Re: Praise the Sun. (Mind Flayer)
Agatha broke into a fit of laughter at that, unable to stop herself before she slapped him on the shoulder and then gave him a push for the door. Cmon, Gotta learn you a thing or two about Garellia 'Itchy' she said, Loran raising a hand in confusion before Agatha waved him off, all the men in the group of paladins looking stunned. he'd have to make up a suitable story later.
She'd lead him out, and he had his axe and she her gear while Vila woke up long enough to hide in his tunic pocket, curled up and napping happily.
First! The pirates here? They're the Garellian Navy. They have their own rules, and when you see this... It'll make a bit more sense. she said, leading him down the winding cobbles as Dusk was starting to fall, Ichiro able to see tons of sprites now all giggling and flopping into hanging lanterns, indeed lighting the streets.
It was beautiful and haunting at the same time, but the buildings, and their roses, which grew from every lintle, doorframe, and windowsill in great sweeping blossoms in the night filled the air with a pleasant and heady scent of adventure and purpose. Relaxing and Exciting.
People were headed home in this, the central district, and the first place Agatha took him was the plaza, where a large map rested. He could see 9 districts. The Central one they were in was a large and well kept circle. Then there were 4 market districts surrounding it, What was called the Storm District further to the south, a noble's district to the north, the Palacial district beyond that, and then what was simply labeled Harbor.
The Harbor was the largest of all the districts, including central and All the market districts combined, because it encompassed 9 miles inwards from every stretch of coast on the peninsula, and it had a warning. Sea Law in effect. No Guard. in bold print around the entire district.
Once he'd had a good chance to look it over, she moved on, heading directly south towards the point of the Harbor. You see, the pirates, and the merchants have a standing agreement. The royalty came later. As did this country... city... The entire City is the Country. Garellia is Garella. she said, before continuing. Because of that, the pirates control the harbor and protect it for the merchants. Those merchants who pay tax to the pirates, have protection from Our pirates, AND all other pirates on the ocean. So they exist outside standard law, they make their own and adhere to them strictly. However, what's important is this. Combat is not prohibited in the Harbor. Not even ship combat. So if a portion of the Harbor burns down? Like it most certainly did.... Well... That's on them to sort it out. They govern themselves and in exchange they're at the beck and call to defend and support their port of birth, here in Garellia, where every Pirate is a King. But... even Kings, have Kings. And the Demon Fiddler was that leader for a long time, until he retired. He's since reclaimed his crown, in a single night, and the damage he did is.... well... see for yourself. she said as they walked, soon cresting a ridge point on the city skyline, allowing them to look down into the harbor. Or rather, the smoking ruins of what had been a large portion of the southern tip of that harbor.
no less then 15 ships of full galleon size had been sunk, and simply LEFT there in the port, with flags all bearing a skull and a violin crossed with a cutlass flying over them, like grim reminders of who had sunk them. Fires were still burning, and not a single sprite would go near that area. It was dark save the fires that were still burning. The sound of combat raged below here and there as groups went at eachother. But there was one thing of note. A massive flagpole flew over the cape, and on it rested that same flag.
19 ships sunk, 300 plus men killed in open combat. another 100 killed with cannonfire. Whoever made him angry enough, to pull him out of retirement, well.. I sincerely doubt they're still alive, and if they are, well.... It wont be long. she said, looking down at a testament to both Grit, and Power. And not of a magical kind. though from the smell on the air, it wasn't ALL gunpowder. Only a single ship was sitting out in that harbor, judging from the 60 broadside cannons aimed still at the harbor, it was a warship.
Most pirates would never sail something so big, and slow... But he... is truly fearless... Somehow he makes that monster move as fast as a sloop. He can't be outrun, he's never been outfought. The Demon Fiddler of the Steel Roses. He's a living legend and I do mean it. she said, looking down at that ship.
I pity the soul who caught his attention... I really do. she said softly, in awe of a soul truly blessed by Melora, to sail so freely upon her world.
