Open Madness Or Brilliance

( Alright! )

Huckle was sitting Somewhere, his paws picking at the small Roots and dusting off the Dirt and Grime of a small mango — one of the Many he kept on him when it came to Explorations like this, smiling softly as he bared his teeth; Ready and Eager to take a bite of of the sweet fruit in his paw. But before he could, his eyes locked onto Jeshal — well.. at least Where he was before he jumped out into the sea — his body lifting up in concern as he looked out into the Ocean as the Captain practically ditched the Ship

" . . . That's, never a good thing, right?" He thought to himself. And he was completely right, that is never a good sign
 
The grimy waters of Bully Harbour were, for one thing, sobering. Jeshal let just enough of the murky brine into his mouth that he could spit right back out. What went up his nose was another matter.

"Beast overboard!" a drunken rat on a smaller vessel nearby shrieked.

"Stow it," Jeshal spat back. "Can't a fox take a swim in peace? Bleedin' 'ellfire."

Tongue stinging from the remnants of the spice, eyes stinging from more than that now, the captain swam to the inbuilt ladder and hauled himself up to the deck. His body ached from the climb. Gettin' far too old for this. Once upright, he shook off as much excess seawater as he could and marched, dripping, toward his cabin as if this was normal procedure.

He paused at the doorway, his senses only just registering what manner of creature was his next petitioner. Slowly, he turned to look up at the enormous badger.

This might as well happen.

"Come in, come in, matey, and tell ol' Captain Ironclaw what ye be here for." He sloshed his way inside, seeing that Layla had already vacated the room after a quick clean-up, and decided he would change his clothes after this next potential sign-up. The todd called over his shoulder. "That be me, by the by."

@HuckleTheCartoonist
 
" R-Right, Right.. " He stammered softly, gripping his basket with a bit of a stronger grip. This feels like a mistake.. one he won't be able to recover from.

Huckle takes a few steps forward and slides his way inside of the Soggy Fox's office, a soft -- But crooked -- smile on his face as he walks in right after him. He looks around, his tail softly swaying as he searched around in awe.

" Would you like me to place my basket down s-somewhere?"
 
The style of Jeshal's cabin was very much reminiscent of an infamous ship from a certain round-eared mouse's franchise, regardless of how it had been designed before. Black was in its nature, gothic in its design. At night, the oil lamps would lend the cabin an eerie glow. As it was, daylight flooded the large back windows, picking out the impressive furnishings, the new dark red rug, the bookshelves; cabinets; and sea chests. And, of course, the damp captain himself, lightly smelling of seaweed.

He perched his hat upon his head to look a little bit more captainly.

"Welcome aboard. Be there a position ye be seeking in particular? Any experience on the seas?"
 
Ah yes.. Best not to say the name of said mouse in order to avoid a pirates greatest fear — copyright laws

Huckle's head snapped over to Jeshal, slightly jumping with a soft yelp as he lightly sat his basket down beside him, standing in the center of the room like he was on trial for a war crime. He nodded softly as he nervously played with his thumbs, speaking with a Soft and Crackled voice — like the Gentle flames of a Bonfire... All with the confidence of a Forest Fire

" A-Ah! I'm looking to be the Musician of the Ship!.. I play the Harp and I can Sing p-pretty well. But... Problem is, I-I've never been on a ship before — this is my first time! ... Hooray"
 
Any confusion Kiptooth had begun to feel at the vixen’s behaviour was swiftly assuaged by her explanation. The marten listened in fascinated silence as Corda spoke. Whether it was a sign of changing times or just that she was a trusting individual he knew not. Regardless, that she was both aware of and able to tell him of her situation now rather than a surprise down the line was valuable indeed. He’d fallen afoul of that particular surprise before. It’s some miracle more vixens aren’t being studied in this city.

He nodded slowly, studying her face and posture as she spoke; the somewhat haunted look that crossed her face as she spoke of her past. He knew that look, if only because he had seen it reflected in the mirror. For now he elected not to approach the matter lest it become important. All things in good time.

The elderly marten offered a reassuring smile in the face of her own attempts to defend her apparent sibling. “I understand. You have nothing to fear from me, I have worked with beasts before who have experienced as you have.” Their fates were best off left unmentioned: he was determined to do right by Corda, this time. “I’ve also handled my fair share of aggressive patients over the seasons so that would not be a daunting prospect in itself. If there’s anything I hope you can make him aware of with good time, it is that legends and stories rarely mirror reality. I’d hate for him to become too disappointed by the reality of sailing. Nevertheless I’m certain there will be excitement and opportunities for the both of you. I look forward to meeting him, but I look forward even more to working with you. If there’s anything you need on the ship I might be able to provide, just let me know.”
 
Jeshal arched his brow slightly at the badger’s nervousness. It had been a very long time since he had seen a badger and certainly never an anxious one. This morning delivered surprise after surprise.

“A musician, ye say? A crew be always in need of entertainment. Ye wouldn’t be the first one new to the sea today, but allow me ter offer ye fair warning of what ye be signing up for. The BlackShip be a war ship. There be high chance of sailing into battle or treacherous waters if the need be calling for it. Think ye be up ter the task?”
 
Corda took a deep breath before releasing the tension in her shoulders at the doctor's seeming acceptance of her and her brother's condition. Well, at least she didn't have to worry about being institutionalized... at least, not in the immediate future. "Thank you Doctor," she softly responded to his offer. "Your kindness and your discretion are far more than I could have ever hoped for. I will give you every bit of service I have to offer in turn, and will do all I can to be a quick and able learner under your tutelage."
 
Huckle slightly opened his maw to speak, only letting out a small breath before going quiet. Was he really ready for all of this? It would be his first time truly at sea — little to no experience at all! But at the same time, the though of risking his life for something as measly as letting his voice be heard, a voice that he though was small; It was worth the risk. Huckle looked up, his paws clamping his chest and holding close by his heart

" Yes.. I-I'll be ready - no matter what you ask of me!"
 
Discretion was going to be the order of the day. Kiptooth was grateful that Jeshal was at least aware of – and, as expected considering his history – accepting of this young fox. The rest could be worked out as Corda saw fit with time, and dearly he hoped that things would work out for her and her sibling. Perhaps this ship would be the making of them both.

“I look forward to seeing you prove yourself,” the marten smiled. “I have every faith that both you and your brother will be an asset to this crew. Now, you’d better get yourself acquainted with this ship and have some rest: I’ll be calling all medics back here this evening. Unless you’d like to stay and fold up some hammocks, you’re free to take your leave and I’ll see you soon.”
 
Corda breathed out in relief at the acceptance shown by the doctor, as well as the gentle invitation to get herself settled in. "Thank you Doctor," she replied softly. "I think my brother and I will go find a space for ourselves. I will gladly see you again this evening." She bowed her head respectfully before leaving the room, being careful to sidle so she never turned her back on her superior. She still recalled enough of her father's blows when she'd inadvertently disrespected him that way.
 
No matter what, he says.

Jeshal gave the badger a friendly smile, not at all like the smile he was wearing on the inside. Somehow the fox's demeanour had become more outwardly soft with age. All right, inwardly, too, but he wasn't going to assure the Imperium of that. For good or ill, he was fascinated at the idea of what having a nervous badger on board might bring about. Maybe they would be easier for Captain Keltoi to cope with, for one thing.

"That be the spirit, matey. Now, afore I have ye sign y'self up as a musician ter me fine crew, be so kind as ter offer a quick demonstration of your talents."
 
Huckle nods in excitement, pulling the large wicker basket closer to him before opening the lid, Sweet and Ripe fruits practically overflowing from the top. He digs his paws in deep and grabs onto something, pulling his arms up to reveal a small Harp, placing the instrument on his lap. The Badger lets out a soft huff, his paws beginning to drag across the strings softly before he started to gently pluck out a small tune; Allowing his arms to move gracefully along the thin wires
 
Something wrenched inside the old sea captain’s heart. This wasn’t the sort of music he might have expected to hear on such a ship. There would be plenty of beasts aboard entirely unmoved by the badger’s harp, might even have sought to bully Huckle if he were a smaller creature, but the fox was surprised he did not feel among them. Jeshal was only grateful that he could blame the hint of tears in his eyes upon Korya’s noodles and the stinging brine of the sea.

“Wonderful,” he said, interrupting the tune after a clear of his throat. “Tis me thinking that sort o’ style be working wonders when rowdy beasts need ter be getting their shut-eye. Do ye have any more rousing tunes, stuff ter get them off their backsides and setting to work, things ter be singing along to, or have ye more of a lullaby repertoire?”
 
Jay planted his right footpaw firmly on the main deck of the dark behemoth he learnt was christened The BlackShip. He pulled himself on board, the bundles of onions and ginger roots swayed at his waist, the sea breeze chilled his spine for the first time since he was a kit. Whether it was due to the sheer size of the vessel or the imperial navy training Jay couldn’t tell, but he could tell the activity on the main deck, between the swabs, riggers, and sailors, was disciplined and heavily organised. A breath of salty fresh air after his long voyage with pirates. Jay discerned the Captain’s Cabin at the far stern of the ship and began his approach.

As he crossed the length of the main deck, above him the web of Ratlines, Shrouds, Backstays, Masts, Yards, Gaffs, and Flags crisscrossed each other as if he were crossing the deck of 3 ships at once. Closer inspection of the Shrouds revealed minimal fraying of the ropes, the deck had a subtle shine to it, and the crew, both new and old, had an aura of respect and dignity to them, all things only a true sailor would notice. Jay grew ever more eager to meet the captain of this grandiose dame.

Finally approaching the Captain’s Cabin tucked beneath the Quarter Deck, Jay navigated around the small gathering of fellow seabeasts, proudly extending “Ahoys” and “Hails” to his kinsmen. Some responded in kind, others adorned a strange expression as they darted their eyes up and down Jay’s newly acquired garments. Jay then waited patiently the door to the cabin.​
 
Thump — ♥️💢
" Oh!.. Uhm.."


His brow slightly furrowed — his shoulders lifting along with he chest — as his eyes slightly narrowed at the response; a kind of response that he's never received before today. Huckle wasn't sure if he should take his words as an insult or a Compliment... But at the end of the day, Captain did have a point and Huckle Thought of the perfect solution!

" Yes! I-I have something!"

About his Harp:
His so called "Harp" looked Irregular, having a body like a Violin and yet keys like some sort of Frankenstein piano, the Hammers rubbing up against the Thick and Dense strings; Waiting for the pressure of the young Badger's hand. It was freshly waxed, or at least it was clean enough to shine in the light of Jeshal's office, rendering the Rare Creature as a caring musician — well, at least towards his instrument; he's not too sure about the people on the ship itself
---

Huckle let out a Soft Sigh, giving him a soft nod as he reached back into his basket, keeping the Stringed Beast on his lap. He rummages through fresh and tropical fruits until his paw comes to a stop, pulling out a Long bow — it's strings Thick and White like they've been barely used — and places it on the string. The Badger's paws grip tightly along the wooden stick, letting his thumb rub up against the Leather. He lets out a soft sigh

" Please don't fuck this up.. Not right now at least - I'm begging you, Wintertide" He softly whispered under his breath, breaking his short gaze with Jeshal and looking down at the curved bow slightly shaking inside of his paws. Huckle grips the strings tightly and revs his bow along the strings like a Chainsaw; Loud, Quick, and yet a Satisfying strike against the Dark, Burnt tool.

He started to play, his ears slightly twitching as the tune played in his head; Building upon itself with each noise.

A Cymbal, A Drum, A Chorus behind the Lead — a True song.
He pictured himself in a Fancy hall, dressed the part with a Fancy get-up that would make even the Dapperest of Aristocrats jealous of his Beauty. Each stomp of the Lord and Ladies on the floor creating some fresh.. fresher then any fruit he's picked in his life

---

It went on for a while, nearly a minute or two of being lost in his mind — wherever that Big and Precious organ of his was — before his eyes opened again, a Soft and Weak gaze meeting the Vulpine. His breath hitched: " I've really done it this time," he thought. " What was I thinking? I'm not alone like I'm used to, I'm in front of someone — someone with importance at that... My act was damn near suicide"

Huckle slowly lifted his head, placing his bow in his lap as he rubbed the strings of his instrument, swallowing down a hunk of spit like he was left Thirsty on a Desert Isle.

" I-I'm sorry about that, Mr. Jeshal. I-I didn't mean to get so.. In-tense?.."

He's dug his own grave at this point, might as well lay in it
 
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Maybe the combination of spice and brine had upset the Ironclaw’s sensibilities. Maybe there was an energy that needed checking by the Occult Division. The old fox felt no concept of the current time or place when Huckle began to play his strange instrument. It should perhaps have been a disaster, but he found himself transported. In part as Huckle intended, a fanciful ball, skirts and coat-tails flying, the scent of fruit in the air; but at the same time he was dancing with his family back on Kutoroka with their lemur friends, paws to the starlit sky around the fire, faster and faster as the embers burst; fleeing the balcony of the party into the hedge maze; howling to the moon over the crash of waves; wild and civilised paw in paw.

And then it ended and the captain blinked, half-expecting all his officers to be crowded around him with concern. But there Huckle was, holding the harp-thing and apologising.

“’Captain Jeshal’,” he corrected, his voice faraway and without affront. Jeshal shook his head and focused properly upon Huckle.

“It be settled then. Ensure to be keeping your... more powerful performances... ter recreational days. If ye wish fer the position, sign here ter be musician.”

He gave the universe a brief side-eye at his unintentional rhyme and then slid the roster forward.

“May need ter skip a line. The last recruit were a tad overzealous with the quill.”
 
Huckle's eye widen at the opportunity, especially one that came so quick ... well, it felt quick for him — he wasn't too sure about Captain Jeshal

" Why.. Thank you Mr. — I-I mean — Captain Jeshal. I'm forever within' you debt!"

He took the quill into his Large and Soft paws, signing his name in a Shaky, Swirly cursive. He stared at his name, his body slight tensing from the fact that he signed such a contract.

But no need to dwell on it any further, he must ask:

" So ... W-What is my next Order, Captain?"
 
Jeshal received the signed form with his one still slightly damp paw and gave a nod.

"Back on through the doors, lad, there'll be a loud rat shouting about bunk spaces. If ye can't hear Frogear's blatherin', take the stairs down two decks ter find your hammock. Cook'll fix ye up a porridge and tot if ye be needin' your morning vittles, too. Make y'self acquainted with the ship. She'll be under way for a test voyage by this afternoon if the weather holds. Enjoy the BlackShip, Master Huckle."
 
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