Elendor
A new Seaward captain
The pirate Lozir is brought before Seaward's Lady Eruphel
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Seaward Tower: The Hall of the West
Game Date: January 3046
IC Time: Night
Description: Seaward Tower: The Hall of the West
The immense double doors manned at all times by at least four guards opens up on the north side into the West Hall of Seaward. This is the Throne Room, the crowning glory of the Seaward Tower.
Generations of Tower Lords have preferred the austerity of plain gray marble with little or no decoration, but not Lord Lominakh. This colossal hall is a breathtaking view into the grandeur that befits the power and might of the senior Tower Lord of Umbar.
A magnificent mural covers every surface of the four walls spanning the entire width and length of this spacious hall, and continues to cover even the vaulted ceiling high above so that one must crane his neck to see. In vivid detail, the mural tell the story of the sinking of the Gondorian warship Arvadi, starting from when the enemy vessel was spotted near the Corsair Haven, to how the Sea Snake lured it into the cove where the combined forces of Seaward and Black waited, to the springing of the trap, to the fierce hand to hand combat, and to the burning and sinking of Gondor's proud warship.
The throne of the Corsair Lord sits regally as it always has, on the south wall upon a high gilded dais. On the wall behind the throne is the image of the Arvadi in towering flames, the paint mixed with gold flakes to make the blazing inferno come alive. Flanking the imposing throne, a pair of awe inspiring glass cases set upon stone pillars each houses a deadly serpent within the small jungle inside.
Before the throne, the circular sigil of the Seaward Tower is embedded on the floor, a mosaic made up of precious stones and solid gold, the diameter of which spans the height of a tall man. Desecrated flags and other trophies of war from defeated enemies decorate the eastern wall at eye level as not to obstruct the murals painted high above and also encourage visitors to touch these blood-stained displays. The long rows of straight-backed chairs that line the east and west walls are all reserved for the privileged few within Seaward who may sit and watch the procession of people seek audience with the Corsair Lord. The position of the chair in relation to the throne is a not so subtle indication of the position of importance of that person in the Tower.
A set of curtained alcoves with a guard standing at each interrupts the line of chairs on the northern end. Presumably, the alcove houses extra chairs or perhaps it leads to the kitchen.
Obvious exits:
Tower Doors, Common Lounge, Up the Stairwell, and Down the Stairwell
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Nighttime on Hevensday, Day 25 of January.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 14:42:08 MDT on Sun May 31 2009.
IC year: 3046
[Eruphel(#20109)]
It is midnight in Umbar, and the moon sits directly overhead with its pale sickle barely offering hardly any more than a point of reference. But none of that can be seen within the throne room of Seaward, which has been lit with extra torches and candles, and the remains of a small feast still sits on the tables, with groupings of couches holding guests who converse and share some of the last remaining tidbits.
The entertainment began long ago, with musicians and dancing girls and the occasional trickster to offer a laugh. But now, as the musicians play their light yet droning beat, the girl dancing now begins to look tired, and her movements are more fluid, not so high as before, and slower. No one seems to notice though.
The throne itself is unoccupied, though the pillow still shows the indentation where Lady Eruphel sat. Now she sits on one of the low-lying couches conversing with an elderly fellow, who is smoking and gesturing with his pipe as he speaks.
Even on occasions of rejoicing such as this, security is an issue. Thus it is that some more plainly dressed move amongst the revellers, or watch the scene from the doorway. Barjad is in the latter category he stands stiffly, and his features, cast into twisted relief by the flickering of the torches, are inscrutable as ever. His gaze flicks to the dancer and away before returning to Eruphel. Weary, almost.
[Lozir(#32438)]
There is then the heralding rap of a spear haft upon the stone floor -- the guards by the door parting to admit some new arrivals. First comes a man in Seaward livery, a proud yet tired expression upon his face, though the fellow that follows him may be more worthy of note, perhaps. In this room of finery and wealth he wears but simple seaman's garb, and while he still sports a scimitar at his side it is watched carefully by the two guards that bring up the rear. It would seem he is being ushered into the room, and is certainly not to be trusted fully.
The man's eyes flit around the room, and despite his predicament his strides have a hint of swagger as he is led through the hall. The small procession turns and meanders along towards Eruphel's couch, though it is drawn to a halt a good dozen paces away for safety.
"Lady," greets the leading guard then, bowing his head. "Forgive the intrusion, but we have what you asked us to find."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Lady Eruphel, who had been reclining on her side in pleasant conversation, turns to look on with interest as the four enter the throne room. She reads the signs that spell potential trouble in the body language of the guardsmen, and also the apparent swagger of the stranger. Her eyes narrow, and she sits up. She looks at the foremost guard and blinks twice, and shakes her head. "Forgive me, remind me what I have asked you to find?"
Barjad's features crease in a sudden scowl as he notes the little procession and - more importantly - its distance from the Seaward Lord. His hand slips to his scimitar as though checking its readiness, then is carefully lowered. As another Seawarder enters the room, Barjad pulls him aside to murmur something. The upshot? The newcomer takes Barjad's place at the door relieved of his former duty, Barjad begins to edge round the room, nearer to Eruphel.
[Lozir(#32438)]
There is a laugh from the plainly dressed fellow at the Lady's question, and he places his hands on his hips with a taunting glance to the leading guard there appears to be history here, and the guard clears his throat.
"Forgive me, Lady," says he. "But you instructed us to find the one responsible for the loss of the Naloinzil..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel stands right away, unfolding her legs beneath her in a fluid motion. "The Naloinzil?" She takes a moment to remember, then suddenly her eyes widen. "Oh! The Torath. Or rather, its replacement." Her interest piqued, and her face hard and unyielding, she says softly, "Perhaps I should hear this out then..." she glances about for a guard, sighting Barjad as he moves, and crooking a finger for him to follow, then she ascends the dias to the throne. "Tell me then, for I am dying to know..." she says, then plants her rear on the understuffed cushion.
Now, that /is/ interesting. Barjad's heavy brows lift a fraction he regards the stranger with the first spark of curiosity. At Eruphel's gesture he moves nearer, then halts at the foot of the dais, hand resting lightly on his scimitar. The implication is clear any threat to the Lady must pass him first. His eyes are wary as he watches the accused, the leading guard and the pair hitherto silent.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The guard leading the stranger bows his head once more to Eruphel, and stands aside so that she might gain a better view of the 'captive'. "This, Lady, is the man most responsible for the ship's disappearance, or should I say: theft? It took us a while to track down a name, but once we discovered it, the man himself was not hard to find. He is named Lozir, Lady, and is well known to the pirates that litter the coast to the south..."
Lozir himself folds his arms at this, and grins widely. As yet, though, he still does not speak.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Lozir?" Eruphel says with an even tone, though a dangerous anger seems to well up beneath it. "Son of...?" She looks at Barjad in askance for a few moments, then shifts in her chair, laying her palms down on her lap. "And where is the Naloinzil now?" she asks softly.
The right side of Barjad's mouth twitches slightly at the guard's information. He looks to Lozir and raises one brow in clear question - so? The scowl of earlier is gone, though he still watches all four men carefully. Eruphel's glance is obviously not felt by his broad shoulders, for he shows no sign of discomfort.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The guard's brow furrows then, and he scowls to the man named Lozir, who merely grins back impudently. "We do not know, Lady. Not threat has managed to prise the information from his lips, and in truth, we could not overpower him. He is here, because we offered him a chance at redem--"
"I am here," interrupts Lozir himself, taking a pace forward, "because I'm not going to spend my valuable time being chased around by fools, in vain I might add. It's an unwanted distraction, you understand? And so, Lady, I come to see what the noble and glorious Tower of Seaward wishes to offer a man of resource."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Well, I might allow you to live. How is that?" Eruphel narrows her eyes just a bit. "You came to bargain, so lets bargain. You tell me where it is, and I'll allow you to live." She nods to guards about the hall to draw their weapons.
Barjad dutifully does as bid, pulling his battered-looking scimitar from its sheath. "Lady - why is the Nalonzil so important?" he queries, quietly.
Others, no doubt, focus on Lozir his own gaze shifts to the foremost guard, the accuser, and he snorts softly under his breath. Clearly he considers the latter as much threat as the former.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The grin of Lozir fades a little, but only to be replaced by a look of feigned injury, for he tilts his head and looks to Eruphel once more. "Lady, I am hurt. You think I come here to just beg for my life, and withold the location of your prized vessel? I'd not keep such a secret from you the might of Seaward is whispered with dread up and down the coast. They say that the ships and corsairs of your Tower are a force to be reckoned with, and that any who cross you..."
But then he trails off and shakes his head a mischeivous gleam dancing in his eye as he folds his arms. "Oh, forgive me. That's Farside, I'm thinking of. Such a shame."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Put him down! On his knees, in supplication!" Eruphel orders, leaping to her feet at once. And indeed, the entire hall bristles and rises to its feet with the insult. She takes a step or two forward, putting her hand on the hilt of her sword and drawing it slowly.
Barjad's question must remain unanswered, for now. His right hand is still occupied in pulling his battered scimitar from its sheath, in an awkward, clumsy motion as though he still struggled with that particular weapon. However, unweaponed hand, which is foremost, is already reaching out in attempt to strike the taunting Lozir on the shoulder and force the man down, maintaining his grip if he can. "That," he tells the man in slow, nasal Haradaic, "is your mistake."
[Lozir(#32438)]
But as Barjad's hand comes down the impudent stranger shrugs it aside, stepping to the left to avoid the contact. "I need no fools of your guard to direct me, Lady. What man wouldn't want to kneel before you?" Offering her a wink he sinks slowly to one knee, his hands held wide apart in submission.
"However, before you cut off my head, I ask you to consider one thing..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Impudent man." Eruphel mutters now, the Devilblade of Umbar in her hand, the sword tip only barely clearing the carpet on the floor. She saunters toward him slowly, moving around to Lozir's side, and placing the blade against the nape of the man's neck. The blade is cold, but the sharp bite can be felt even without cutting. "What should I consider?" She twists the sword slightly to make it felt, her words as cold as the sword. "Before I separate that grin from your body?"
Barjad lets out a hissed breath as his swing misses now, his scimitar drawn fully clear, he awaits Eruphel's next instruction - or any threat that might need be answered in blood.
[Lozir(#32438)]
With an exaggerated gulp as the cold steel touches his skin, Lozir does not turn his head to look at Eruphel, though he does answer her with an even tone. "Consider, Lady, that while my words stung your pride, they are still the truth. Long has it been since the threat of Seaward's vengeance kept men such as I at bay, and even upon the water we hear of the triumphs your rivals enjoy at your expense. Wouldn't you like to change these things, and make the name of your Tower more fearful than any rumour of sea dragons?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"So...you are saying that I should not kill you because you speak the truth. Is that it?" Eruphel says, adding her other hand to the hilt of the sword for stability, ready to lift the sword. "I have already taken steps to return Seaward to her former glory. And recovering the Naloinzil would be a big step in that direction. Do you agree?"
"The Lady acts when /she/ chooses. Not when others speak." Barjad's muttered protest goes unheard beneath Eruphel's words, and he says no more. He is, after all, simply a corsair - a scimitar and a hand to hold it - and not one whose words are of value in this place, at this time.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"I do agree," nods Lozir to Eruphel, carefully lest the sharp blade nick his skin. "And I ask in return, would not the gossip of her destruction hinder your designs? Rest assured, Lady, I am no lackwit. Should the news of my death leave these halls, then your precious vessel will be burned in a trice. Indeed, there are those who are instructed to do as much should they recieve no message from me soonly. That would be a sorry shame, would it not?"
He sniffs then, and brings his hands together. "On the other hand, the very seamen who so successfully stole the ship are also quite ready to return it, should the mood take them. Such men and their captain must be skilled indeed, to evade the wrath of Umbar for so long, no? Cut off my head, and the Naloinzil will not be the only great loss to your ambitions.."
[Eruphel(#20109)] The cutting steel leaves the nape of Lozir neck, but he has no more time than to breathe a sigh before the same sword slips beneath his neck, cutting edge upwards now and pressing against the soft flesh there. "I will not be threatened or blackmailed, fool, though the prospect of another skilled crew intrigues me. Recant your words, or our negotiations are done." Eruphel's words are as soft as velvet, but drip with menace. She glances up at Barjad, who is closest, and nods and then angles her head down at the man.
Barjad's torn lips part, as though he would speak - but then Eruphel has made her own decision and the moment is passed. Imperceptibly he nods his approval, before glancing back to Lozir as a yawn distorts his scarred features even further. The hour is late, and it would seem that the corsair grows disinterested.
[Lozir(#32438)]
Lozir stills his breath, not daring to even swallow with the Devilblade so poised to end his life, but slowly, warily he turns his head to look up to Eruphel. "Our negotiations have not begun, Lady. I make no threat, I merely tell you what is already done, and stand here awaiting your doom. The choice is yours, and not mine."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel looks down her nose at Lozir, then across the man to Barjad. "Perhaps we should let your peers decide your fate. What say you, Barjad? Kill him and lose the ship? If he's been telling the truth, that is."
Barjad blinks at that, as though he were surprised to be asked. "A ship can be remade," he states after a pause, shaping each nasal word slowly and carefully. "And snakes are usually better dead than alive. Unless you would like a pet?"
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Another one, you mean?" says Lozir then, turning to look upon Barjad. "Or do you suppose you're any different than I?"
Barjad's torn lips draw back from his teeth at that. "I am alive because I am a tool. I know my place," he answers Lozir, scowling.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel nods her approval at the exchange between the two men. "Just so. You bend a knee easily, Lozir, yet know no humility or respect. What saved you only moments ago was not your insistence of truth, but your tone. /Can/ you serve a lord, wildman of the sea? Can you serve a woman wholly? Would you submit to the lashes at my orders?" Her words hold challenge and promise.
[Lozir(#32438)]
Upon that bended knee, Lozir looks up into the Tower Lord's eyes, and his grin returns to his lips ere he replies: "I can serve well enough, and I dont care a whit whether you're a woman or a man, though," he adds, "I must say your company is a good deal more enjoyable. As for humility and respect, Lady, these are things for your halls and your dealings. They have little place on the open sea, where a man must be bold and canny, or else he is lost. You wish to break your new tool before putting it to use, then go ahead, call for the lash. If not, then let me tell you what really motivates one such as I..."
Eruphel's attention is likely all on Lozir. At her nod, however, something flickers behind Barjad's eyes, a sudden hardening. A moment only, and it is gone the man stands still, the dutiful retainer, as Seaward lord and self-confessed pirate come to an arrangement.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel is tempted to ask what really motivates Lozir, but thinks better of it. "With respect comes obedience, and obedience is of particular import when you are on another ship beyond the lash. I think you, of all people, would understand such a thing, and if you allow such disrespect from your /own/ men, then I would think much less of you. And if you did, then your other men would also try to see how they might defy you. And soon, your entire ship is undisciplined." She releases the sword hilt with one hand, and reaches out to caress the pirate's cheek softly, her words also soft. "So it must be with me, to prove your obedience and loyalty, you must show respect."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Meeting her gaze, his eyes sharpening as she touches his cheek, Lozir says softly in reply: "I show it where it is due, Lady. My crew know as much, and so I worry not for their loyalty. You say you have laid plans to restore your Tower's glory, and I believe you. But if I am to serve a master then I will not abide them to be weak, or poor for that matter. I'll do you proud, Lady, for there are few better than I upon the sea, but can my master match my ambitions?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Is that what motivates you then, Lozir? Ambition?" Perhaps as a good sign, she withdraws the blade from the mans throat and lets it hang by her side.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Among other things," he nods, holding her gaze. "I grow weary of treasure itself, for I have amassed a goodly store and it pleases me little for I can put it to no use. Power, too, is but a means to an end, and not an end unto itself. What I desire, Lady, is glory -- a jewel that shall ever sparkle and shine. Give me the Naloinzil, Lady, and let me captain her for you as the flagship of your Tower. Together, we'll bring the seas under the yoke of Seaward once again, and songs of our deeds shall be sung for an age to come."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel regards the man on his knees for a long time, weighing the benefits and the cost. Finally she steps around to the front of the man, and holds out her sword, blade hanging straight down. "Give your oath of loyalty then, and be judged."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Lozir regards the blade for a long moment, before with a wolfish grin toying upon his lips he looks back up to Eruphel. "I swear, Lady," says he, "that upon pain of this blade hewing my neck, I'll serve you and your Tower faithfully, as her Captain on the seas. Will you swear anything to me in return, or is that not how things are done in the city?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's mouth twitches slightly in disapproval, but she ignores the last bit. "And I, Eruphel, Daughter of Mazrakhor the Serpent Lord of Umbar, a Lord of Umbar in my own right, do swear my loyalty and protection to you, Lozir son of None, and offer shelter and comfort so long as you shall live." Some of the men murmur at the last few words...something about a deviation on the oath. But the Lady ignores it.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Son of Hazir, Lady," he nods, still upon bended knee, and his own lips twitch as he hears the murmurs, but with mild amusement. "Though truth be told, I'd rather be named the son of the winter squall, for so they call me and my crew when we choose our prey."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel smiles in mild amusement as well, and lifts the sword hilt to Lozir's face for him to kiss. "My father's sword has already been at your neck. So kiss it and rise, Lozir, son of Hazir, son of the winter squall, Captain of the Naloinzil, Corsair Captain of Seaward."
[Lozir(#32438)]
The new Captain leans forward to place his lips upon the sword hilt, letting his gaze flicker up to Eruphel's own again as he does, and he grins anew. Then, slowly, he rises, and begins to brush himself off rather obviously before the guards.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel smirks at the captain's cocky actions. "You will have opportunity to make good on your boasts soon enough. So...where /is/ the Naloinzil?"
[Lozir(#32438)]
The Corsair's lips part then into the toothiest grin he has yet shown, and he bows theatrically to Eruphel. "Why, Lady, she is achored not far off shore in the Bay of Umbar itself. I must say it astounds me, sometimes, how land dwellers are unable to recognise a ship when it's figurehead is removed and its timbers painted a different colour..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Land dwellers, perhaps. But land dwellers are not looking for the Naloinzil. I suspect it is a little better hidden than that. I will be wanting to inspect it soon," Eruphel says. "You will have quarters here in the tower, not that you will be using them much. But certainly you can sleep there tonight."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Another bow, but lacking the theatrics of before, and Lozir smiles to his new master. "More than grateful, I assure you, Lady. I trust there will be a guard outside my door, for my protection?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel snorts softly. "If you feel you need one, best to post your own. I think you have made few friends today. But so far as that goes, I do not think one is any more likely to appear if you do not have a guard as if you did. So that is up to you." She glances outside, and notes the sky beginning to lighten. "It is past time for bed." she announces, and departs for the stairwell.
[Lozir(#32438)]
A long, sly smile crosses the Captain's lips, and with a wink to Barjad he turns to stroll from the hall also.
The immense double doors manned at all times by at least four guards opens up on the north side into the West Hall of Seaward. This is the Throne Room, the crowning glory of the Seaward Tower.
Generations of Tower Lords have preferred the austerity of plain gray marble with little or no decoration, but not Lord Lominakh. This colossal hall is a breathtaking view into the grandeur that befits the power and might of the senior Tower Lord of Umbar.
A magnificent mural covers every surface of the four walls spanning the entire width and length of this spacious hall, and continues to cover even the vaulted ceiling high above so that one must crane his neck to see. In vivid detail, the mural tell the story of the sinking of the Gondorian warship Arvadi, starting from when the enemy vessel was spotted near the Corsair Haven, to how the Sea Snake lured it into the cove where the combined forces of Seaward and Black waited, to the springing of the trap, to the fierce hand to hand combat, and to the burning and sinking of Gondor's proud warship.
The throne of the Corsair Lord sits regally as it always has, on the south wall upon a high gilded dais. On the wall behind the throne is the image of the Arvadi in towering flames, the paint mixed with gold flakes to make the blazing inferno come alive. Flanking the imposing throne, a pair of awe inspiring glass cases set upon stone pillars each houses a deadly serpent within the small jungle inside.
Before the throne, the circular sigil of the Seaward Tower is embedded on the floor, a mosaic made up of precious stones and solid gold, the diameter of which spans the height of a tall man. Desecrated flags and other trophies of war from defeated enemies decorate the eastern wall at eye level as not to obstruct the murals painted high above and also encourage visitors to touch these blood-stained displays. The long rows of straight-backed chairs that line the east and west walls are all reserved for the privileged few within Seaward who may sit and watch the procession of people seek audience with the Corsair Lord. The position of the chair in relation to the throne is a not so subtle indication of the position of importance of that person in the Tower.
A set of curtained alcoves with a guard standing at each interrupts the line of chairs on the northern end. Presumably, the alcove houses extra chairs or perhaps it leads to the kitchen.
Obvious exits:
Tower Doors, Common Lounge, Up the Stairwell, and Down the Stairwell
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Nighttime on Hevensday, Day 25 of January.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 14:42:08 MDT on Sun May 31 2009.
IC year: 3046
[Eruphel(#20109)]
It is midnight in Umbar, and the moon sits directly overhead with its pale sickle barely offering hardly any more than a point of reference. But none of that can be seen within the throne room of Seaward, which has been lit with extra torches and candles, and the remains of a small feast still sits on the tables, with groupings of couches holding guests who converse and share some of the last remaining tidbits.
The entertainment began long ago, with musicians and dancing girls and the occasional trickster to offer a laugh. But now, as the musicians play their light yet droning beat, the girl dancing now begins to look tired, and her movements are more fluid, not so high as before, and slower. No one seems to notice though.
The throne itself is unoccupied, though the pillow still shows the indentation where Lady Eruphel sat. Now she sits on one of the low-lying couches conversing with an elderly fellow, who is smoking and gesturing with his pipe as he speaks.
Even on occasions of rejoicing such as this, security is an issue. Thus it is that some more plainly dressed move amongst the revellers, or watch the scene from the doorway. Barjad is in the latter category he stands stiffly, and his features, cast into twisted relief by the flickering of the torches, are inscrutable as ever. His gaze flicks to the dancer and away before returning to Eruphel. Weary, almost.
[Lozir(#32438)]
There is then the heralding rap of a spear haft upon the stone floor -- the guards by the door parting to admit some new arrivals. First comes a man in Seaward livery, a proud yet tired expression upon his face, though the fellow that follows him may be more worthy of note, perhaps. In this room of finery and wealth he wears but simple seaman's garb, and while he still sports a scimitar at his side it is watched carefully by the two guards that bring up the rear. It would seem he is being ushered into the room, and is certainly not to be trusted fully.
The man's eyes flit around the room, and despite his predicament his strides have a hint of swagger as he is led through the hall. The small procession turns and meanders along towards Eruphel's couch, though it is drawn to a halt a good dozen paces away for safety.
"Lady," greets the leading guard then, bowing his head. "Forgive the intrusion, but we have what you asked us to find."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Lady Eruphel, who had been reclining on her side in pleasant conversation, turns to look on with interest as the four enter the throne room. She reads the signs that spell potential trouble in the body language of the guardsmen, and also the apparent swagger of the stranger. Her eyes narrow, and she sits up. She looks at the foremost guard and blinks twice, and shakes her head. "Forgive me, remind me what I have asked you to find?"
Barjad's features crease in a sudden scowl as he notes the little procession and - more importantly - its distance from the Seaward Lord. His hand slips to his scimitar as though checking its readiness, then is carefully lowered. As another Seawarder enters the room, Barjad pulls him aside to murmur something. The upshot? The newcomer takes Barjad's place at the door relieved of his former duty, Barjad begins to edge round the room, nearer to Eruphel.
[Lozir(#32438)]
There is a laugh from the plainly dressed fellow at the Lady's question, and he places his hands on his hips with a taunting glance to the leading guard there appears to be history here, and the guard clears his throat.
"Forgive me, Lady," says he. "But you instructed us to find the one responsible for the loss of the Naloinzil..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel stands right away, unfolding her legs beneath her in a fluid motion. "The Naloinzil?" She takes a moment to remember, then suddenly her eyes widen. "Oh! The Torath. Or rather, its replacement." Her interest piqued, and her face hard and unyielding, she says softly, "Perhaps I should hear this out then..." she glances about for a guard, sighting Barjad as he moves, and crooking a finger for him to follow, then she ascends the dias to the throne. "Tell me then, for I am dying to know..." she says, then plants her rear on the understuffed cushion.
Now, that /is/ interesting. Barjad's heavy brows lift a fraction he regards the stranger with the first spark of curiosity. At Eruphel's gesture he moves nearer, then halts at the foot of the dais, hand resting lightly on his scimitar. The implication is clear any threat to the Lady must pass him first. His eyes are wary as he watches the accused, the leading guard and the pair hitherto silent.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The guard leading the stranger bows his head once more to Eruphel, and stands aside so that she might gain a better view of the 'captive'. "This, Lady, is the man most responsible for the ship's disappearance, or should I say: theft? It took us a while to track down a name, but once we discovered it, the man himself was not hard to find. He is named Lozir, Lady, and is well known to the pirates that litter the coast to the south..."
Lozir himself folds his arms at this, and grins widely. As yet, though, he still does not speak.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Lozir?" Eruphel says with an even tone, though a dangerous anger seems to well up beneath it. "Son of...?" She looks at Barjad in askance for a few moments, then shifts in her chair, laying her palms down on her lap. "And where is the Naloinzil now?" she asks softly.
The right side of Barjad's mouth twitches slightly at the guard's information. He looks to Lozir and raises one brow in clear question - so? The scowl of earlier is gone, though he still watches all four men carefully. Eruphel's glance is obviously not felt by his broad shoulders, for he shows no sign of discomfort.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The guard's brow furrows then, and he scowls to the man named Lozir, who merely grins back impudently. "We do not know, Lady. Not threat has managed to prise the information from his lips, and in truth, we could not overpower him. He is here, because we offered him a chance at redem--"
"I am here," interrupts Lozir himself, taking a pace forward, "because I'm not going to spend my valuable time being chased around by fools, in vain I might add. It's an unwanted distraction, you understand? And so, Lady, I come to see what the noble and glorious Tower of Seaward wishes to offer a man of resource."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Well, I might allow you to live. How is that?" Eruphel narrows her eyes just a bit. "You came to bargain, so lets bargain. You tell me where it is, and I'll allow you to live." She nods to guards about the hall to draw their weapons.
Barjad dutifully does as bid, pulling his battered-looking scimitar from its sheath. "Lady - why is the Nalonzil so important?" he queries, quietly.
Others, no doubt, focus on Lozir his own gaze shifts to the foremost guard, the accuser, and he snorts softly under his breath. Clearly he considers the latter as much threat as the former.
[Lozir(#32438)]
The grin of Lozir fades a little, but only to be replaced by a look of feigned injury, for he tilts his head and looks to Eruphel once more. "Lady, I am hurt. You think I come here to just beg for my life, and withold the location of your prized vessel? I'd not keep such a secret from you the might of Seaward is whispered with dread up and down the coast. They say that the ships and corsairs of your Tower are a force to be reckoned with, and that any who cross you..."
But then he trails off and shakes his head a mischeivous gleam dancing in his eye as he folds his arms. "Oh, forgive me. That's Farside, I'm thinking of. Such a shame."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Put him down! On his knees, in supplication!" Eruphel orders, leaping to her feet at once. And indeed, the entire hall bristles and rises to its feet with the insult. She takes a step or two forward, putting her hand on the hilt of her sword and drawing it slowly.
Barjad's question must remain unanswered, for now. His right hand is still occupied in pulling his battered scimitar from its sheath, in an awkward, clumsy motion as though he still struggled with that particular weapon. However, unweaponed hand, which is foremost, is already reaching out in attempt to strike the taunting Lozir on the shoulder and force the man down, maintaining his grip if he can. "That," he tells the man in slow, nasal Haradaic, "is your mistake."
[Lozir(#32438)]
But as Barjad's hand comes down the impudent stranger shrugs it aside, stepping to the left to avoid the contact. "I need no fools of your guard to direct me, Lady. What man wouldn't want to kneel before you?" Offering her a wink he sinks slowly to one knee, his hands held wide apart in submission.
"However, before you cut off my head, I ask you to consider one thing..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Impudent man." Eruphel mutters now, the Devilblade of Umbar in her hand, the sword tip only barely clearing the carpet on the floor. She saunters toward him slowly, moving around to Lozir's side, and placing the blade against the nape of the man's neck. The blade is cold, but the sharp bite can be felt even without cutting. "What should I consider?" She twists the sword slightly to make it felt, her words as cold as the sword. "Before I separate that grin from your body?"
Barjad lets out a hissed breath as his swing misses now, his scimitar drawn fully clear, he awaits Eruphel's next instruction - or any threat that might need be answered in blood.
[Lozir(#32438)]
With an exaggerated gulp as the cold steel touches his skin, Lozir does not turn his head to look at Eruphel, though he does answer her with an even tone. "Consider, Lady, that while my words stung your pride, they are still the truth. Long has it been since the threat of Seaward's vengeance kept men such as I at bay, and even upon the water we hear of the triumphs your rivals enjoy at your expense. Wouldn't you like to change these things, and make the name of your Tower more fearful than any rumour of sea dragons?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"So...you are saying that I should not kill you because you speak the truth. Is that it?" Eruphel says, adding her other hand to the hilt of the sword for stability, ready to lift the sword. "I have already taken steps to return Seaward to her former glory. And recovering the Naloinzil would be a big step in that direction. Do you agree?"
"The Lady acts when /she/ chooses. Not when others speak." Barjad's muttered protest goes unheard beneath Eruphel's words, and he says no more. He is, after all, simply a corsair - a scimitar and a hand to hold it - and not one whose words are of value in this place, at this time.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"I do agree," nods Lozir to Eruphel, carefully lest the sharp blade nick his skin. "And I ask in return, would not the gossip of her destruction hinder your designs? Rest assured, Lady, I am no lackwit. Should the news of my death leave these halls, then your precious vessel will be burned in a trice. Indeed, there are those who are instructed to do as much should they recieve no message from me soonly. That would be a sorry shame, would it not?"
He sniffs then, and brings his hands together. "On the other hand, the very seamen who so successfully stole the ship are also quite ready to return it, should the mood take them. Such men and their captain must be skilled indeed, to evade the wrath of Umbar for so long, no? Cut off my head, and the Naloinzil will not be the only great loss to your ambitions.."
[Eruphel(#20109)] The cutting steel leaves the nape of Lozir neck, but he has no more time than to breathe a sigh before the same sword slips beneath his neck, cutting edge upwards now and pressing against the soft flesh there. "I will not be threatened or blackmailed, fool, though the prospect of another skilled crew intrigues me. Recant your words, or our negotiations are done." Eruphel's words are as soft as velvet, but drip with menace. She glances up at Barjad, who is closest, and nods and then angles her head down at the man.
Barjad's torn lips part, as though he would speak - but then Eruphel has made her own decision and the moment is passed. Imperceptibly he nods his approval, before glancing back to Lozir as a yawn distorts his scarred features even further. The hour is late, and it would seem that the corsair grows disinterested.
[Lozir(#32438)]
Lozir stills his breath, not daring to even swallow with the Devilblade so poised to end his life, but slowly, warily he turns his head to look up to Eruphel. "Our negotiations have not begun, Lady. I make no threat, I merely tell you what is already done, and stand here awaiting your doom. The choice is yours, and not mine."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel looks down her nose at Lozir, then across the man to Barjad. "Perhaps we should let your peers decide your fate. What say you, Barjad? Kill him and lose the ship? If he's been telling the truth, that is."
Barjad blinks at that, as though he were surprised to be asked. "A ship can be remade," he states after a pause, shaping each nasal word slowly and carefully. "And snakes are usually better dead than alive. Unless you would like a pet?"
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Another one, you mean?" says Lozir then, turning to look upon Barjad. "Or do you suppose you're any different than I?"
Barjad's torn lips draw back from his teeth at that. "I am alive because I am a tool. I know my place," he answers Lozir, scowling.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel nods her approval at the exchange between the two men. "Just so. You bend a knee easily, Lozir, yet know no humility or respect. What saved you only moments ago was not your insistence of truth, but your tone. /Can/ you serve a lord, wildman of the sea? Can you serve a woman wholly? Would you submit to the lashes at my orders?" Her words hold challenge and promise.
[Lozir(#32438)]
Upon that bended knee, Lozir looks up into the Tower Lord's eyes, and his grin returns to his lips ere he replies: "I can serve well enough, and I dont care a whit whether you're a woman or a man, though," he adds, "I must say your company is a good deal more enjoyable. As for humility and respect, Lady, these are things for your halls and your dealings. They have little place on the open sea, where a man must be bold and canny, or else he is lost. You wish to break your new tool before putting it to use, then go ahead, call for the lash. If not, then let me tell you what really motivates one such as I..."
Eruphel's attention is likely all on Lozir. At her nod, however, something flickers behind Barjad's eyes, a sudden hardening. A moment only, and it is gone the man stands still, the dutiful retainer, as Seaward lord and self-confessed pirate come to an arrangement.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel is tempted to ask what really motivates Lozir, but thinks better of it. "With respect comes obedience, and obedience is of particular import when you are on another ship beyond the lash. I think you, of all people, would understand such a thing, and if you allow such disrespect from your /own/ men, then I would think much less of you. And if you did, then your other men would also try to see how they might defy you. And soon, your entire ship is undisciplined." She releases the sword hilt with one hand, and reaches out to caress the pirate's cheek softly, her words also soft. "So it must be with me, to prove your obedience and loyalty, you must show respect."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Meeting her gaze, his eyes sharpening as she touches his cheek, Lozir says softly in reply: "I show it where it is due, Lady. My crew know as much, and so I worry not for their loyalty. You say you have laid plans to restore your Tower's glory, and I believe you. But if I am to serve a master then I will not abide them to be weak, or poor for that matter. I'll do you proud, Lady, for there are few better than I upon the sea, but can my master match my ambitions?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Is that what motivates you then, Lozir? Ambition?" Perhaps as a good sign, she withdraws the blade from the mans throat and lets it hang by her side.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Among other things," he nods, holding her gaze. "I grow weary of treasure itself, for I have amassed a goodly store and it pleases me little for I can put it to no use. Power, too, is but a means to an end, and not an end unto itself. What I desire, Lady, is glory -- a jewel that shall ever sparkle and shine. Give me the Naloinzil, Lady, and let me captain her for you as the flagship of your Tower. Together, we'll bring the seas under the yoke of Seaward once again, and songs of our deeds shall be sung for an age to come."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel regards the man on his knees for a long time, weighing the benefits and the cost. Finally she steps around to the front of the man, and holds out her sword, blade hanging straight down. "Give your oath of loyalty then, and be judged."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Lozir regards the blade for a long moment, before with a wolfish grin toying upon his lips he looks back up to Eruphel. "I swear, Lady," says he, "that upon pain of this blade hewing my neck, I'll serve you and your Tower faithfully, as her Captain on the seas. Will you swear anything to me in return, or is that not how things are done in the city?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's mouth twitches slightly in disapproval, but she ignores the last bit. "And I, Eruphel, Daughter of Mazrakhor the Serpent Lord of Umbar, a Lord of Umbar in my own right, do swear my loyalty and protection to you, Lozir son of None, and offer shelter and comfort so long as you shall live." Some of the men murmur at the last few words...something about a deviation on the oath. But the Lady ignores it.
[Lozir(#32438)]
"Son of Hazir, Lady," he nods, still upon bended knee, and his own lips twitch as he hears the murmurs, but with mild amusement. "Though truth be told, I'd rather be named the son of the winter squall, for so they call me and my crew when we choose our prey."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel smiles in mild amusement as well, and lifts the sword hilt to Lozir's face for him to kiss. "My father's sword has already been at your neck. So kiss it and rise, Lozir, son of Hazir, son of the winter squall, Captain of the Naloinzil, Corsair Captain of Seaward."
[Lozir(#32438)]
The new Captain leans forward to place his lips upon the sword hilt, letting his gaze flicker up to Eruphel's own again as he does, and he grins anew. Then, slowly, he rises, and begins to brush himself off rather obviously before the guards.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel smirks at the captain's cocky actions. "You will have opportunity to make good on your boasts soon enough. So...where /is/ the Naloinzil?"
[Lozir(#32438)]
The Corsair's lips part then into the toothiest grin he has yet shown, and he bows theatrically to Eruphel. "Why, Lady, she is achored not far off shore in the Bay of Umbar itself. I must say it astounds me, sometimes, how land dwellers are unable to recognise a ship when it's figurehead is removed and its timbers painted a different colour..."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Land dwellers, perhaps. But land dwellers are not looking for the Naloinzil. I suspect it is a little better hidden than that. I will be wanting to inspect it soon," Eruphel says. "You will have quarters here in the tower, not that you will be using them much. But certainly you can sleep there tonight."
[Lozir(#32438)]
Another bow, but lacking the theatrics of before, and Lozir smiles to his new master. "More than grateful, I assure you, Lady. I trust there will be a guard outside my door, for my protection?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel snorts softly. "If you feel you need one, best to post your own. I think you have made few friends today. But so far as that goes, I do not think one is any more likely to appear if you do not have a guard as if you did. So that is up to you." She glances outside, and notes the sky beginning to lighten. "It is past time for bed." she announces, and departs for the stairwell.
[Lozir(#32438)]
A long, sly smile crosses the Captain's lips, and with a wink to Barjad he turns to stroll from the hall also.
Players: Eruphel, Lozir, Barjad
Located in: Haradrim
