Stolen Treasure (BunBunTheCatSnake)

[Guest smolcat]

 

 

 

Name: Aetos

Age: 24

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 135lbs

History: Raised on some of the rougher sides of town, Aetos grew up on and off the streets. His parents were impoverished and usually struggled to provide the basic necessities for the boy. With his mother working in one of the local brothels and his father trying to keep a job as a fisherman, they could occasionally afford nice things like a birthday gift once a year, and on rare occasion they would manage to rent a room to stay in for a week or so, before their savings ran out again. Still, Aetos couldn't complain too much, even if he was terribly jealous of the other kids who wore blouses and owned a pair of shoes. His parents loved him dearly, and even when he started to pick-pocket merchants, they never hit him or threw him out.

 

However, when he was twelve years old, Aetos's mother was beaten to death by one of her clients. This broke Aetos and his father, and though they both wanted vengeance, the boy's father was the one who took action. He hunted down the man who had killed his wife, and was challenged to a duel. Though, not being able to afford a gun, he was shot to death before he could even decline. Aetos watched the whole thing from the shadows. What happened after that, Aetos doesn't like to talk about. He tries not to remember how he so foolishly charged at the man and was stopped. How, instead of being shot dead like his father, where at least he could have joined his parents's sides, the rich man who had prostituted his mother and murdered his father, instead, saw Aetos as an opportunity. Some quick and easy money. He was young, strong, and hadn't enough experience of a man--so he could be broken with much more ease.

 

With some help of some nearby guards, the man had Aetos captured, chained, and sold as a slave.

 

Aetos would be sixteen when he finally made his escape, and since then, he's lived for nobody but himself. He became uncaring for the world around him, and pays no mind to how his actions effect others. Aetos seeks only a couple things now, and with the skills he's gained over the years, he finds it easy enough to acquire. To take, steal, gain for himself, and owe nothing to the world or anyone else around him.

 

Years passed, and Aetos became a decent thief. Although he's not well known by all, he is wanted dead or alive in five different countries. Mostly he seeks any treasure or gold worthy enough to catch his notice, and he'll go to just about any length to get it. His true motives are relatively unknown.

 

Personality: Aetos lives life to the fullest. He is brave, crafty, and emotionally reserved. This is overlooked by how he tends to act and behave rather playfully, but Aetos doesn't open up to many people and for good reason. He's a quick thinker, and although he doesn't know how to read, the young man is more intelligent than he lets on and often catches others by surprise. He's sneaky, selfish, and rude--with little care of how his words effect those around him. But he can be incredibly manipulative if the situation calls for it, too. Though he can behave a bit childishly at times, however, Aetos is incredibly serious beneath his immature facade.

 

 

 

 

 

Gunshots rang in the air, and Aetos took a step back--not that the bullet had been aimed at him in any way, but with the chaos on the top deck springing loose like it had, now seemed like the perfect opportunity to begin. He wasn't sure exactly what he was going to be looking for, but he was prepared for the event and had been looking forward to this for little under a month now. Ever since he'd joined the crew of the Red Bones, he'd been anticipating this exact moment and had crafted up the most flawless plan he could. It was dangerous, and it was risky, he knew, to be stealing from a man with this sort of reputation, but that just made it all the more worth it in his mind.

 

Someone like the captain of the Red Bones would no doubt have gotten his hands on one of the better jewels in the seven seas than a lesser pirate. Whatever it was he had been hiding, it surely had to have been of great value. It was risky, sure, but Aetos wasn't afraid of hardly anything anymore. And sure, going after something like this was dangerous... it could easily get the young man killed, he was certain, but the prize was always worth the risk.

 

He didn't know exactly what awaited him behind those locked doors. For all he knew, it wasn't even an actual item--but merely a map on how to find said treasure. Or maybe he'd be looking for something small that was worth ten chests of gold. Nobody knew. But whatever it was, it was valuable, and Aetos was going to get his tattooed hands on it if it was the last thing he did. The longboat was prepared--he'd snuck out during the night, when the haze and fog of the evening's sea mist was low enough in the air he could move undetected by whoever lurked in the crow's nest, and everything had gone perfectly. The next day, they were now going head-to-head with another ship, and all of the pieces were lining up perfectly. He had a method of escape, and now he had a distraction.

 

While the captain and the other sailors aboard the fully rigged pinnace were firing cannons, shooting down enemies, and slashing away at the invading pirate forces, the two ships locked together and sailors swinging from one to another, Aetos slipped away to the captain's quarters. He was able to pick the lock easily, and slipped inside. His golden eyes scanned the area as he sneaked in, and immediately began his search for... whatever it was.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

 

Marcellus Mariwether

Age: 23

Height: 5'5

Biography: Grew up in a rich house hold. He never wanted for anything as a child, and had a very close relationship with his family. When he turned eight-teen, his parents were murdered and he was sold off to a brothel. He stayed there for about a year, before he was sold off to the Captain of the Red Bones pirate crew. The Captain kept him under lock and key for years, and treated him like his own personal slave.

Personality: Marcellus is a bit cynical, and is conditioned to expect the worst. He's quick to think on his feet, and is very intelligent. Marcellus loves to socialize, but has had a lack of it for years and craves it. Marcellus dreams of taking his fortune back, and it's the only thought that keeps him going. He's very distant and cold when people first meet him, but the more he warms up the kinder he becomes. He's fiercely loyal, and will give his life if it means protecting those who mean a lot to him.

Facts:

-He's excellent at fencing!

-He loves telling stories

 

 

 

 

Marcellus paced in the small dimly lit room, with a lantern in hand. His feet were shackled to the bed, and every time he moved it made a soft chime. When Captain Barnes first put on the shackle, it annoyed and aggravated him. It began to bruise, and that never really went away. Now it has become such a part of his small world, that he hardly even realized it. The rocking ship and frequent battles were also a part of his small world. He prayed that someone would take over the ship, kill Captain Barnes, and whisk him back home... home. The word made his heart sink to his stomach. There was no home for Marcellus... not unless he counted the small four corners of the Captains Quarters.

 

Marcellus sat on the bed, holding the lantern tightly out of fear that he would drop it and die in a bed of flames. Barnes never let Marcellus out of his quarters. He said it was because Marcellus came from a powerful family, and he wanted to use him to get his fortune. Marcellus wasn't a stupid man though. He knew all of his families secrets and brought Captain Barnes where he knew his family had small bits of his riches, without leading him to where he called home. Captain Barnes would sail wherever Marcellus would tell him to, get a bit of gold and a few lesser heirlooms, and they would be off to the next. That was the real reason Barnes treasured him - he brought in the big money. In all honestly, Marcellus could care less about the small hidden fortunes his family would spread out or even the heirlooms. Marcellus just wanted to go back to where he grew up... but someone was there that Marcellus wanted to kill personally - he just needed off this ship.

 

Beyond the bursts of cannons, and the echos of gunshots came an unfamiliar noise. Marcellus could feel his gut clench with fear the sound of the lock being picked. He jumped up from the bed, silently cursing Barnes for not leaving him anything to defend himself. Marcellus wasn't ready to die. He needed off this ship first. He wanted to feel the sun kiss his skin. He wanted to live before he died. The invader picked the lock fairly fast, and out of pure desperation he hid behind the door. He watched the man enter the Captains Quarters, and watched as he was searching for something.

 

Marcellus looked at the open door, his heart pounding inside of his chest. He could run away if he didn't have these shackles... Fuck... even if he did move, the man would hear him. Marcellus bit his lip, and held his lantern over his head. "What are you doing here?" Marcellus asked, trying to put on a brave face despite his trembling voice.

[Guest smolcat]

Upon his immediate entrance to the room, Aetos didn't see a soul. But as he crept further in, gently closing the door behind him, he was startled when he saw another person there--who spoke up to raise a question. Aetos flinched and his hand flew to his dagger that was attached to the sashes around his waist, drawing the blade with expert speed. His golden eyes flicked around the room, taking in details and notes of his immediate surroundings as he tried to gather a footing of his situation.

 

Who was this man? This was bad. Aetos had been caught before he'd even begin to look around for what he was seeking, and now there was a witness. He never would have guessed that Captain Barnes had a secret lover.

 

No.

 

Not a lover. Aetos's eyes drifted to the chain around the man's ankle, it trailed over to the bed and was attached to the foot of the wooden frame. A slave. Aetos returned his attention to the other man and moved forward quickly, his drawn dagger moving quickly to point at the other's throat. He didn't harm the man, but his action was a clear threat.

 

"Quiet, whore," Aetos whispered the order. The way he called the other man, it didn't sound like it was meant as an insult, so much as he was merely stating facts and naming him by his role. But this was bad, regardless. Now he had to deal with a witness. And although he could easily slit this man's throat and kill him, it wouldn't do any good. Once Aetos had taken what he wanted and left the ship, it'd only be a matter of time before Captain Barnes figured out who had done it. Whether someone else told him or he put the pieces together himself, it made no difference. So there was no point in killing this man, Aetos wouldn't benefit from it. And, based off of his quivering hand and shaky voice, this man wasn't about ready to try fighting back.

 

It was settled, in Aetos's head. His golden eyes locked onto the man's emerald ones, glinting deviously in the dim lighting as another canon went off outside. "Alright, listen. I know Captain Barnes has something valuable hidden away in here. You know what it is." Not a question, a fact. If this man spent all of his time locked away in the Captain's private quarters... there was no way he didn't see where the man had stashed away his loot. His prize... whatever it was. "If you tell me where he's hidden his treasure, I'll..." His voice trailed off as he conjured up a bribe. At first, he considered announcing that he'd spare the man's life. But there was a chance that the whore would still try to stop him, or wouldn't consider it a good enough reward for ratting out his captor. He had to come up with something better. Something that he knew, for sure, the other would want. "I'll get you out of those chains."

 

Aetos knew how to pick locks better than anyone he knew, and even if he had the right tools, Aetos doubted this man could figure out the fine art that was lock picking. It wasn't as easy as shoving a pick or pin into the lock, after all. It was a valuable skill, and one Aetos was well versed in.

 

So, if this man could tell Aetos what prize the captain was hiding... Aetos could grant him his freedom.

 

It sounded like a fair trade, in the thief's mind.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

When the other pulled the knife to his throat, Marcellus looked up at him with a nasty glare. If he was being honest, he was terrified. He had no idea why this man was here. Was he a member of the Red Bones? Or was he a member of whatever opposing crew they were up against? When the other called him a whore, Marcellus could feel anger boil in his stomach like a pot of water. His glare towards the other only grew nastier. He wanted to punch the man in the gut, but he was scared of what would happen to him if he did.

 

When the other started talking about how Captain Barnes had something hidden in this room, Marcellus couldn't help but feel a little sense of hope. This could mean his escape. He could be a step closer to achieving his goal. His excitement only grew when the stranger said he would get him out of his chains. "So you're a thief... that explains a lot." Marcellus' green eyes flashed up to the strangers, and a small smile crossed his lips. "Believe it or not, the thing you're looking for is me. I'm the thing that Captain Barnes treasures above anything else, for reasons I will only tell you once you take this shackle off my foot."

 

Marcellus was finally going to be free. He was going to be able to feel the fresh air on his skin, and feel the sun beating down onto his pale skin. "And if you don't believe me, take a look around. The most valuable thing in this room is a few bags of gold, a ruby, and some tobacco - you're welcome to some of it. I couldn't give a shit about Barnes and his gold..." When Marcellus spoke Barnes name, it was almost like he spit it out like venom.

 

"If you free me, I'll give you the same deal as Barnes... Trust me, there's a reason he keeps me locked up."

[Guest smolcat]

Aetos raised an eyebrow when the other male spoke. Him?? He was the treasure? The tan-skinned man wanted to roll his eyes, but what the other said had caught his interest. He had a point. Aetos's eyes scanned the room and--from what he could tell, there wasn't anything that was too special about the place.

 

Of course, this mysterious man could be lying, and there could be something that was still hidden somewhere Aetos didn't know about, but...

 

The way the other spoke about the Captain, Aetos didn't have any reason to believe he was lying. However, just to make sure... the thief's honey amber eyes locked onto the other man's emerald green ones, and he took a moment to carefully analyze his eyes. Then, cautiously sheathing his knife again, he took the other male's empty hand in his and looked over his palm.

 

Whatever he was looking for, Aetos seemed content, and let go of the other's hand. "'Kay," he said, stepping away from him. The thief ran over to where he'd spotted one of the bags of gold and pocketed it, then moved back to the man and crouched down at his feet. He took out his picks and quickly began working on the lock, unshackling his ankle and returned to his own feet, standing upright again. "C'mon," he ordered in a soft tone, grabbing the man by the wrist and moving toward the door.

 

He lead the other outside, where the men and pirates were still at each others' throats, fighting mercilessly as cannons blasted, the ship shaking slightly as cannonballs ripped through it. Aetos moved quickly, pulling the other along as he rushed over to the side of the ship. Letting go of the other, Aetos jumped over the railing and into the longboat that was waiting below, dropping his bag of gold onto one of the seats, then looked up to the other man expectantly.

 

With all the chaos going on the main deck, they wouldn't likely be noticed slipping away. And they'd have until the fight ended before the captain started to realize what had happened.

 

Aetos held out his arms, just in case the other was afraid to jump--it was a pretty steep fall. "Hurry up--I'll catch you just c'mon!"

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

When the man took his hand and turned it over, Marcellus couldn't help but stare at the man. What was he doing? He scrunched his eyebrows together, held his hand when it was returned to him. He wanted to ask what that was about, but something in him told him that he wouldn't tell him anyways. When the other freed him from his shackle, Marcellus moved his foot around. It's been years since he was able to do something so normal. He grabbed a bag of gold as well, before the other took his hand and led him away from the room. He was happy that he would never have to see that room again. As far as he was concerned, that room was dead to him. The closer the two got to the outside world, the louder the scene became. Before he knew it he was surrounded by a gruesome scene. Just besides the door was the body of a young man - he couldn't have been older than twenty. Marcellus could feel his stomach turn. Was he someone who belonged to this ship, or the rivals?

 

The boat shook and the smell of gunpowder and blood hit Marcellus' nose like a scent that wanted to be discovered. So much was happening around him, but the thick mist only gave a slight silhouette of their surroundings. Suddenly the stranger jumped off the ship. Marcellus looked down, barely making out the stranger. Marcellus looked over his shoulder, the screaming from the men on board making his heart thump. He looked back at the boat below him, and jumped off. Marcellus landed in the strangers arms, where he got a good look at his savior. He couldn't really see his tattoos in the dimly lit room, and he found them fascinating. This didn't mean that he fully trusted the man though.

 

"Thank you," Marcellus thanked, as he broke away from him and fixed his dirtied poet blouse. It felt so nice to feel fresh air on his skin. But they weren't out of the clear just yet. Now it was the get away. "Is there anything I can help with?" Marcellus knew better than anyone what would happen to both of them if Barnes found them. They had to get away as soon as they could. Marcellus didn't want his freedom to be temporary.

[Guest smolcat]

Once the man fell into Aetos's arms, the young thief set him down on one of the wooden benches of the dingy. He was quick to get to work, drawing his dagger and hastily moving over to one of the ropes that still tethered the rowboat to the mighty ship.

 

The kidnapped lad offered some assistance, and Aetos's amber eyes met the other male's for a brief moment as he thought it over for a second. "Yeah," he stated. "Stay out of my way." He finished cutting the ropes and the boat dropped into the sea below. Aetos quickly kicked off the side of the ship and grabbed one of the oars, using it to further the distance between them and the rigged pinnace. Once they were a yard away, the dark-skinned man took a seat and grabbed the second oar, plopping both into the water as he began to row the boat away.

 

"I wasn't plannin' on bringing along a person," Aetos admitted, putting his back into it as he continued to man their boat away. The strokes of the oars were strong and powerful, giving them the speed they needed if they hoped to successfully escape. "So, the less trouble you cause me, the more helpful you'll be. Judging by your hands, you ain't worked hard a day in your life, so it's best you just leave this to me."

 

His head was turned slightly, as if to put his attention on the cerulean waves that rolled against their dingy, lapping up its wooden sides and splashing them lightly with each collision. The salty breeze swept through their hair like a lover's fingers, and the warmth of the sun's rays caressed their skin. However, Aetos couldn't help but to creep another glance at the mysterious man through the corners of his eyes. "You ain't a usual whore, either, though. Too well-kept," he reasoned, as if he knew. "Just who are you, anyway?"

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

When the thief denied his help, Marcellus turned his head away from the man. There was a part of him that wanted to shrink away from the man, to let him do it thing. He helped him get out of Barnes grasp, but only for his own gain. Marcellus felt like every person he met was out for themselves, and he found that he wasn't that different. Marcellus knew how to use people, and it became second nature. It's how he learned to survive. There wasn't a soul on this planet who didn't do something for their own personal gain - it was how people survived in this day, and Marcellus grew to accept it.

 

The confession made Marcellus look back at the tattooed man. The comment about his hands made Marcellus look at them, before he took a quick glance at the others. They did feel rough when he led him to the boat. "Yeah..." Was all Marcellus could reply with. The stranger wasn't wrong. The hardest Marcellus ever had to work was at the brothel, but even then he found himself on his back on a bed. He never sailed a boat in his life, let alone rowed a boat! That was for the servants to do... But Marcellus wasn't a helpless noble anymore, and even if he got his fortune back he knew it wouldn't be the same.

 

Marcellus leaned back in the seat, and let the sun beat down on him. It felt so nice. He almost forgot what it felt like. Even the smell of the sea was lost to him in that room. There was life here, and he was free. Marcellus let his hand run through the water for a split second, the waves feeling nice against his hands. Even if Marcellus never got his fortune back, it was nice just being away from the small prison that acted as his prison for so many years.

 

The word whore brought Marcellus back into his surroundings. He looked over at the stranger, a small smile crossing his lips. "You're clever." Marcellus complimented the man, as he crossed his arms again. "You're right. I never worked a day in my life..." Marcellus leaned forward, meeting with the others golden eyes. "I'm Marcellus Mariwether. I use to be a noble, but that all changed. I became a whore, Barnes bought me, he used me to seek treasure, and now we're here - sailing. That's a heavily abridged version of my tale anyways." Marcellus brushed a brown lock out of his eyes, and offered the stranger a smile. "And yourself?"

[Guest smolcat]

Aetos watched as the other man relished in his freedom. He looked so at peace, reclining in the little boat with his fingers trailing across the surface of the water on the outside. It must have been a nice change. Something the tattooed man could relate to, and so he'd let the other keep his peace.

 

Of course, when the other man gave his response, he took on a slightly different air. Crossed arms, a subconscious defensive position, a smile that hardly seemed to carry genuine glee, he leaned forward as if to hold his ground, and he uttered a compliment as if to imply the opposite had been true. Or, perhaps Aetos was reading too much into the other man's body language, though the thief tended to doubt it. He didn't care. It was to be expected.

 

Although the stranger didn't know who Aetos was, he could probably guess that he was a pirate. A lowly criminal, thriving on the ocean, or a despicable criminal who lusted for blood. Aetos may have saved the stranger, but he was still a potential threat. Even if the other individual didn't think highly of the tattooed man, his guesses couldn't have been far off. By nature, he was a thief, after all. Even if he wasn't a cutthroat pirate, he certainly wasn't a respectable member of society by any means, either.

 

The man introduced himself with the name of "Marcellus", and gave a brief history for Aetos to listen to. The mention of his life as a prostitute did catch Aetos's surprise, though, especially considering his background of nobility. He smiled kindly after sharing his tale, and Aetos didn't return the gesture.

 

Instead, he continued to look at the other man with a cautious gaze, stoic in his expression. "Aetos. That's my name," he replied curtly. He didn't elaborate any further. If he was a nobleman, how did he find himself as a whore? Likely it wasn't by choice. So, was he disgraced by his family and thrown to the streets to fend for himself? If he came from a wealthy home, it wouldn't make sense that they'd sell him for money. He would let a few moments pass before he made another inquiry. "You say 'became', but I'm curious what got you there." He looked at the other carefully, for how he replied would dictate a very important decision on the theif's part. "Did your family betray you? It's not usual to hear that sorta thing becoming of a nobleman... Would they want you back if a ransom was made, for instance? I wanna know more what your relationship with them is." A pause. "My guess is it ain't good."

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

"Well, it's a pleasure, Aetos." Marcellus said with a circular hand gesture. He waited a few seconds for Aetos to shed some light as to how he ended up on the Red Bones, but all he could hear was the sounds of the waves crashing against their small boat. Marcellus turned his head and let his finger tips glide against the waves, trying to soak in the feeling of freedom. The question made Marcellus tense up. He pulled his hand back, but kept his eyes glued to the ocean. The more Aetos talked, the more Marcellus visibly tensed. His family was a soft spot. The comment about whatever happened not being good made Marcellus bitterly chuckle. "No. It isn't good." He said with venom piercing his words like an arrow.

 

Marcellus was silent for a few seconds. He shifted in his seat, and ran his finger through his messy hair. There was no avoiding telling this man what happened... besides, if the man could sneak into Barnes private quarters, and steal him then maybe he was a useful ally. Marcellus looked the man up and down. He was hard to pin down. The most Marcellus could gather was that the man was most likely poor all of his life. Most people Marcellus knew during his time as a noble weren't covered in tattoos, or spoke the way that Aetos did. "My parents were murdered." Marcellus said bitterly, his eyes focusing back on the ocean. "My dearest uncle decided that he was the one who should inherit all of the fortune, so he killed both of my parents, took all of our land, and decided to sell me to a brothel. He figured the men would fuck my will to live out of me, or that I was too weak to do anything to reclaim what was mine." Marcellus looked back at Aetos. "He's a cruel man, but he isn't smart." A half smile crossed his lips, as he leaned forward. "I plan on going back home and killing him in the most horrific way possible. I could care less about the fortune at this point. I just want justice."

 

Ever so often Marcellus thought of ways to kill his uncle, and the more he lets the thought fester the more gruesome they become. Going back home is what drove Marcellus to live. It's what he thought about when he was with clients, and even when he was trapped in his small prison. "But that's enough about me. I opened up and told you about my family life. What about you? How did you end up on Barnes ship?"

[Guest smolcat]

Aetos watched Marcellus as the man relayed his story, and he remained quiet as he listened. His eyes were intense, and his expression cold as stone as he gave no apparent reactions to what the young man was saying. He wasn't surprised to hear that he wasn't on good terms with his family, but for his parents to have been murdered... it made much more sense than them deciding to throw their beloved son and heir out to the streets.

 

Marcellus, rightfully, wanted revenge. It was something Aetos could understand, and he respected it. It wasn't something he could discourage--if he'd been in the other's situation, he certainly would have been out for blood as well.

 

He wondered, though, if Marcellus would even be able to murder a man. He probably didn't have any experience with fighting, and he wasn't necessarily of strong stature, either. Maybe he could. A man in rage could unlock hidden strengths, and it wasn't Aetos's place to decide whether or not his quest would be in vain or possible or not.

 

The other returned a question of his own, though. Aetos grunted slightly, continuing to pedal the oars with all the strength and speed he could. He turned his head over his shoulder slightly to steal a glance at the ship they were escaping from, which had grown much smaller as the distance had grown. "It was intentional," he said simply. It wasn't like he'd ended up on the ship by a mishap, or on accident, and then just happened to stumble across the captain's quarters and prized possession. "I ain't a pirate," Aetos explained. "I'm a thief."

 

To many, there was no difference. Pirates were just thieves who owned a boat, and land thieves stuck to the sewers like rats. But Aetos felt there was a distinction, and he didn't consider himself a pirate type. He didn't even like the ocean.

 

"I've gotta trusted source, an' she told me how there's a pirate around who has some real good prize locked away, giving 'im wealth and riches," Aetos explained. "I thought maybe it would be a magic mirror, or somethin'. Whatever this prized treasure of his was, I wanted it. So I joined his crew when he next made port, spent some time on his ship, planned my escape, and waited for the right moment."

 

He made it sound simple, but it'd been much more meticulous than that. He'd paid attention to the man's patterns, what ports they hit and memorized how long they usually spent on the seas before heading back into town to stock up on supplies and handle business. It was how he knew, that even though they had left port nearly a month ago, they'd passed by a small island just the previous night.

 

Aetos wouldn't be able to survive in the ocean for long on a rowboat, and he didn't know how to chart the waters or navigate the seas like a proper sailor did. But he knew that if he got off the ship within that day, he would be able to get to the island in twenty-four hours. He could ditch the ship and still have a method of proper escape, one that didn't leave him stranded in a sea of sharks.

 

Or whatever else these waters carried.

 

"I think I got the short end of the stick, though. After all those whisperings of a prize, it was just a pretty boy with a noble history," Aetos muttered, continuing to row. "Waste of my bloody time."

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

The fact that getting onto the Red Bones was intentional caught Marcellus' attention. It was weird to him that someone would intentionally want to be around Barnes, let alone have him as a captain. He was a cruel man. He didn't know what he was like to his crew, but Marcellus found him to be cruel and selfish. The thought of Barnes made him rub his bruised ankle. He found it even more fascinating that Aetos went to such a length that to get Barnes 'prized treasure.' Marcellus could tell that Aetos wasn't a stupid man, and he respected him for that. "Well, that's certainly impressive." Marcellus complimented. "I mean it... Barnes kept me under lock and key. I think it's brilliant that you even got into his quarters in the first place."

 

Marcellus could tell that Aetos was a survivor. He related to him in that way. There was a day in Marcellus' youth that he would have met Aetos and spat in disgust over his thievery, but if the last few years taught him anything it's that people do what they have to to survive. Besides, it was evident that Aetos was talented in this field. Barnes was a paranoid man. With any luck, he hopefully died on that ship. Marcellus looked at the ship for a split second, before he looked over at the water.

 

Now that Marcellus was free, he had to truly plan his course of action. Getting his home back was going to be no easy feat. He already weakened his forces a bit by attacking the smaller plots of land, thanks to Barnes. But with Barnes out of the picture, he was going to need new allies. He looked up at Aetos, a smile widening over his face. "You know, my family is wildly rich. The Royal Family actually came to us asking if they could borrow some money a few times." Marcellus leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I haven't fought for anything in my life, like I've fought to go home. But I can only fight so hard on my own." He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to find the right words. He rubbed his chin, before his eyes met Aetos'. "If you help me get my home back, I'll give you half of my fortune. You'll be set for life. What do you say?"

[Guest smolcat]

"It's nothin' really," Aetos stated nonchalantly. He thought on it for a moment. Had it really been that impressive that he'd managed to slip into Captain Barnes' sleeping quarters? Perhaps a web that a spider produced looked like a work of art to a human. It was odd hearing someone like Marcellus call Aetos "brilliant". It wasn't that the amber-eyed man didn't receive compliments and praise, but nobles were usually the arrogant type who didn't think highly of anyone else. Aetos half wondered if this guy was just trying to butter him up. He'd take the compliment, but wouldn't let it get to his head. "Everyone's got somethin' they're good at. Mostly I'm good at a lot of things--acrobatics, pick-pocketing, slight of hand, sneakin', all those kindsa things. But I'm the best at pickin' locks. I ain't know anyone else better than me, so gettin' into that room was a breeze." He shrugged a little. "I can pick any lock, doesn't matter how complicated it is or what I'm given. I once got out of a cell usin' only a wooden splinter and some straw."

 

Maybe he was bragging, a little. Even though it'd been true.

 

There were others who were incredibly talented in other fields. Even though he was a pretty good thief all around, he knew he wasn't as good at sneaking as Ruben. Wasn't as persuasive or deceptive as Isabelle. He couldn't win a fight against Dakarai, he wasn't as deadly accurate with throwing blades as Jacob was. Julian could escape from any bind and had the trickiest hands. But nobody could open a lock like Aetos could.

 

Marcellus suddenly gave a grin of glee, then he went on to talk about how wealthy he was. Something Aetos didn't doubt, but perhaps he'd underestimated just how rich this guy was... Though, Aetos managed to keep a placid expression, he hardly seemed fazed by the revelation. His eyes avoided Marcellus's, though, as the other rambled on. It didn't take him long to finish, however, and he gave a proposition. His gaze met the thief's for a moment before Aetos turned his attention away, deciding the horizon was a far more interesting view. Then, he replied in a curt, blunt manner. Simply giving a statement that would likely throw the noble for a loop and catch him by surprise, although Aetos said it with a completely straight face.

 

"Not interested."

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Marcellus waited anxiously for Aetos' reply. There was no way he could ever deny his offer. Who would deny a lifetime of wealth? Marcellus was so sure that Aetos would agree to his terms, that when he bluntly declined him his smile wiped off of his face. He looked down at the boat in confusion, before he looked back up at Aetos with confusion. "O-oh.." He stuttered, trying to gather his thoughts. "Is there anyway I could convince you? I could give you more than gold. We have land, I'll give you that." Marcellus begged, feeling like some stray dog asking for food. He just needed to get home, and Aetos seemed like his only option right now. Besides Barnes, his old Madame, and his uncle... Aetos was the only one who knew Marcellus' story. It wasn't something he wanted most people to hear. It made it too easy to use him.

 

Marcellus sighed softly, and ran his fingers through his brown locks. He wanted to go home, reclaim his home, and live his life care free. Though, could he really go back to that? Maybe he just wanted to go home because that's all he ever really knew, and in reality he was so scared being on his own. Marcellus pushed the thought aside. No, he came too far. He needed Aetos, or someone like Aetos. But he didn't want to seem like some pushy rich kid, though maybe flaunting his riches passed that line already. Marcellus looked up at him again.

 

He had a feeling that begging probably wouldn't work. Not only that, but it was demeaning. "Never mind, it was foolish of me to ask. I'll find someone else." Marcellus said, his eyes flickering back to the boat. He could barely see it through the fog, and all the canons seemed like a hush whisper. "What's the plan?" He asked, rubbing his neck. Maybe Marcellus could face this on his own? He could learn something other than proper fencing. Learning how to face this on his own was going to take too much time though. Marcellus wanted blood, and he wanted it now.

[Guest smolcat]

Marcellus made another attempt to lure Aetos in with his offer, promising more than just gold--but land, too. Was there any way that Marcellus could convince Aetos to assist him in his agenda? "No," Aetos answered honestly, bluntly. "You don't have anythin' I'd want." Land meant nothing to him, and although gold had its uses, he wasn't such a glutton for wealth that he'd do anything for it. Aetos was an oddly particular person, who had his own motives, and his own goals. They strayed from what a common thief yearned for, and it was moments like this that made his differences all the more apparent.

 

A bit disheartened, Marcellus gave up the notion. At least, he gave up trying to convince Aetos to join him, which was wise on his part. Convinced that he'd find someone else to assist him on his quest, Aetos gave no comment. What the other man did after they split ways was none of his concern.

 

Though, when he asked what the plan was, Aetos raised an eyebrow. It made it seem like they were part of a team, working together. Which, in Aetos's eyes, they were not. As soon as he got them to the island they'd passed on the ship the day before, Aetos didn't care what Marcellus did. They could part ways and the rich boy could fall into a pit of quicksand for all he cared. There was no "plan", at least, not one that involved Marcellus, anyhow.

 

However, he pondered the thought for a moment, his eye carefully studying the man seated across the way, before he returned his gaze to the side. "The island I'm headdin' us to had a port on the far side of it," he explained. Although there were many tropical vigors to the island, much of it had been colonized. It'd been a small glimpse on the horizon when they'd passed it while aboard Barnes's ship, but Aetos recognized the small settlements and trails of smoke that had drifted to the sky--visible from afar. The island wasn't desolate, and if there were people on it, there was hope. "Whether I stowaway, get hired on another, or can purchase my own ship to traverse the waters, I'm goin' home."

 

He didn't care how. It was going to happen. He'd find a way to return to where he belonged.

 

"Now, as soon as we get on the island you can run off. I don't care. But, if you wanna come with me, I'm sure there'd be a lotta folks back home who'd take you up on the offer you made me," Aetos offered in his own way. "You offered a hefty price, and although I ain't interested, I know such riches would do the rest of 'em a world of good. So you'd probably find better luck gettin' their help than, say, a random fisherman from the port." He looked at Marcellus carefully, an eyebrow raised. "You interested?"

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

The word home rang through Marcellus' head like the rustling of leaves on a windy day. Marcellus felt a little envious that Aetos had somewhere to go, that he didn't have to have others help him get there, that he didn't have to fight just to get there. Marcellus sighed and leaned forward, brushing his hair out of his face. It was so wrong to feel so jealous. Marcellus tried to push his jealousy aside, and focus on the port Aetos mentioned. If there was a port then he could probably find people to help him. Marcellus looked up at Aetos, as he continued to speak.

 

The offer to go back to Aetos' home caught Marcellus off guard. He honestly thought Aetos wanted to be rid of him, so he was surprised when he offered to take him to his home. Marcellus perked up, and brushed his hair behind his ear. He was at a lost for words, and looked down at the floor of the boat. "Y-yes!" He said, his green eyes lighting up with hope. "Yes. I would love that." Aetos was indeed an odd creature, but Marcellus appreciated the man. Not only did he free him from Captain Barnes grasp, but now he was helping him get back home. Marcellus couldn't help but wonder if Aetos had a secret soft spot.

 

Marcellus looked at Aetos, his eyes meeting with Aetos as he smiled. "Thank you..." Marcellus said sincerely. "I really mean it. I don't even know you really, but you're really helping me out. I know what I offered you isn't what you want, but if there is anything I can offer you during the time between now and when I leave you're home town, please don't hesitate to ask." Marcellus knew that the man didn't want riches or land, but he was bound to want something from him! Marcellus wasn't the type of man to let good deeds go unnoticed. "The Mariweather family never forgets about those who helped them, and you are no exception."

 

He wondered how long it would take for them to get to the island. The adrenaline of getting away from the boat was finally starting to wear off, making him a but tired so maybe he could sleep at least for a little while. "If you think of anything I could do for you, please ask. Until then, I'm honestly feeling a little tired. Would you care if I slept?" Marcellus knew he was practically useless to the other man right now, and he wasn't much of a talker so it would be hard to engage in a conversation - although Marcellus craved a deep conversation about anything. Though Marcellus did find Aetos amusing. He was unlike anything Marcellus ever encountered.

[Guest smolcat]

The young man's head bobbed up with hope, and he looked on to Aetos as the thief made his offer. Nearly too eagerly, the noble agreed. Quite thankful of the theif's proposition, Marcellus even went so far as to offer any other request Aetos could come up with in compensation for his assistance--should he change his mind and manage to think of something. It was a nice thought, and Aetos would hold him to it, though the criminal somewhat doubted Marcellus would somehow gain something that he'd want later on.

 

"If I think of somethin' I'll let you know," Aetos promised, despite his doubts. When the other inquired if he could get some rest, the thief simply shook his head. "I don't mind, go ahead." Aetos was the one doing all the work, anyway. There was no point in Marcellus staying awake if there was nothing else for him to do, and especially not after... everything. It'd probably be the first time in ages that he could get some decent rest, Aetos figured. There were different types of exhaustion, and Aetos understood what it was to be a slave. He'd let the free man sleep.

 

Unless Marcellus woke up early, Aetos would continue to row their boat across the ocean's surface--and even if his temporary companion did awaken, Aetos would still continue to move the dingy along and wouldn't provoke much conversation. Maybe a "rest well?" or some other simple inquiry if the other man did wake up, but he wouldn't probe any further and would enjoy the silence. However, if Marcellus did continue to sleep for the whole afternoon until dawn, he'd awaken to the arrival of the island.

 

Pale, sandy shores greeted them, without a person or building in sight--but the smoke billowing skyward from the far distance hinted at civilization. Aetos would simply pull the oars into the boat and set them down on one of the planked benches. Rowing for nearly an entire day straight left his body sore and his arms ached, but he couldn't rest quite yet. Jumping out of the boat and into the water--which reached up to his stomach--the thief would grip onto the hull of the boat and, pushing against it with his shoulder since he knew he had little strength left, would manage to get it onto the beach's shore with a few grunts. Once he was victorious and the rowboat was safely out of the water, Aetos let out an exasperated sigh and would immediately move away--not bothering to talk to Marcellus or even alert him of their arrival if he was somehow still sleeping. Instead, the thief would collapse on the sand and pass out, exhausted and knowing that, at last, they were safely on land once more.

 

He was a land rat, not a sea dog.