man, she just knew that if she ever wanted to be worshipped she could come to Theron... When he wasn’t in a mood like this.

“All I’d really ask in return is ... a share of the loot, and my own freedom. I can go with the men I like and you can go with the women of your choice. I doubt you’ll find any better than me though...” The last part was, although true, classic Ariana. She wouldn’t mind calling him Captain... I’m sure he wouldn’t mind either. If he bought her drinks and gave her gold and admired her every look, hell he’d be perfect. “If... you’re up to it... I’m no ball and chain, but then you can’t be one either. Just... take me with you. Or... bring me back something nice.”

Ariana though she should do something as a treaty to Theron if he actually agreed. Well even if he didn’t agree it might score her some points for the future. She’d like to have someone to come back to if it came down to it. “Now let’s stop that brain of yours with a few drinks... My treat.”

Theron simply stared at her as she talked, none too happy about her laughing, but in retrospect... yeah, he had it coming. When she touched his cheek, he glanced elsewhere with eyes that matched his pessimistic thoughts, All women wanted slaves of men, whether they call them lovers or not. Beauty chains both men and women, but with two very different effects. This Ariana is already a slave to her looks, and there's no doubt I am, too, already...

Theron sighed when she said to lighten up, and rolled his eyes when she admited wanting his money. A common trait among everyone, not just women it seems. At least she'd be willing to make up for it, though Theron wasn't exactly sure if enjoyable work was really work. Nevertheless, Theron couldn't disagree to it. He just didn't think he should pay someone that enjoyed it as much as he.

"I doubt you’ll find any better than me though...”

Theron stepped up beside her to watch the water as well, "To be honest, you're right. I won't, which is why I had my initial doubt about you in the first place. Women like you only come after men like me to upset daddy, but you're long past that relationship, I'm sure." He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Compared to you, I'm just another Average Joe. A clever one, but still just another face in the crowd. You can cast me off, brush me aside, ignore me for months, but as soon as you ask for something, I'll probably be there to give it to you." His eyes fell on the water again. "That's the slavery I was talking about, but you've already chained me up, so I don't see the point in fighting. Don't get me wrong, though. I'll kick and scream every chance you give me..." He glanced at her with a small grin that cut through his sour attitude, "But I'll be sure you do the same."

“Now let’s stop that brain of yours with a few drinks... My treat.”

Theron nodded and put a hand on the back of her head, on the blub where the neck meets the cranium. He massaged her scalp from that point, up and around the sides of her head. "I couldn't agree more." He paused before explaining his actions, "And this is for the headache I've caused."

Ariana laughed again. She did like Theron indeed. “If kicking and screaming is what the man wants,” At least she knew where he stood with her now. He was smart, very smart, or at least could see a ways into her. Most men wouldn’t pick up on her showing up when she wanted something because they’d never know she took it until she was gone. Absently she smoothed out her dress.

”And this is for the headache I've caused.”

“You have caused me a bit more work than I’m used to,” She’d give him that at least. She leaned her head into his fingers. She stood for a moment staring out at the water and letting him massage her neck. She let out a little sigh before she turned a placed a soft kiss on his cheek. She winked at him.

“Now Captain,” Ariana linked her arm through his, “Let’s go make you the most popular man at the tavern,” She smiled at him and laughed a little, “Lead the way,” Ariana paused for a moment... “I was never really one for ‘dads’... And you’re a face I would be able to remember in a crowd...” She didn’t really know why she added it in... but she had. She shook her head a little. "Nevermind that. The drinks await,"