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Location: Out at Sea - 3 weeks or so after Trovale (Present Time)
It wasn't often Runali allowed herself to 'lose her cool' so in her cabin, now was as good as any time as she grimaced and groaned, sliding her hands down her face. She looked tired, pacing back and forth in her as the night stretched on. By her count- though muddled by rapid and equally tired thoughts, it had been at least four hours since she wished the crew a good night.
Four hours of her not being able to sleep. Or at least, four hours today.
Coral was on her perch, watching the captain pace back and forth like a trapped animal. It was obvious something was wrong. It hadn't been the first night this had happened. Coral knew that the lack of sleep had started sometime around when the shipwright decided to go get into trouble but it suddenly gotten much more noticeable after the chef returned. There was a time that the bird was sure it stopped completely. But now it was getting in the way of Coral's sleep and becoming more noticeable during the day, so she decided to put matters into her own wings.
"What's wrong Coral?" Her head tilted a bit as she watched the hawk hop from her perch and to the captain's desk. "Gotta stretch your wings?" The captain followed the waddling bird to the door, opening it for her. The moment it did, Coral flew up and carefully perched on Runali's shoulder. Suddenly the bird's talons had a vice grip on Runali's shirt and pulled the captain out the door. Coral was no average sized bird, so it took more than a swat or a 'shoo' to get her to stop. "Oi! Cut it out Coral! What's the matter with you?" Pulling away was useless after a few attempts so with a defeated sigh, Runali allowed herself to be dragged to the deck of the ship.
"Fine, fiiine... Kadi had first watch and I wanted to ask about changing course anyway… Something about this path is giving me a bad feeling..." The captain had fallen into her own musings, not noticing Coral had let go of her and she was walking on her own. "Hey, Coral do you-" When she looked up, she spotted the bird taking refuge on Luro's shoulder. Kadi was nowhere to be seen so she figured she had just missed him. "Uh," Tired eyes blinked a bit too rapidly and her hand went up to pull her eyepatch down before she realized it was back in her cabin. She watched Coral give Luro light pecks on the head before nodding towards Runali as if to get his attention. The captain straightened up and mumbled, "Traitor" under her breath.
Luro stood on the deck staring at the sea with his hands in his sleeves, his eyelids lowered slightly as he lost himself amongst the endless waves. He always found his thoughts wandering whenever he watched the sea. When Imposter had more control he felt a strange duality as he watched the waves bob up and down, almost as if the two of them were watching it at the same time, he could still feel the sensation but it was fainter. Though he loved the view it always caused his thoughts to drift in certain directions. He worried over one particular thought but he was pulled from his own mental musings when Coral landed on his shoulder.
"Oh hey Coral," Luro said as he was tapped by the bird.
He turned to look where Coral was motioning only to see Runali, brows arching he grinned at her before reaching up and patting Coral.
"Hey Captain," he said moving his hands to his hips. "I had four nightmares instead of the usually three so I decided to get some fresh air. You havin' trouble sleeping...or are ya up to a little mischief."
"Sounds… pleasant?" Runali decided against making a quick exit. She could practically feel Coral's watchful gaze and had a feeling leaving wouldn't work too well. Instead, she decided to sit on a nearby barrel and for a passing moment wonder if there was even anything in it. "That's a lie," She slumped forward with her head in one hand. "That sounds like the worst, but you sound like you're taking it in stride. Are you okay?"
She looked at him for a moment, as if searching for something, but turned her gaze to the sea. The waves were always constant but never the same. Watching it long enough could lull her into a sense of ease. But as she stared out into the dark ocean, something seemed off, almost as if something or someone was watching them. Yet nothing was there. With a sigh and a small frown, she chalked it up as her restlessness. "Hm? Trouble? Nonsense Luro, when have I, of all pirates ever been in trouble?" She made a playful scoffing noise, deciding to sit up as she spoke. "As for mischief? Hah, when have I- or this crew, ever not been in mischief?" Quickly she added, "But don't tell Alicia I said that. She wouldn't let me live it down."
Luro offered a smile to Runali at her response, his eyes moving over to Coral at the look she was giving the Captain. He kind of wanted to ask her what was going on, but he found he always ended up talking about some things or another with Coral; it never stayed on one subject when they did talk. He knew what Imposter wanted to do to her and a part of him wondered if she sensed it sometimes.
He was pulled from his thoughts seeing Runali's concern and waved a hand in front of his face.
"I'm fine I've always had such nightmares. Only difference is I actually feel something seeing them now. Just Imposter reminding me I'm a terrible person, all the things I've done that whole thing."
Luro shrugged accustomed to such things,it just gave him an excuse to get fresh air.
Luro normally would sit near the Captain but with a bird on his shoulder he ended up remaining standing to keep from disturbing Coral. Bird or not she was a crewmate, granted Coral looked like a bird, he ended up staring at her for a long moment as this thought came to mind before looking back at the Captain.
"Secret's safe with me Captain. I'll just forget it later," Luro said raising a hand.
The smile on his face shrunk a little however as his eyes landed back on Runali, he stared at her for a long moment before returning his hands to his sleeves.
"...are you okay Captain? You don't seem like your usual self."
Luro smelled the air for a moment.
"Hm hm that's not your usual scent. You smell more like Z today."
"Wh-" Runali looked down at her clothes as if that would give her some sort of answer. She hadn't been doctored on that day. Grant it, from what Runali knew, Zil smelled clean… or maybe like blood from a particularly busy day. It was… an odd thought. "...A wild and dangerous person that's for sure. Terrible to others, but definitely the opposite of terrible to the Stardusk." It sounded as if she was talking about Luro rather than to him, but as he did, she let the matter go, waving her hand as if dismissing it. Runali heard his question, purposely avoiding it at first and not really sure why. It showed on her face she was debating her options, whatever they were.
It took a moment but she eventually let out a soft groan and stood to her feet, walking past him and Coral to lean against the ship's railing. She could hear the flap of wings as Coral flew off Luro to follow suit and perch nearby. The captain pushed her hair back so it was completely out of her face and then pointed straight out at the horizon. "There's nothing there besides ocean and sky." It wasn't a question, but the look of uncertainty she gave Luro called for reassurance. She stared out into the ocean again, seeing just that. Nothing. She closed her blind eye for emphasis. Still there was nothing there out of place.
"...And yet I'm so sure there's something there. Like somethin' that's, I dunno, just watching and waiting." She sighed and rested her head in one hand. She used her free hand to wave it in front of her as if dismissing it. "Could just be paranoia." It fell silent for a few moments with Runali staring at the sea and Coral watching the two of them, before the captain spoke up again. "No soul has ever died twice and had the strength to come back." Runali seemed to slump a little lower against the railing. "That's what Davy told us before we, y'know," She offered another waved hand that didn't really convey much meaning. Had she been able to figure out the right words, she probably would have said them. "We're one for two in the dying game. Although I'm not sure if the Undersea counts… Hard to tell. Not to say I'm scared of dying," She paused for a moment wondering if she was, but quickly shook her head. "It'd be a hellish life as a pirate to be. It's just a thing that happens. But," She tapped her fingers against the wood again. "Not sure. Just waiting for Davy to stop… haunting. Ruins the night."
Luro stared at Runali for a long moment as she checked herself, wondering why she was suddenly so concerned about her appearance. A smile was all he offered in response to her words but he shrunk a little as she walked past, his eyes only moving to Coral as she flew away before turning to the Runali. Something really seemed off about his Captain, but he remained silent not pushing the matter, only watching her waiting to see her response. He was concerned but it was more a curiosity than a need to know.
Luro's eyes moved out to the sea at the Captain's words and he stared out at the water searching for something, he only saw the same old sea as before. His brows arched for a moment as a fish jumped out of the water only to fall again as it returned to the ocean; without a doubt it was the same old sea he normally looked at.
What the Captain actually talked about was strange and caused him to turn his attention back to the waters, at the mention of Jones he moved his hands back to his sides remembering the man's words. He didn't speak for a moment mainly because he was bad when it came to things like this; the Captain was clearly pretty bothered by something. Alicia always knew the right words to say, Jack had a knack for figuring out people's feelings most of the time and Z was sensitive to this type of stuff. He was sure anyone else on the crew would get what the Captain was going on about, he could only just guess.
He gave a small shake of his head at that thought as he felt it was wrong. It wasn't a guess but more of a feeling than anything else.
"I don't see nothin' but the sea Captain. Though I'm used to the whole being watched part so I may be a little numb to it."
He motioned to the spot next to her where Imposter leaned against the railing, a wide grin on his face at being mentioned. He knew the Captain couldn't see him but Luro at least understood that particular feeling.
"He's always waiting for me…so I kinda get how bothersome it can be."
Luro walked over to Runali and took a seat opposite of the spot he pointed at, his eyes moved to horizon narrowing a little as if he was searching for something only to return his attention to the Captain.
"Well there aren't a lot of people who are 1 and 2 so that's an achievement in itself," Luro said with a small nod. "I do remember what Jones said though, next time's the real one. Though I was surprised the first one wasn't it."
Luro grinned a bit at this quite pleased at the second chance but the smile fell into a small one before he scratched the side of his head.
"Sorry Captain I'm probably not helping too much. I don't think it's too bad if Davy's watching us. I'd prefer him watching than the navy, at least he won't shoot at us…probably. I just finished fixing most of the ship."
Luro said this looking over at freshly cleaned spot worried it end up getting blown off again before looking back at Runali.
"If it's bothering you I can sit with you till you feel better Captain. It's easier to deal with that kinda thing with company after all. I can't promise I'll understand but I can at least listen to ya."
Luro pat his chest and grinned at Runali.
"I'm generally surprised if I survive the day so being watched by Jones won't bother me."
Her fingers continued to tap until Luro gestured to the space near her. Runali stared at the spot for a moment, not seeing anything- and yet somehow still having the same feeling she did looking out at sea. She let out a small 'hmph' towards the empty space but turned back to Luro as if purposely ignoring the presence. Runali didn't say much, instead offering a curious look when he apologized and a surprisingly softer one when he offered to stay with her. Somehow, his grin became contagious enough to make her smile back and laugh a little. "What are you talking about? You're with an entire crew, of course you'd survive the day. You survived years- even on your own." She fiddled with her necklace, looking over at Coral as she got comfortable perching near the two. "But… Better together than alone." She smiled at him again, a little less troubled than before. "At least that's the rough translation from what my mother once told me…"
Her attention abandoned the sea and went fully to Luro. "And y'know, get Lady in the air and bam problem solved. Hah, Navy can't shoot what they can't reach." She leaned over, startling Coral by stretching out one of her wings. "You and Passano do get a kick outta wings, yeah?" When she was given a light peck on the wrist, Runali let the bird go. "And… thank you by the way. For listening. S'pose can't really escape what's in your head... How do you deal with that anyway?"
Luro chuckled a little his eyes moving to the sea for a moment at the Captain's comment.
"Haha...I've had a few close ones on my own. Well more than a few. I do feel like I'm almost dying less with you guys which is nice. I don't think I'll die...but it's just habit to be prepared for it by now."
He focused his attention back on the Captain smiling at her as he pat his chest a few times.
"Everything's better with other people, it's lonely being alone," Luro said with a small nod. "Mom is wise."
At the idea of getting Lady in the air a toothy grin adorned Luro's face and he gave lady a small pat, though he quickly pulled his hand away as if he had touched a sore spot. Waving a hand at the mast as a form of apology before responding to the Captain.
"Hehe, a little more time Captain a little more time. With any luck the next time we see Risa it'll be from the clouds. I have been sending letters back getting her opinion on some stuff. Coral's been a bit of inspiration as well."
Luro looked over at his feathery crewmate but made no attempt to touch the bird, his eyes went to the empty spot and his eyebrows furrowed a bit before his face returned to normal.
"Anytime Captain. I'll always listen to ya," Luro said with a small nod to Runali. "Least I can do for all you've done."
At the mention of Imposter Luro reached up and rubbed the side of his head, his eyebrows arched a bit at Runali almost surprised she didn't know the answer.
"You."
Luro pointed at the Captain before pointing at the symbol displayed with pride on his chest.
"Stardusk helps me deal with that guy. Having you all around is a constant reminder why I can't lose to him...well that and-"
Luro trailed off for a moment flexing his right hand, he closed his eyes letting the feeling pass before opening them again.
"That and I'm used to him by now. He's been with me pretty long, about as long as my original mistress."
Luro pat his rifle in response to this before crossing his arms.
"Only difference is I'm making decisions without his input. Worst thing he does is remind me of every horrid thing I've ever done and how I'll be hated by the people whose lives I've ruined permanently, entrapping me in a world of constant hate filled misery."
Luro gave a small shrug at this.
"So you know a normal day. Kind of like how you deal with Z constantly admonshing you. He's nothing compared to being put in the 'bad corner' by Z."
The captain had been looking up at the sky, picking out a few distant clouds and thinking about how it would be a dream to sail along the clouds, close enough to touch the stars. But the dream stopped and there was a flash of surprise that crossed her face when Luro answered her question. She glanced in his direction, letting him finish what he had to say before calmly nodding. "Ah, I see… So the constant woes of adventure and, well, practice." She gave a small shrug. "It's an odd medicine, the lot of us would be, but if it works then no point trying t'fix it." There was a moment where it looked as if she wanted to ask something, but Runali decided against it and instead let out a small 'huff' before teasing, "Didn't know you knew what the word 'admonish' meant. But, you're right, nothing's scarier than an upset Z. She's got needles and knows how to use them." She couldn't help but shudder, remembering the last time she did something reckless and upset the doctor.
"Oh. Right. Enough of the, uh, solemn." Runali still felt a bit restless, but combated the fidgeting with placing her hands behind her back and heel turning to face Luro. "I never mentioned. I planned to mention... I wanted to-" Runali looked away from him for a brief moment, making a face off to the side, "I suppose I panicked," She wasn't entirely happy admitting that part but she carried on, relaxing again. "In Jaipur, traditions are... important. And one of those traditions is to give gifts to those you'd wish to, y'know marry." Quickly she held a hand up. "Please, don't take this as me asking for gifts- gods- I don't need things. I don't even think I want things." She relaxed more and sat on the edge of the ship, resting her head in one hand. "We're on a ship. I don't have space to put things." Her brow furrowed as she obviously lost her train of thought. "Besides, it's usually farm aids. I don't need that. I remember when the neighbor's son was given animals and frankly that's ridiculous. Who needs seven…" Her words trailed off into her home language as she rambled out loud. It wasn't until Coral gave an annoyed chirp at her noise did she stop. "Anyway, it's not me asking for gifts. It's me… uh, explaining a little bit more about Jaipur. More than I thought you'd ever really need to know... To be fair though, giving gifts- whatever they may be, usually has some importance behind it." She gestured over to him. "The rifle strap meant more than just a parting gift. So did all the other things. It's a symbol of…" She paused, looking it over for a second. "Trust. Maybe loyalty? I dunno for sure, but something in that realm." Running fingers through her hair she sighed and then let out a small laugh.
"Or maybe it's just her declaring you all as family. Point is, besides learning a fun fact, I've thought about it and… I don't really need anything from you. You've proven many times over that your…our bond runs deep- more times than you've tried and failed to break it. And I still think you're absolutely mad, but," Runali had been resting her head in her hands, but sat up at this point. "Like I said before, you're pretty much stuck with me. Might as well make it official." She offered a sheepish smile, "That is, if you still want to of course." There was a pause and before he could answer she pointed an accusing finger at him. "Oi, that doesn't mean you're off the hook with getting me new eyepatches. You owe me that." With a small huff and another smile she shrugged. "But I s'pose I can let the crown thing go…"
Luro wanted to comment that Z had taught him the word but felt now wasn't the time to explain that, he was more interested in what the Captain was sharing with him. He ended up leaning forward a bit as she explained more about Jaipur, giving a small nod here and there, a tilt of the head at the notion of giving her gifts. He wasn't entirely sure where Runali was going with all of this. She didn't want gifts but gifts were important? Luro brought a fist to the side of his head lightly tapping it as she tried to piece together the message in-between her words that was eluding him.
Though he was still lost at what the Captain was getting at he ran his hand over the strap given to him. He could tell it was a sincere action by Daya, he didn't say it out loud but he cherished it, it had a strange warmth to it he couldn't explain. It was one of the few gifts given to him without some catch to it, he smiled a little running his fingers over it before moving his rifle to his back as Runali continued explaining.
"Haha well if you still accept me knowing I'm not all here I can't ask for much better Captain," Luro said with a small smile.
What Runali said next however caused him to pause his whole body tensing; Luro's eyes widened a bit as he stared at her in silence, his brain slowly forming the words in his head, and putting meaning to them causing him to jump and raising his hands as everything clicked into place.
"Eh! You're saying yes Captain! Ahahahaha that's great!"
Luro grinned from ear to ear, almost hugging Runali to try and share the warmth spreading through his entire being but stopped mid step, partially at the point and the other part at a thought that suddenly emerged.
He pulled back slowly and brought a hand to his chin as he stared at the Captain, his mouth forming a thin line and his brow furrowing slightly before he closed his eyes. A troubled expression adorning his features as he lost himself in thought. Something about this didn't feel right, he was happy, absolutely ecstatic his heart felt like it was going to literally fly out of his body and he felt like his feet weren't touching the ground…but there was something in his chest that screamed at him. The Captain had given him so much, trusted him when no one else did, he could never repay all she did even devoting his life to her he knew that, but he wanted to give her something she wanted too.
"…no…I'll give you a gift," Luro said opening his eyes.
With a grin he pointed to the top of his head.
"I owe you a crown. So my present to you will be helping you be the king. That'll be my marriage gift to you. For all you've done for me…I want to give you at least that. Also..it'll give me an excuse not to go getting myself killed…well another reason. Whaddya think Captain. I do want to keep with your traditions at least a little as I don't have many myself, that and I think it'd be a funny story when mom and pops ask what I got you."
Luro pat his chest.
"I mean I'm not going anywhere anyway right? No rush."
