the Saelisian drive-by

[Sevrin Demarais]

It was time to go. A few days after his cousin and the rest of the Aralorians left, Sevrin began to prepare The Moirai Fleet for a quick trip to Saelis. Well, no, correction: a quick trip past Saelis for some reconnaissance to help in this impending war.

Aric should have known him by now, though. Would he purposely pick a fight? Oh, of course not- Aralore certainly wasn’t paying his mercenaries enough for them to get into any kind of battle with the Saelisians. However, that didn’t mean he was going to simply sail by if there was an opportunity for something that may help. He wasn’t going to know until they got there.

"Let’s go!" he barked out from the top deck of The Allotter as his crew continued to carry the last remnants of supplies on board. "I want the fuckin’ anchor up and out of this port within the hour!"
"You could give us a hand then," Shani remarked from somewhere down below.
Sevrin just rolled his eyes before pinching the bridge of his nose. He was in a far bigger rush than he should be, but he wasn’t exactly looking forward to leaving. Again. And the sooner they did so, the better. He had to say a teary goodbye to his sisters, he even had to tell Sarra she couldn’t come along and that hadn’t ended very well.

Even if all they did was sail by, they would still be sailing into Saelisian territory. There was going to be a lot of risk involved. It was going to be dangerous and he couldn’t be entirely sure what would happen. Sarra was just going to have to bloody hell deal with it.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Those tears had been fake. She had already cried over Henry, she cried when she secretly said goodbye to Elyscia, promising she would write (and she was still contemplating on how to steal her sister away to Aralore at a later date), but the tears she gave her brother were completely forced. He had told them what Aric had requested they do, but the only thing she could seem to hear was that the fleet would be heading to Aralore after.

And she had to get there.

Cassandra knew he would not allow her to come along, but she couldn’t risk trying to get aboard any other ship. The council would already be keeping an eye on her, possibly trying to find her a more suitable match because of her bloodline, and she wasn’t about to be wrangled into that again. She finally had her life back, Henry gave that to her, and she wasn’t about to throw it all away.

Sevrin could kiss her white arse.

So, while the crew was bringing the last bit of supplies on board, she snuck her way up the ramp when her brother wasn’t looking, carrying a basket of Tresterian fruit to blend in. She had even acquired some more simple clothing- a worn tunic and trousers and comfortable boots. Once on board, she made her way below deck, slipping into the storage area and finding an area at the far end of the room; crouching behind a couple of barrels. She figured, once they were out to sea for a couple of hours, she’d emerge because he likely wouldn’t want to turn back around.

Worst case, she would throw the biggest fit he’d ever see. He really shouldn’t test her resolve right now.

[Sarra Haystone]

Bloody hell dealing with it she was. If Sevrin Demarais thought he could just walk into her life again one Yule evening after not seeing her for five years and then tell her he was leaving again to check on Saelis, and not take her with him, then he had another thing coming. She'd rightly given him a hard time, insisting it wouldn't be dangerous for her, and that she could even help. But he'd been stubbornly persistent, and Sarra had come to the conclusion she was just going to have to undermine him five minutes into the discussion.

It wasn't the first time she'd snuck onto a ship, and it wouldn't be her last. Only this time she wasn't sneaking in solo. "Follow my lead, alright? Keep your head down, don't talk to anyone." She ordered Sasha Haystone. Oh to see the vein in Daddy's forehead burst when he realized Sasha had runaway with her... But her sister craved adventure nearly as much as Sarra did, and she was a different woman now. Rather then being the sister to discourage bad ideas, Sarra had become the queen enabler. Adventuring wouldn't be so lonely anymore... 

Sarra had acquired the necessary things they'd need to blend in. Old worn tunics and pants, having told Sasha to pack lightly. What few belongings they'd have were put into sacks that they were going to use as part of their disguise in getting in on the ship. "Alright ready? Head down, don't talk to anyone. The secret to blending in, is pretending you belong and are meant to be there." Sarra looked at Sasha, a bright grin on her face as she adjusted her sisters cap to hide her blonde hair before she adjusted her own and heaved the sack over her shoulder. She came out from around the corner of the building they were hiding behind then. 

Her strides were even, her eyes were down cast as she headed up the ramp. Not looking back to check on Sasha to make sure she made it on. She could hear Sevrin barking orders and a slight smirk appeared on her face from under her cap, wondering just how mad he was going to be when she and Sasha came out later.

He'll forgive me... She thought. Trusting Sasha to stay close, she headed towards the lower deck, and began to descend down the stairs. Her head was no longer down then, now she was on high alert, looking for Sevrins men below decks. She moved away from the stairs, reaching out behind her for Sasha's shoulder before she guided her silently in front of her. "Back of the ship, go." She whispered quietly, nudging her forward as Sarra looked behind them, and started making her way there as well. 

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha couldn't decide whether she wanted to laugh or scream. She could hardly believe she was actually here, sneaking onto a mercenary ship with her hair tucked under a boy's cap to hide those signature Haystone locks. She was beginning her very own adventure. It was insane and she knew it, but she didn't want to turn back. She was frightened, certainly, but not of what lay ahead--she was terrified of being sent backward, home to daddy dearest and his suffocating micromanagement.

She took a deep breath and followed Sarra with her head down as instructed, looking at the box she was carrying onboard instead of at the people around her (although she couldn't help sneaking a few peeks through her eyelashes. How could she not be curious about the crew of misfits and ne'er-do-wells that Sevrin was leading? She was distracted, for a moment, watching a few of them release the massive sails, but soon hurried after her sister down the steps. She set the box with the others that belonged there, then adjusted her bag on her shoulders as she was pushed towards the deepest parts of the ship's hold. It was dim and crowded, but she picked her way towards the back as quickly as she could, though her quick steps were no match for the racing of her heart.

[Cassandra Demarais]

She could hear the constant thundering of footsteps above deck as the crew scrambled about to drift the massive ship out to sea. Cassandra was aware that there were three ships in her brother's mercenary fleet, and at first she hadn't known which one he would be on. He'd told her in a letter once, but, let's be honest- she hadn't recalled most of that letter. It had been years. Fortunately, though, his loud mouth had alerted her that The Allotter was the one to be on. She just prayed she could stay hidden long enough.

That was when she heard footfalls getting closer and Cassie's heart pounded wildly inside her chest. There was someone else down there...or perhaps it was two? It was hard to tell and she kept herself buckled down in the corner, thinking she heard a woman whispering.

Cassandra attempted to peer through the gaps in the barrels but the lighting was horrible and dim down here, and she realized that there might be rats. Oh dear God, not that again. For a fleeting moment, it made her remember that trip back after her capture. The time up on the deck after she was screaming her head off about rats in one of the cabins, how that conversation with Orin had been the first to really start changing things for her. And that was why she was here, why she was risking this and her brother's ire, so that she could return to Aralore.

And hopefully return to him.

She had gotten distracted, so she didn't hear someone approaching closer at first, not until they were suddenly in front of her, trying to fit into her hiding spot! Cassie gasped, pressing her back against the hull and likely frightening the girl as well. She didn't recognize the young Haystone, nor spotted her sister just yet.

[Sasha Haystone]

They were so close to making it...they just had to find somewhere to hide here and remain quiet until it would be too much trouble to turn back and send them home. No, it wasn't home anymore. And, hopefully, Sevrin would understand that, even if he and Sarra weren't instantly back on perfect terms. He had to know that living with their father was torturous, right?

She swallowed her nerves and ducked into a little corridor between the crates, edging back toward the back wall. As she drew near, though, someone gasped loudly.

Sasha, for her part, squeaked like a mouse that had gotten trodden on. She hadn't expected anyone down here, especially not back in the darkest corner. Why would they be? Well, there was only one reason she could think of.

"W-who's there?" she whispered. "Are you hiding too?"

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra waited for a few beats to let Sasha go on ahead before she followed after her sister. She was being cautious, as this was the most critical part of their plan. They were still docked, and if they weren't careful, Sev or his minions would find them and could still toss them to shore.

They had to wait until they were at least a few hours out when that threat would be gone before Sarra marched up onto the upper deck, and gave Sevrin a what for, for leaving her behind. Again. Not this time Sevrin Demarais.

Sarra's movements were quiet and swift. Drawing from the experience she'd gained over the years on being quiet, and knowing the inner workings of a ship, she was right behind Sasha before her sister even knew it.

The gasp Sasha made, had Sarra drawing a knife immediately. Learning you couldn't be too careful, and she placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, pulling her back before she heard her whisper. Was someone there? The likely hood of another stowaway was high, and you never knew what sort would be using a ship to smuggle themself out of Tresteria. Criminals were the first thing Sarra thought of or...Noble daughters escaping their overbearing fathers...

Sarra would pull Sasha protectively behind her, gripping the knife with one hand while shielding Sasha with her other. Her eyes narrowed into the shadows where she could make out some sort of solid form pressed against the back wall. "They're not hiding for long. C'mon. Out, into the light where I can see you." Sarra's tone was nonchalant but also laced slightly with a threat, as she waved with the knife for the person to come forward a bit more. She didn't want to use the knife if she didn't have too, but was also prepared to use it should need be.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Well, this was about to get weird. Cassandra was prepared for any possible run-ins with the crew, but other stowaways?

It was the only thing her mind could think of as the girl squeaked in surprise, suddenly asking if she was hiding too. How many runaways did this damn ship get? Her lips had parted to try and say something, but her surprise would only escalate when she heard the other.

Remaining crouched, she pushed away from the hull a little bit as her hand inched towards her own knife. Not that she knew how to use it, per say, but Orin at least showed her how to defend should it come to it. Yet, she didn't grab it, didn't bother listening to the woman's threat because, suddenly, her voice sounded very familiar.

Of course Cassandra would know and remember the one who had been a part of her her brother's banishment, even in her boyish disguise.

"Sarra?" she asked quietly in surprise. That was when she slowly began to stand up, allowing her face to show a bit more in the lantern light. Those green eyes flickered between the two, realizing the other must be the sister, Sasha.

Cassie was trying to form more words, to perhaps ask what they were doing here, but it was shocking how small of a world it suddenly felt like.

[Noelle Kingsley]

Whenever the Brotherhood was preparing to set sail again, after being docked for whatever period of time (whether it was just a day, or weeks) it was always the same-- A chaotic organization of rushing around, storing supplies, preparing for life on the sea for however long before they would be able to do all of this all over again.

It wasn’t Noelle’s favorite part of the job, mostly because of all the yelling and ordering that went on--she didn’t do well with that sort of thing. It was one reason why she kept below decks, pitching in by moving the stacks of crated supplies, food, weapons, and whatever else they were hauling, out into the storage area, where she organized everything meticulously so it would be easily found when something was needed.

She used to have help with this sort of thing, but after doing it for so long, Noelle had gotten so good at it that she was left alone to work her magic, because no one could do it as well as she could. Apparently, or something like that. But she didn’t mind, it kept her busy and away from the rest of the chaos that was going on above deck and wherever else things were happening. If she ever asked for help, the crew wouldn’t hesitate, knowing that she rarely did ask for it.

There were several different storage areas on the ship. One was specifically for just food and drink, the others were for various other supplies: medical, first-aid things, weapons, tools, materials to repair the ship if needed-- there was everything that they could possibly think to need, stored away.

Once Noelle had finished storing everything in the food compartment, she moved on to begin filling the other-- the one the three ladies had stowed away in. Her arms were full with the crate she carried down the hall and as she came closer to the storage area, she could have sworn she heard voices from within, but quickly shrugged it off as it being someone loud on board that she could hear through the deck. She pushed her way in and set the crate down just as she heard a voice speaking someone’s name. Sarra? Her eyes went wide and she quickly glanced around. “Uh... No-- it’s Noelle… Who’s there?”

She moved her hand to her waist, placing her hand around the hilt of her knife that she wore at her back. “No one is supposed to be in here right now…” She stepped closer to where the three figures were in the back corner and she eventually saw the other blonde woman standing with the knife out, pointing at someone. “Drop your weapon, now.” Noelle pulled her knife out and held it up much in the same stance Sarra had been in. Her eyes darted around, seeing the two blonde girls, but she could tell that wasn’t it. There weren’t a lot of women on this ship, so she knew they were not part of the Brotherhood, and she only imagined they were stowaways. Did they know just what kind of ship they were sneaking onto, here?

Noelle couldn’t help but laugh, though she kept her knife held out in defense. “However many there are of you… Come out, or I will yell and have you kicked off.”  Somehow, she always seemed to run into the stowaways.  She, in several ways, had sort of been one herself once upon a time. 

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha's whole face crumpled in her confusion as Cassandra Demarais stepped into the light. What was she doing hiding on her brother's ship? Couldn't she just ride it normally? Or had he tried to protect her, just like Sarra, by forbidding her to come along?

She was about to speak up when another voice answered Cassandra instead. That had her nearly jumping out of her skin. "Hide!" she hissed as she pressed toward Cassandra, trying to hide them more, but it was too late. They'd been spotted. Dammit! They hadn't even made it out of the harbor, and already their plan was falling apart. She was going to get thrown out and sent home to Daddy Dearest, where she'd be married off to a man twice her age and made to mother his children who already hated her. She thought she might cry.

She turned towards the woman who demanded that Sarra drop her weapon, and Sasha raised her hands to show she was unarmed. But...the woman was laughing? Sasha's confusion was only getting worse by the minute.

“However many there are of you… Come out, or I will yell and have you kicked off.”

Sasha didn't hesitate to head forward--this person didn't seem too angry about them being there, just surprised. She glanced towards her sister, though, instead of speaking up. Was she supposed to be honest that there were three of them? Or could she maybe not give away Cassandra?

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra’s cobalt blues narrowed into the shadows, until she heard that familiar voice. She hadn’t really had much time to truly get to know Sevrins sisters but she certainly knew who they were and what they sounded like. Sarra gripped her knife a bit tighter, afraid Cassandra would try and come at her with her own weapon for unintentionally being the cause of her brothers banishment. Still, the surprise was clear on her face. “Cassandra?” She whispered. If she was here then that could only mean one thing...she was in the same boat as her and Sasha, and for the moment...they were Allies.

The sound of the other girl quickly drew Sarras attention and she clenched her jaw. A clear look of annoyance showed for a split second before the girl came into view. Aw hell! she thought. Her gaze flickered to Sasha and she internally groaned. Ive got a lot to teach you, little one… she made the mental notes to inform her sister on how to do better for next time. At the moment, they were entering a very crucial moment that if they so much as blinked wrong, they’d be landing their sweet asses on the dock before they even left port.

If Sarra could face down interrogators and pirates, she could handle one of Sevrins crew. She made a show of lifting her free hand and twirling the handle of the knife she held in the other around so the blade was face down the length of her forearm. “Easy,” she said putting a nervous smile on. She slowly placed the knife on the floor, her hands in view for Noelle to see as she lightly kicked it towards her as a show of no ill will. They needed a ride and not to blow that chance by being dumb. Once she straightened, Sarra’s gaze never left the mercenary.

“You heard the lady, Cassandra. C’mon out, we don’t need her hurting that voice by hollering.” A small smile appeared on Sarra’s face. It was safer for Cassandra to come out now, considering the position they’d been caught in. If the Haystones lied and she was found later it would look bad for them all.

“Noelle is it?” Sarra asked, confirming the name she’d spoken. “We don’t mean any harm, love.” Sarra’s eye drifted over to Sasha who had been eager to head forward and show she wasn’t a threat. “We’re merely trying to get away from an abusive prick of a father and an unwanted husband.” She started to explain. She didn’t know Cassandra's story, but Sarra was hoping to possibly rope her in with her and Sasha. If they were lucky? Noelle might take pity on them and help them out. The first step to that was being as honest as possible and then convincing.
Sarra hoped the scar on her face that went from her right temple and curved down to the upper part of her right cheek in an almost crescent like shape was enough to at least convince the woman that they’d been through some sort of hardship, and that this was their way out.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Everything was fine until the blondes showed up! Cassandra wanted to be annoyed, maybe even angry, but they were clearly sneaking on board for a reason...and possibly the same reasons as she. Considering Sarra's history with her brother, well, maybe it was for a few reasons more that brought unspoken questions to her tongue.

However, there was absolutely no time for that, because Sasha was trying to usher back towards the wall after someone had found them, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Maybe she would have been able to continue hiding and let the Haystones remain caught, but if anyone was going to get Sevrin to deal with this situation, it was going to be her...because the sisterly bitch fest always worked, no matter how much he denied it.

Cassie was already drawing out from behind the barrel when Sarra suggested she show herself, her hands up in the air to show the female mercenary that she had no weapon. Well, at least no weapon in her hand, that is. Listening as the eldest Haystone explained their situation to Noelle, she slowly began to creep past them so that she could step in front of the sisters.

"They're with me," she told the woman. It was a lie, but she would take the brunt of it. She didn't, for one second, believe Sarra was not telling the truth. "And Sevrin knows me...considering I'm his sister." Poor Noelle, she was finding herself in a very tricky situation. Cassandra's back straightened and she let her arms lower back down to her sides. "He'll kick us off of here, Noelle, thinking he's protecting us...but do you know how oppressed Tresterian women are? I love my brother, but he's a damned fool, and I need to get to Aralore." A pause, she considered her next question. "Will you hide us? Just until it's too late for him to turn this ship around?"

The woman heard their stories, and if Cassandra had to elaborate, she would.

[Noelle Kingsley]

Seriously--why was she always the one to run into or find the stowaways? Thankfully none of them had ever attacked her, but she couldn’t always assume that none of them would. She kept her guard up as the two blondes came out from the shadows, Sarra surrendered her knife before calling out to another lady. Noelle’s expression changed to a perplexed, yet amused one. What was happening?

She locked her gaze on Sarra as she spoke, explaining her story and why they were there. Her green eyes cautiously darted back and forth between the three women. She would be lying if she denied wanting to take pity on them, but with her own experiences and her position as a mercenary, she had learned never to trust anyone so easily. Noelle liked to think, however, that she had gotten quite good at judging a character and determining whether or not they were lying.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied Sarra, her lips parted to speak, but Cassandra’s voice filled the room and caught her attention. Now she quietly listened to the brunette speak, her eyes widening slightly as she admitted to being Sevrin’s sister. A tricky situation indeed, and for a moment, Noelle considered turning around and walking away, pretending she hadn’t even found them. If Sevrin knew or found out that she had helped stow away his sister on a ship heading towards the enemy territory, he would be throwing her overboard, and she would be dealing with her grumpy older brother pissed off at her for it all.

Still, Noelle kept her knife up in defense as she listened, her head tilting to the side, her free hand moving to rest upon her hip. In truth, she didn’t know just how oppressed Tresterian women were. She hadn’t spent enough time on the land to know for sure, aside from the stories Sevrin had told them of his homeland. Surely Sevrin would kick them off the ship in attempts to protect them--and rightfully so. But would he be leaving them behind if he thought they were in danger of being left in Teresteria?

"Will you hide us? Just until it's too late for him to turn this ship around?" Noelle stood there, dumbfounded and unsure of what to say. If Kingsley had ever tried leaving her behind somewhere in an attempt to protect her, she would be doing the same exact thing Cassandra and these ladies were doing now. He hadn’t left her behind though when he easily could have gone on with his life and left her behind to continue her life trapped in abuse.

As her lips parted to say something, her voice cracked and she hesitated, taking a step back as if she were just going to leave them and pretend she hadn’t found them. But then she paused and cleared her throat, a look of attempted strength and confidence took over her features before she spoke. “If you want my help--you need to do exactly as I say, stay quiet, and don’t try anything.” Her jaw clenched tightly and she looked between the three ladies again before sighing. “Too many people come back here, you can’t stay hidden in here.” Slowly, Noelle finally lowered her knife but kept it in hand. “I have space in my room for the three of you to stay there… But…” She raised her voice on the conditioning word. “Under two conditions.”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at each lady, studying them as if memorizing their appearances. “One. You stay quiet. No fighting, arguing, crying, or any other kind of noises that could give you away.” She let her first demand linger in the air before continuing. “Two: Sevrin does not find out I am involved in this. I protect you as best and as much as I can…And you protect me in return. If you are caught, it won’t be because I gave you away...So be smart.” She raised a brow in a questioning manner, hopeful they understood and would agree to her terms. She really didn’t want to scream or try and kick them off the ship on her own.

Finally, she sighed and then a look of confusion crossed her features. “But… We’re not going to Aralore.” She glanced back at Cassandra with a questioning look. “We are headed to their enemy territory to try and learn more about them. Are you sure you wish to be around for that?” She paused, thinking for a moment. “Afterwards…” She scratched the back of her head. “I’m not sure what will be happening, or if we will be going to Aralore? That much has not been clear yet.” Noelle scrunched her nose up and shrugged her shoulders. “If you don’t want to risk it… I would recommend getting off before we take off shortly.” She raised a brow, her gaze shifting between the three women, questioningly.

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha chewed the inside of her cheek nervously as the others made their pleas to Noelle. She seemed to be taking them seriously, despite the knife still in her hand. Maybe it was because she was a woman too, around their age. Noelle could put herself in their shoes more easily than anyone else on this ship, she'd bet.

“If you want my help--you need to do exactly as I say, stay quiet, and don’t try anything.”

Sasha visibly relaxed; she was unbelievably relieved that they weren't being summarily thrown out on their asses. Just getting half a chance from Noelle was enough to make her spirits soar. They might really make it!

The rules didn't bother her any, and she nodded along. Easy. Don't be obnoxious, and don't be a tattletale. She was good at that. She never told on Sarra before, and she wasn't about to start now.

The bit about enemy territory, though, caught her by surprise, and her head whipped to look at Sarra. Had she known they were off to do something crazy in a war zone? Of course, Sasha had known she was signing up for hard work and violence, running away with mercenaries, but she hadn't expected it to get that bad that fast. They hadn't even left the port yet! What a way to start her new life...by dying in a war she knew nothing about.

[Sarra Haystone]

To say Sarra was surprised by Cassandra’s statement was an understatement. Her blue eyes flickered to the woman, showing her surprise for a brief second. If only because Saara was the reason why Sevrin Demarais was here in the first place. If not for her, he wouldn’t be captaining this vessel, he wouldn’t be a banished lordling, he would still be home with his family. Something had never forgiven herself for, nor did she imagine his sisters forgave her for either.

What did Cassie think happened to her? Marvin Haystone would not have allowed rumors of his oldest sister running filter their way through Tresteria, He would have made up some tale of her studying abroad, and leave it at that. So yes. Sarra was surprised a woman she believed hated her guts was suddenly admitting she and her little sister were with her on the charade. And you would be damn wrong if you didn’t think Sarra wasn’t going to play along with her.

Sarra held her tongue, her cobalt blues studying Noelle to see if she believed them or not, and would be willing to hide them. Her expression didn’t change as the woman finally agreed, and she expected there to be a but. Something like this wouldn’t be easy, and Sarra accepted that. Still, lady luck was showing them her favor, and Sarra glanced at Sasha and gave her a reassuring wink. Between Cassandra being Sevrins sister, and Sarra as his lover, they had him handled. No one would be getting turned back today.

Smart girl… Sarra thought of Noelle with her requirement they not rat her out. She was looking after herself and Sarra could respect that. She nodded her head in agreement, and then allowed her head to cant to the side as she let them know they weren’t going to Aralore, but instead into enemy territory.

A-ha! That’s why he didn’t let you tag along! She thought victoriously. His excuse as a mercenary hadn’t worked on her, and Sarra hadn’t argued with him further. Appearing to accept his tale that it was “to dangerous” and the “I can’t bring you with me.” Merely for the fact she’d already made up her mind that he wasn’t going anywhere without her again. She wasn't spending another five years trying to find the damn man on a ocean.

Fuck that shit.

Hearing the news spoke to Sarra’s adventurous side, and it took every ounce of willpower to not break out into a cheshire like grin at the other woman. Still, her lips did upturn, and the delight was clear on her face. At the suggestion if they wanted off they needed to go now, Sarra actually laughed. Maybe she was showing her crazy, but she honestly didn’t care. “Enemy territory huh? Sounds like adventure to me.” She mused. She glanced between Sasha and Cassandra with a raised brow. She knew Sasha would do whatever she did, and Sarra wasn’t so irresponsible as to feed her sister to the sharks and make her completely helpless. Sasha was going to find Sarra could be quite the drill instructor with a sword that she was going to learn how to use as soon as she could get one into her hand.

Helpless blondes the Haystones were not. “Well ladies, what are we waiting for?” She asked. Stooping low to pick up the sack that held her belongings. Sarra stood then and looked at Noelle, nodding at her. “Lead the way.”