Lady Captain Zâira (ex_zaira605) wrote in untold_logs, @ 2008-05-24 22:01:00 |
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Entry tags: | amrothos, zaira |
Yer not that much different, Amrothos.
Who: Zaira, Amrothos.
What: A dinner date, of sorts!
When: Before Amrothos left Pelargir.
Where: Pelargir!
Zaira: *is on her way to the Golden Hinde anyway*
Amrothos: *has reserved a table and ordered a meal and wine all set out for two. Figures after his experiences in Belfalas he DESERVES a bit of fun and a nice evening*
Zaira: *has had the decency to wear something a bit nicer than her usual outfit - her more formal captain one, made up almost completely of black for some reason, with colorful embroidery on the vest* *waves as she gets closer to him* There ye are.
Amrothos: ...aye, here I am. *stands up and pulls a seat out for her.* I like the vest. *did dress up himself, well, sort of, put on a clean shirt with ruffles at the collar and a crisp silk black stock under his usual naval jacket*
Zaira: Thank ye.. s'prised it fits, used to be me 'da's. *manages to remain composed as she takes a seat, despite the past tense usage there* Yer lookin' fancy, yerself.
Amrothos: *wryly* ...a gentleman always presents himself with style. *offers her a glass of wine -- obviously the dinner's going to be on him* I hope you're well?
Zaira: *glances at the wine, and tries to find a nice way to turn down drinking it* Well 'nuff, I suppose... Th'wine looks awfully good, too, but I think I'd better let ye drink it yerself. *eyedarts* I 'ad a bit of bad rum yesterday, and me stomach's not liking alcohol today.
Amrothos: *instantly apologetic* I'm sorry, would you like something else? Coffee? Cool water? Tea?
Amrothos: I know there are some sweet southern fruits here they make into juice...
Zaira: No need t'apologize boy, it's not YER fault. Tea would be fine. *smiles*
Amrothos: *orders a pot of fresh tea for her* ...I suppose my ill-mannered brother will enjoy the wine, then. *sips from the glass he poured for her, since it wouldn't make sense to waste it* ....if I'm not mistaken, Captain, I believe we've met before. I mean, before our meeting on the docks.
Amrothos: ...of course, I looked different then... *touches the scar over his eye lightly* perhaps you don't recall, but I thought I recognized your face.
Zaira: Yer not that much different, Amrothos. *shakes her head, and gets a bit more comfortable in her chair* I think I do recall yer face, yes. Th'Hope was part of a lot o'the fighting what went on with th'corsair ships, of course, an'there were a few times we nearly didn' make it.
Zaira: Seem t'recall yer aid 'round the time I lost me finger, actually. *nods her head*
Amrothos: *nods* They tore my ship apart after the Battle of the Bay. She was a floating wreck, so they... took her to pieces to repair other ships. I'm still on the search for another ship to call my own.
Zaira: *frowns* I'd give ye one from me own fleet, but th'West Wind got splintered t'hell trying to make it out of Umbar, and th'Southern Sky's still runnin' supplies up th'coast.
Amrothos: ...*seems surprised, and genuinely touched by her words* ...that's very kind of you, captain, but the navy has promised me a ship if I can get the funds. That's part of why I'm down here, trying to move money around so I and other captains like me can get ships again.
Zaira: *nods, and scratches at her chin for a moment thoughtfully* Not too much extra cash lying around these days.... *gratefully pours some tea and takes a sip* *was starting to feel like she was looking green again* Could maybe see 'bout a bit of a donation, though, after I check me profits. Have some cargo to run up to the city, too.
Amrothos: ...you're right about money, between the navy and the knights my father... that is, the Prince, is hard-pressed to find the money that's needed for all the things I wish he'd spend it on. But if my brother and I can stretch supplies here and there things should turn out all right. *sounding more confident than he feels*
Zaira: *squints at him* Think we're all feelin' the pinch, really. Not just in Amroth, neither, but e'en down to th'south a ways.
Amrothos: ...well the wedding in Tirith won't help much. Big events like that always cost money. For those attending, too. New clothes and travel and wedding gifts... *moment of rueful realization* I've no idea what to give a king and queen as a wedding gift.
Zaira: *ponders this while nursing her tea* Well it's sure they won't need much, but if she's movin' from far away an' all that, mayhap a nice gift would be somethin' that reminded 'er of where she came from.
Zaira: Could always go with th'old stand-by.. cloth, for dresses or fancy clothes later... goblits an'the like, fine wines..
Amrothos: ...that's true. A fine wine, maybe. Everybody likes a wine. *pause, gentle tease* Except those who apparently prefer tea....
Zaira: *laughs* Well, I prefered me liquer quite well 'nuff until yesterday.
Zaira: Not sure what was wrong with that rum, even th'smell of it made .... *stops herself* ... Well that ain't really polite dinner conversation, is it?
Amrothos: I'm not exactly polite dinner conversation myself. Are you unwell, captain? I know a reputable healer here in Pelargir if you've taken ill...
Zaira: *laughs again, with a bit of a nervous tone to it* Nar, I'll be fine, boy. Lookin' forward to eatin' this meal they're preparin' for us.
Zaira: What have ye been doin' since ye lost yer ship? I think I'd have gone insane by now, meself...
Amrothos: well... *shifting in his seat, waiting for the food* ...the navy made me an attache to my father, to hound him about money. It's not fun but I do get a salary. When I'm not massaging my legs from all the horseriding required to keep up with the prince, I visit refugee camps, take down stories.
Zaira: *makes a face* I don't envy you that job... I ne'er took t'horse riding. At least ye get a salary though, that's good. Regular income's somethin' I never had a chance to get used to, but I'd like t'get there someday.
Amrothos: There's always the royal navy. >.> Solid wages, when you're in port to collect them, though... you do lose a lot of freedom. *musing* I suspect your way is better.
Zaira: *runs a hand through her hair* Someday, maybe. Me gran'da'd kill me, though, an' me 'Da... He'd cut me t'make sure I still bled red instead o'Royal blue.
Zaira: *takes another sip of tea* If he were still alive, anyways. ... Meant t'mention that, guess I don't need ye'tkeep yer eyes out for'im anymore.
Amrothos: ...oh, I'm sorry. *softly* I'm very sorry, captain. How did you find out?
Zaira: *shrugs it off, like it wasn't the most crushing thing she ever heard this week* Me gran'da came t'tell me last night, as it were. Barely made it out himself, not sure what they were up to, but th'West Wind was involved an'half o'THEIR crew died too.
Amrothos: ...I'm deeply sorry, Captain, I wish I could do something for you. Is there any way I might be able to help you? *knows he can't bring her father back to life or anything so simple, but...*
Zaira: *swallows a bit more tea, and shakes her head* This dinner's a nice enough distraction from all that's waitin' fer me when I get back, really. Was glad I had something nicer t'look forward to.
Amrothos: ...and here it comes, let's hope it tastes decent. >.>. *spared few expenses and arranged for a southern dinner with stuffed goose that even has a fresh fruit course*
Zaira: *looks at all the food and definitely can't hide her impressed expression* *probably hasn't eaten THIS well in a year* .... Good gods, Amrothos, this is ... just impressive. *especially eyes the fresh fruit*
Amrothos: ...I've been eating knights rations for days on the road, it's as much a joy for me as it is for you. *twirls his fork and does start eating.* Back before the war I had a reputation of knowing how to show people a good time. I've found the quickest way to make friends is with food. Good food usually leads to good conversation, or so the theory goes.
Zaira: *goes for the fresh fruit first, since it's the least stomach-turny of the offerings, also snatches up a fresh roll* Fresh fruit's so hard t'get when yer aboard a ship... the pickled an'preserved stuff's just not th'same, and limes only last so long.
Zaira: But I think yer right, plenty o'good conversin' when there's good food on the table. *nods*
Amrothos: *nods sympathetically* Eat up, enjoy as much of it as you like. I admit, it's been a while since I spoke to a woman for very long, I've almost forgotten what the proper topics are to discuss. You'll have to help me remember, shall I talk about the weather, or begin by saying you have beautiful eyes?
Zaira: *blinks, and yes, flushes a bit* Nar, I do not, don't be sayin' things that aren't true. *munches on a bit of fruit* Th'truth is, boy, that I'm too used t'bein' a Captain t'know what bein' a woman is like most o'the time anyways. I'm not sure what women are supposed t'do in polite company. Gossip 'bout stuff that don't matter, I expect, and flip me hair?
Amrothos: I'm pretty sure the hair-flipping is entirely preferential, but I always took the bother of coming up with honest compliments. *grins a tiny bit at her*
Zaira: *blushes* *munches on a few more fruit slices* Well then, I guess it's my turn t'find somethin' to say 'bout you, isn't it? *eyes him steadily for a while, and comes to the conclusion she can't pick a feature she likes most* ... 'coure I'm horrible at outright complimentin'.
Amrothos: *laughs, amused by her* The nicest compliment I heard lately was "the scar's not SO bad" so I've low expectations, don't worry.
Zaira: *snorts* S'what a few people said after I lost me finger. 'OH it's not THAT noticeable!"... Right.
Zaira: *eyes him* It really isn't, though. Says ye've done a bit more with yer life than sit around some desk somewheres. Makes ye more interesting lookin'. Like yer know how t'really work.
Amrothos: ...I never could stand sitting too long. I've been up and down Belfalas in a saddle and I tell you, I couldn't be more sore if I'd been riding a broomstick.
Zaira: *wrinkles her nose* Horses... bah. Rather walk, meself. They're fine fer pullin' carts er wagons, but I'd ne'er want t'be ridin' one, as I already mentioned. Feck, I'd e'en rather ride a broomstick. *grins*
Amrothos: Oh they're not all bad, captain. Not bad at all. My brother's positively smitten with his. But it seems to be a bond that only knights and their mounts seem to form, I was just as grateful to have someone care for the poor beast as I'm sure it was to get out of my incompetent hands. But of course, my poor horsemanship came back to haunt me, the Prince and the knights had to chase... *pauses* I haven't told you that story, have I?
Zaira: Nar, ye didn't.
Zaira: But I've a mind t'hear it, if ye want to be tellin' it to me. *smiles, and dishes herself up some meat*
Amrothos: It's a story that ought to be told. Though I don't know that it's proper dinnertable discussion... it's a story of good and brave men, and if you ask me, the world needs that more than ever.
Zaira: Well I'm not a proper lady, neither, so I don't really care so much what makes proper discussin' and what don't 'round th'table. *winks at him* Sounds good, though, 'could at least give me th'brief version.
Amrothos: Well the brief version... my father and some of his knights, and myself, were traveling east to Minas Tirith for the king's coronation... we stopped in a village for the night, and discovered the new lord of the manor has made himself a self-styled king of his own little castle, holding trials and executing people for sham offenses without bringing them to Dol Amroth, which my father outlawed, of course. But it was worse than that, this madman had been forcing the entire village to work for him constructing add-ons to his manor, on the threat of death. I've never seen anything like it.
Amrothos: ...nothing outside of Umbar, anyway.
Amrothos: ...we decided to arrest him, it was the only sensible thing to do, but he fled during the attempt and took to the countryside. My father and the knights followed, but I'm too slow and some of the others were injured and we were diverted off course. Even now, my father is pursuing the villain, or he's already caught him. He's sure to do it, nobody hunts on horseback like my father, save maybe one of the elves of old with their legendary powers. That's why I'm here, my brother and I came to Pelargir to get proper help in restoring the village and secure necessary goods we'll need in Minas Tirith when we rejoin my father.
Zaira: *arches a brow half way through his story and gets so interested in it that she forgets to eat*
Amrothos: ...the man was a true oddity, quite mad. Truly, quite mad, when we came to arrest him he was playing with this. *leans down and brings up... an otter telpy with little green clothes and pink ribbons behind her ears* He dropped it in his flight and I took it as a war trophy. A grown man. Entertaining himself with this.
Zaira: ... That's a telpy-bear. .... 'E was playin' with a telpy bear!?
Zaira: Yer pullin' me legs, is what yer doin'.
Zaira: But I'm sure yer father'll find th'man. What's 'e plan to do with 'im once he does?
Amrothos: ...no, I swear! He was playing with a telpy bear! We came in and there he was dressing the thing up like a child's doll.
Amrothos: ...to your other question, he wants to bring him to Minas Tirith, but his true hope is Elessar the king will leave it up to Imrahil to punish the man. Imrahil's got inventive ideas. Execution, you know.
Zaira: *chews her lip* Depends on how inventive 'e plans t'be, I imagine... get pretty inventive in Umbar, fer instance, but I doubt yer father goes that far. Maybe th'King's too involved in gettin' married t'get involved in this.
Amrothos: ...nothing that horrible, Captain. *remembers the thing about knights claiming fingers and decides not to share it* My father is a humane man, but a public execution, most likely a hanging.
Zaira: *nods her head, and grabs for a fresh roll* Teach th'others not t'be gettin' ideas. Sometimes y'have to do that, e'en on yer ship. I ne'er had t'go that far, but there's a few o'me crew what I've clipped with a knife if I had to.
Amrothos: It's a difficult time to be a leader, that's certain. *sips at his wine*
Zaira: Th'crew got restless durin' th'war.
Zaira: .. bit o'transition there. Me 'da gave o'er full power jes' a few short years ago, then there were Ecthy... think some of 'em thought I was gettin' soft.
Amrothos: *nods thoughtfully* ...I wonder what's become of most of my crew. The admiralty absconded my sailors and put them on other ships.
Zaira: They goin' to bring yer crew back when they get ye another ship? Hard t'get used to a new set, I know...
Amrothos: My officers I probably will be able to invite back... for the rest of them, I don't know. *sighs* I lost a good many men in the Battle of the Bay, I'd need to find people to fill the gaps even if I did get every last man and woman back.
Zaira: *butters her roll, and picks at it for a bit* It's hard times fer sailin' folk, and landlubbers alike these days. Th'Hope's runnin' at half crew at th'moment, so I know what ye'd be dealin' with. Hard to get anythin' done that way, and o'course ye blame yerself for the ones what got lost, too.
Amrothos: ...aye, that you do. *picks at his food with his fork a moment before eating again. talks between mouthfuls* You ought to come up river, there'll be a lot of people in Tirith for the wedding, and likely enough people who'd be good on a crew.
Zaira: Were thinkin' o that... have some things t'drop off there, actually. Might be nice t'get t'see this new Queen of ours, too. But I might have t'think 'bout not sailin', fer a bit. *frowns* Some things gettin' in th'way.
Amrothos: ...you could take a carriage up. The roads are still clear enough for carriages. It's not the most comfortable way to go but it beats riding a horse.
Amrothos: With all the merchants travelling to Tirith in anticipation of the wedding, it'd be a good time to pick up... other supplies as well. There will be lots of competition, prices will be lowered for a change.
Zaira: *ponders this while picking at some more fruit* Could do that, boy, yar... that might not be too 'ard. Get a cart an'ship me stuff up t'Tirith that way.
Zaira: Might be a good change o'pace. Still need to'figure out what to do with my boy, though, afore I cut out o'here.
Amrothos: *...nods, suddenly solemn again* I wish I could help you there, but I really... *just doesn't know what to SAY* ...I'm not quite sure how.
Zaira: *tilts her head* Ye don't ... need t'help me, boy. I ne'er was one t'spend overlong grievin' bout things, and I have... *lets out a bit of a sigh* .... lots o'business t'take care of, now. Me 'da, and th'Wind, an'Ecthy, too.. Yer helpin' just invitin' me to dinner. Honest.
Amrothos: *shifts a little in his chair* Perhaps I should invite you to dinner every night if it helps.
Zaira: *blinks, ducks her head* Well I don't think that'd be th'worse thing that e'er happened...
Zaira: Yer... nice t'have around, actually. Yer don't argue with me too much. Yet. *grins*
Amrothos: I've got some manners. *playfully* A few. At least I do for the first few meetings
Zaira: *chuckles* Let's skip ahead t'the next few meetin's then. *finishes the rest of her tea* What're you like, then? "Er when yer not tryin' to impress women with yer charms an'the like?
Amrothos: ...actually, this is more or less what I'm like. Really. *sips the wine again* Believe it or not, Captain, I'm just your average ordinary naval captain, trying to make his way in the world with a smile every day.
Amrothos: With my family I'm a bit of a loudmouth, but I'm nothing compared to my brother. I'm... I don't know, Captain, I'm a marvelous actor but the trick is to lie small, like smiling when you'd rather be in bed.
Zaira: Know what that's like. *chuckles* An'the'name's Zaira, boy. Yer not one'o'me crew, yer don't need t'be callin' me Captain all th'feckin' time.
Amrothos: *smiles warmly at her* Zaira, then. I was only trying to be polite.
Zaira: *smiles, rather genuinely* No need t'be polite 'round me, boy.
Amrothos: Old habits die hard. In Imrahil's house it's always Sir this and Lady that, you know. Good day, my lord father, and thank you for changing the sheets, mistress maid.
Zaira: Grew up me entire life, almost, on th'ship.
Zaira: So it were Cap'n this, an'Cap'n that, an' so forth....
Amrothos: And here I go captain'ing you until you're bloody sick of the sound of my voice. *Wry*
Zaira: Nar, not sick o'it. *chuckles* Took me a feckin' long time t'earn th'right to be called it. Jes... seems a bit much, in yer company. I mean, yer th'Prince's son, should be callin' yer Highness er somethin' shouldn' I?
Amrothos: *laughs* Of course not, I'm not a knight, just a captain. Captain Amrothos. That's all. I've always been informal that way. I like starting on the same page as everyone else.
Zaira: Well that's refreshin'. *nibbles a bit more on her roll* *has barely eaten anything, really*
Zaira: *looks across the spread, and frowns* Think I should've invited me second stomach along t'this feast.
Amrothos: *kindly* it won't go to waste, I'll see it packed up and have it delivered to a refugee camp on the edge of the city.
Zaira: Oh that's good. Was afraid it'd go t'waste, an'I didn't want that t'appen. Not with th'way things are in such shortage lately.
Zaira: *nods her head* Really kind o'ye, actually..
Amrothos: I try to keep an eye on the refugee camps, I have business there anyway. I've got to see if I can find people I've got messages for. I try to visit them whenever I can.
Zaira: *looks impressed* Very helpful o'ye... ... feck, wish I could say I did somethin' that kind hearted.
Amrothos: It's easy for me, I don't have a ship right now. I... I think it's important to listen to those stories, they're the stories of my father's people, they're voices he doesn't get to hear. I write down stories, sometimes, and I try to see if I can reunite families that have been scattered. I've helped a few find each other... it's a nice feeling. I feel so frustrated without a ship, so... useless. It helps me feel like I'm doing something.
Zaira: Well... ... Spent some time stuck on land meself once... an'I think yer right. I go crazy when I'm stuck on land, an'I annoyed th'feck out o'people what had to deal with me daily 'round that time.
Zaira: Might've been a better use o'me time, if I'd found somethin' t'do like that.
Zaira: If I'm stuck again I might have t'think 'bout that.
Zaira: 'Course I don't have as high-minded reasons t'care as you, but... reunitin' families is good work, boy. *smiles*
Amrothos: *smiles back at her* It's probably not high-minded so much as self-defense. They do such good things, my family, working with orphans and widows, all kinds of things... I suppose I feel like I've got to pull my weight somehow.
Zaira: *nods her head* Makes sense.
Zaira: *lets out a long breath,and checks the window to see what hour it might be* Amrothos, it's truly been a pleasure. An' I don' just say that unless I mean it.
Amrothos: *smiles at her, and stands* I hope I haven't kept you too long. You're the best company I've had in weeks.
Zaira: *stands, and takes his hand* Nar, ye havn't kept me too long. I'm lookin' forward to doin' this again sometime soon. Keep me from dwellin' on th'dark things, eh?
Amrothos: *bows over her hand, though he decides not to kiss it* I'll be in touch.
Zaira: *might wonder why, later* *just smiles, now* Ye know where t'find me.
Amrothos: I'll be sure to see you again before I leave the city, at the very least. *smiles* Have a good evening, Zaira. The best you can.
Zaira: You too, boy. Thanks fer everythin'. *squeezes his hand, and saunters out*