Intro Log: February 2015

[highseasmods]

WELCOME NEW CHARACTERS!
Have an intro log for the month of February!

Who: Any and all new characters, as well as anyone hanging out on or around Isla Empieza!
Where: Near the fountain in the town center.
When: New characters will arrive around February 8th! The log is good for as long as you need it.
What: You've just been dropped on your head in a weird new world. Time to figure out what the heck is going on!
Status: VERY OPEN.

This time of year, wouldn't it be nice to have one last picturesque snow fall to round out the gentleness of winter? Too bad it’s a raging blizzard and ice slicked streets that await you upon your awakening to Empieza. The most you’ll find to greet you outside is snow, cold, the occasional ice pellets to the face, and a small herd miniature yak that have somehow gotten loose from their pen and seems largely unaffected by the cold as they roam around.

Inside you will find open hearths and warm greetings; explanations, too, if you need them. The locals have grown quite used to outworlders and can tell you most anything you need to know. While you’re tucked up by the fireside, you’ll be sure to see certain fliers for some kind of Frosty Heart Festival. What could that be about?

Feel free to throw your characters here if you need a place for them to get situated and start figuring things out! Start new threads, tag into others, meet the people who might just become part of your crew! Older characters will be in and out, too, depending who is on the island at the current time.

HAVE FUN! And welcome to High Seas!

Comments

[blastgoodform]

"Good day." James replies, almost a bit suspiciously. It takes Hook a few moments to process that anyone is actually speaking to him - in his day and a half on the island, he hadn't been spoken to by anyone whom he didn't speak to first. It might be a pleasant idea to actually engage in conversation, after all, this woman might even end up of use to him.

"Pardon me for intruding, miss," the captain speaks to the woman while attempt to sound as sincere as possible. "But I can't say that I recognize your style of garment. Pray tell, where did you acquire it?"

It's not like the man was lying for the sake of conversation. As well-traveled as he was, he couldn't claim to have seen anything even similar to what Azula was wearing. Hell, he had hardly seen anyone like the woman herself.

[divinerighttorule]

"I am equally unfamiliar with your clothing, so it's no intrusion." Besides, he'd had the civility to return her greeting before offering any questions, just as she'd been prepared with her own. Simple manners shouldn't be so rare, but she'd found they seemed to be. Still, he could at least play the part, and there were many uses an older man could have, especially to a young woman alone.

"These clothes are common among the royal family of the Fire Nation, which is my home."

Even with the metal attached to his arm, there was no danger in admitting to her title, even if indirectly. She could hold her own if he decided to attack her. But she wouldn't offer that threat. For now, they could at least play at social niceties, even if they might both be planning to kill each other.

"It seems most people here aren't familiar with my homeland. None of the merchants or innkeepers I've spoken to know of it, which makes it unlikely I arrived here in the course I thought I did. Where are you from? If I may ask."

[blastgoodform]

"I presume I am speaking with royalty, then?" Certainly meeting a member of a royal family at a fruit stand is a bit odd, but Hook thanks his stars regardless. This is an excellent addition to what otherwise would have been a fruitless day, and he welcomes the opportunity to acquaint himself with this woman. After all, getting acquainted with royalty might actually be of some use to him down the line!

Of course, that probably just meant he'd kidnap her and hold her for ransom. There were other possibilities, but he could think of them later.

"I hail from England, madam. Though, I can't admit to having seen the place in years. I've been on the sea for quite some time." There's more to tell, of course there is, but speaking of half the things he has seen in his time in Neverland would make him look like a loon.

[divinerighttorule]

"Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, daughter and heir to Fire Lord Ozai." The latter might not be as true anymore, not now that she was bringing Zuko home. Still, he wasn't here to argue with her, and Father hadn't officially welcomed him home as his first-born and son. Until that happened, the title of 'heir' was hers to claim, especially in a strange land such as this. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir."

It would do her well to act the part of a princess, even moreso than she felt she did at any particular moment. Her combative abilities were of no importance right now, but her breeding could cultivate alliances, even where her heritage was unknown.

"I've never heard of England, but it seems that, in this place, there is much I haven't encountered before. I've traveled most of the known world where I am from, and what I haven't seen for myself I've read about, but I'm afraid that still leaves me ill-prepared for anywhere like this."

[blastgoodform]

"Captain James Hook at your service, m'lady." He takes an overdramatic bow for the woman, using his free (and only) hand to remove his hat. Though he didn't like bowing for most people, it would do well for Hook to make -some- sort of connections while he's on this wretched island. He notices that the pear is still latched on his hook, and he lets the fruit fall off and roll to the side. No point in looking bad in front of the woman, besides, he was practically done with the thing anyway.

"Aye, this is true. I fancy meself as a well-traveled man, but this island is a mystery to me. Why, I can't say I was even familiar with the place before yesterday evening."

[divinerighttorule]

"A captain? How wonderful." She offered a bow as well, though hers was at the waist only, but it was appropriately low. A little lower than she would use for a captain in the Fire Nation's ranks, closer to that she'd give an admiral. But this man was a stranger who could prove useful. She would treat him respectfully as long as he did the same. "The dockyard master has been quite eager to sell me a boat. It seems most newcomers are expected to take to the sea."

Though... Only yesterday. That notion caught her ear. She'd have to discuss it with him, certainly. It had a great deal of bearing on her mind. She, too, had arrived yesterday. And the man she'd spoken to at the dockyard had been a newcomer as well. That spoke to something far bigger than the treachery of her uncle.

[blastgoodform]

"Indeed. I suppose that I shall be commandeering a ship meself down the line." As worthless as the day had been prior to meeting Azula, he actually somewhat enjoyed the bit of serenity and peace that the island was offering. But he knew that the sea would be beckoning to him, and he was very eager to exploit a return to piracy.

"Pray tell, does the dockyard have worthwhile vessels?" Hook had only passed by the ship in his travels about the island, but hadn't actually given the place a thorough investigation. "If I am to take to sea once more, I would like to do so with something sturdy at least."

[divinerighttorule]

"If you're familiar with wooden hulls, they're good enough. My country uses metal mostly, but I am familiar with wood." And then, the plant. The perfect place to introduce a hint of an idea that was beginning to settle into her mind. "Though I lack the experience to command such a vessel myself, especially alone."

The man looked like he was used to wanting for little. That agreed with her. His actual manner would need to be assessed, but there was time enough for that later.

"I have naval knowledge. The Fire Nation is the primary sea power where I'm from, do I've been to sea and studied with admirals. Perhaps I can find someone in need of my assistance."

[blastgoodform]

Oh, believe me, he is very familiar with wooden ships. He could hardly even imagine commandeering one with a metal hull, but to him, it sounds too fancy. Are those things even publicly available? Before he can even blurt out a response, he is cut off by her next few words.

The same ideas twirled through his head, though he doubted this woman would hardly be up for his style of sailing. Still, if this was meant to be a lure, then she had Hook ensnared. Admittedly, this was fairly delicious bait, if that counted for anything.

"It appears as though we have similar goals, then. Tell me, my dear, when are you planning on leaving Empieza?"

[divinerighttorule]

"I haven't decided exactly. Whenever I find a suitable vessel and sailing companion," Azula murmured easily enough, keeping her voice young. Young enough not to sound like a threat. "Soon, I think."

They could help each other. Whatever came of all this, there was a bargain or two to be made before they wore out their usefulness for another. First things first, though.

"Would you care to join me for dinner, Captain? We could discuss business a bit more thoroughly."

[blastgoodform]

Normally, Hook hates anybody even remotely youthful. But Azula seems...different. Educated. Perhaps it is her alleged ties to royalty, but for whatever reason, Hook can't help but be somewhat charmed by the way she speaks.

"I would be delighted to accompany you, madam."

This would be the start of something beneficial to the captain. At this point, he was sure of it.

[divinerighttorule]

"I stay at The High Noon. If you'd meet me there at... say five o'clock? I'm not sure what hour you're accustomed to having supper."

She knew how to speak, certainly to an admiral, as she'd decided to consider this man. So, it was simple enough to make the offer. He'd certainly prove a useful ally as she acquainted herself with sailing.

[blastgoodform]

Hook truly didn't care about what time he'd be eating his dinner, nor the dinner itself. This was an opportunity for an open forum between the two of them, and he likely would've taken whatever time or place she offered. After all, this woman was indeed looking to be a valuable asset.

"Aye, those are agreeable arrangements. It's settled, then?"

[divinerighttorule]

"Excellent."

She offered her own style of bow again, giving the faintest of smiles. It was a cautious expression, certainly, but there was hope. He did, at least, have a good amount of experience she needed.

"I look forward to then, Captain."

[blastgoodform]

"I as well, my dear."

The captain does not give another extravegent bow, instead offering a simple nod. There's no need to make a ham out of himself at that point, considering how he was no longer trying to impress this woman. With a simple "take care, princess", Hook is quick to walk away. After all, there's hardly any need to converse no that their business here had concluded.