Balls and Storms

Luxemforth leans against the wooden rail of the ship near to her. "Well! That was some battle eh!? Ha ha! We sure showed those drowned sea devils a thing or too!" He pauses as he realises Safire is still fully focused on the task in hand... "Lady Safire, are you... alright?"

Safire stares at the sails ahead of her, and frowns at his words. Her tone is soft when she speaks. "One of those sea devils as you so poshly put it, was my friend, Luxemforth. We called him 'Golden Eyes'. He was a good guy."

"Ah, yes. I'm rather sorry about Mr. Golden Eyes." Luxemforth looks uncomfortable. "Still though, at least we're one step closer to avenging your lost crew! That's something... yes?"

Safire sighs and glances behind, looking back over the stern of the ship. The fog had long since disappeared over the horizon, but to Safire, she couldn't shake the feeling it was right on their tail. "Yes. I suppose it is. All news is good news I suppose. Now we need to work out what to do next." Her voice drops to a whisper to avoid being overheard by the other sailors. "Ideally once they've... removed their marks."

"Do you have any thoughts? Do you think removing the limb really could work?"

"Possibly. I don't really know much about magic." She says this and sends another gust spell into the sails. "Let's hope it's just... skin deep." Safire flexes her fingers and as her joints crack she winces a bit in pain. Rolling her shoulders she relaxes ever so slightly before walking over to the railing where Luxemforth is. Taking a break for the first time in hours. "So... enjoying what I presume is your first sea adventure?"

Luxemforth's eyes light up. "Oh very much so! It's been wonderfu...." He catches his enthusiasm mid-sentence. "It's been a wonderful learning experience. I can understand why you miss it. I'm glad you're finally taking a moment. I'm sure we'll sort all this out lickety-split, kill this giant monster, free the seas, and you'll be off roaming the oceans again in no time!"

"Yeah..." she sighs tiredly. "I really hope so. This thing though..." Her hand idly reaches for the Heart of the Storm which she has secured to her belt. "...Umberlee and Talos aid us..." She shakes her head as if to clear whatever thoughts are clogging her mind and looks out to the horizon. "So old money, quite a party you threw last week. Are all your friends so snooty?"

"Well... yes, I'm afraid they rather are. 'Friends' may be the wrong word, more like... associates I suppose. There are a few good eggs amongst them however"

"Oh really? Maybe I just happen to avoid them. Anyone in particular?"

"Well... no not really, just a slightly more down to earth few scattered amongst the tosh. I suppose we all somewhat have to play along at these sort of events though, otherwise you're rather viewed as prey unfortunately. A pity you didn't have the good fortune of running into any of them"

Safire laughs. "You know, I was prey once and... well..." she gestures her arms at the ship around them "... you can see how that went. I'd rather be prey to a bunch of flouncy nobles who have breakdowns if their wine is corked. You must be considered a real daredevil back home."

"Well I rather worry the Vanderbelt name may not be considered much of anything after the other night. A ruckus such at that leaves rather a poor reputation you see." Luxemforth looks a little glum for a moment, before catching himself and chirping up. "But not to worry, I shall continue my endeavours to be the greatest swordsman who ever lived, and with that respect shall be restored!"

"Hey if people are talking about you, at least you're not boring! You'll be smashing their monocles in no time when they hear some of your stories." Safire laughs. "Luxemforth the Pirate! What woman could resist!"

"A pirate eh? Ha ha! Not sure I'd be suitable for such a job. I've enjoyed the sailing, but I think I prefer my feet on dry land. Better purchase you see?" Safire can tell Luxemforth looks a little baffled and appears to be strategically avoiding part of the question.

An insight definitely picks up on the fact he is looking a little uncomfortable at the mention of female interest.

Safire raises an eyebrow and in a rather blunt tone asks "What is it Luxemforth? Did something else happen at the ball I didn't notice?"

"Well, rather the opposite actually. It's more what didn't happen"

Safire thinks back to the ball and doesn't recall anything from the evening. "Sorry Luxy, you're going to have to be more specific."

"Well there was somebody I was rather hoping to have a catch up with, however the events of the night made that rather impossible." Luxemforth looks down at the ground, and appears to tail off.

"Huh." Safire looks at Luxemforth curiously. "I don't think I've ever seen you so... sheepish. I mean it wasn't that big a deal was it? You revealed the imposter and made a big ol' show of it. Or... is that not how it works?" Safire shrugs and turns her attention back to the sails. "I mean, worst case is you catch up with them some other time, right?"

Luxemforth laughs. "Sheepish is it!?" He chortles a while before continuing... "Well I suppose in the adventuring community, it may not be a particularly big deal. However in the world of aristocracy and business, anything scandalous could be enough to ruin you... and with that, your chances of 'catching up' I suppose."

"Wait, so one wrong move, one mistake and you and your entire family has their life ruined?" Safire lets out a low whistle and shakes her head. "Wow, that's fucking something. No wonder you decided to piss off and become an adventurer! Screw that!"

"Well perhaps not ruined per say... but requires rather a bit of digging to remove oneself from the associated mess. Adventuring is just marvellous though isn't it?"

Safire grins. "It is. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical at first but think I've taken to it quite well. All my years sailing the seas and I've never felt more connected to my power than I have in the last few months." Her hand idly drifts to The Heart of the Storm. "I don't know what to do next though. Umberlee and Talos, I can feel something new, a different power. I guess if I need divine help to average The Seafoam Queen, who am I to turn it down?"

"Well indeed! If this is where your path leads, then I shall happily do my best to assist you where possible!"

Safire smiles warmly at Luxemforth. "Thanks, I appreciate it. Right back at you. If you need help with whatever the fuck is going on with your family or high society drama and just want to inject a little chaos, then let me know."

Safire winks and walks back to the centre of the ship to resume her weather control. She closes her eyes and slows her breathing as the wind direction shifts and the ship begins to pick up speed again.