Still somewhat dazed from the past twenty minutes, Jeshal moved quickly to change his shirt so that he could be at least a little less damp for the next appointment. His breeches would have to be changed after. Far less embarrassing to be caught still putting a shirt on than the other. Droplets ruffled out of his headfur, he shrugged back into his coat, donned his hat and sat back down.
The large badger exited the Captain’s Cabin wielding their bizarre instrument to which Jay thought, perhaps this new land is stranger than I thought. Jay was then left waiting to be called, which took longer than expected, but each passing second only elevated both his admiration and pride.
Jay eventually was summoned by a muffled call through the door of the cabin. He took one more look of the main desk and towering masts and rigging, then entered. The morning light shone through the framed arched windows and illuminated the reserved gothic cabin in which Jay then stood. The ambience of sophistication and minimalism refreshed Jay like the coolest and saltiest of sea breezes.
Planted in the center of the cabin was a large round desk, and opposite that desk was the Captain of this large fine vessel, Jeshel. He’s handsome...and damp? Jay thought, he was taken aback by this foxes aura of dominance and leadership. His eyes pierced Jay’s suave veneer and the fur atop his head was like a raging fire. Jay quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat.
“Ahoy, Captain Sir. A pleasure to meet you and to set footpaw on your fine vessel. I must say, in all my years sailing I’ve never encountered such fine rigging, a true testament to the skill of your crew and the diligence of yourself.” Jay gripped the facing of his coat and began a slow pace in front of the Captain’s desk. “While I have a few minor suggestions, sailor-to-sailor, far be it for me to impose on the volition of the Captain. I merely wish to serve under you on this magnificent colossus of- Oh!” Jay suddenly stopped his pacing and rushed to the desk. “Where are my manners! My name is Brightpaw, Jay Brightpaw.” Jay said, extending a paw over the desk, towards Captain Jeshal.
As he appraised the petitioning fox, Jeshal offered the ghost of a smile. Something about the lad reminded him of one of his old crewmates, and then crew, back when he was aboard the Hide. He wondered whether the pleasantries and compliments were a genuine politeness, an overcompensation, or a deeper play.
Only the faintest of blinks betrayed a touch of offence at ‘suggestions’, but Jeshal had not come this far without learning to listen.
Quiet triumph lit behind the mask when Brightpaw offered his left. Jeshal’s smile grew even easier as he reached across and clasped the other todd’s paw in his prehensile metal gauntlet. He squeezed just tight enough to make a point without being painful.
“Pleasure indeed, Mr Brightpaw. What position is it ye be seeking aboard the BlackShip?”
Jay's eyes widened and pupils contracted to a slit as the pressure of Captain Jeshal's iron grip throbbed through his left paw and partially up his arm. When the Captain's hold finally loosened, Jay snatched his paw back, trying to keep a straight face and struggling to keep from cradling his paw. He took a few seconds to, once again regain his composure.
"Oh, well I- uh- doubt I am as experienced as yourself," Jay began, eye darting back to Captain Jeshal's metal paw, "however, I have a fair decade of experience on the open seas and would make quite a valuable addition to your already able crew." Jay straightened his posture and planted his footpaws steady on the cabin deck. "A humble able bodied sailor able to take in any task my Captain deems worthy am I. Whether that be rigger, boatswain, or even navigator, I am at your service." Jay moved one leg back and took a short bow. "Oh! And before I forget..." Jay unclipped the bunches of Ginger and Onions and planted them on the Captain's desk. "...a gift for you and the crew." Jay returned to standing tall, a grin spread across his face.
Satisfied with Jay's response, Jeshal found himself impressed with the todd. Time would tell just how much of an asset he would be, but for now he seemed sound and thrice as useful as a good quarter of the nitwits already snoring in their hammocks.
The ginger and onions gift came as a surprise, at which he blinked for a moment. Perhaps they were of some significance he should have garnered and was out of the loop. If nothing else, they were good additional ingredients for the cook if they were safe. He recovered swiftly and gave Jay a nod.
"Much appreciated. I'm of a mind ter assign ye as Rigger for the time being, if that suits? Could do with some more experienced paws at the ropes."
“Indeed!” Jay began. “I would be honoured to take your rigging and sails into my own two paws, sir. Quite the dangerous job it is, although I’ve only ever taken a fall once or twice in my early years, fortunately only taking minor injury.” Jay planted a paw on the captains desk, slightly to the right of the sheet of paper covered in signatures and headed with ‘BlackShip Muster’. “But quite an honest job it is, a ship cannot set sail without a rigger after all and I would be utmost delighted to take on such a task under your leadership.” Jay’s eyes darted down to the roster and back up at Captain Jeshal, awaiting his response.
Jeshal's head bobbed in another nod. He knew well the dangers a ship could bring, the reminder causing his arm to itch inside his gauntlet.
"Glad ter have ye, Brightpaw," he said, scooting the inkwell and quill toward him. "Doubtless ye'll prove to outshine the riggers and topbeasts what got drafted in ter make her seaworthy. 'Tis good ter see enthusiasm, says I."
How tame he had become that he was starting to ponder the idea of having a bathtub brought aboard. A younger him would've rather drowned than had something so posh. How many trips up from the galley would it take to fill the blasted thing, too. No, better to do without. There was time to nip to one of the dockside taverns and get himself properly cleaned up again before he took the ship for a turn. He hoped his kits were having a better experience of decorum on their first day.
Jay swiftly grabbed the quill with three fingers, dipped it, then leaned down to begin writing his signature on the muster below the rest. “I thank you for your praise, Captain sir, I endeavour not to disappoint you.” He said. He dabbed the quill once more to finish his signature, then stood up straight. “I would ask to take my leave of you Captain, if permitting, no doubt we have a long sail ahead of us. I’m sure you understand. If I may ask, how may I find my cabin?”
Jeshal offered a small grin. "Permission granted, though there be no cabin for anyone besides meself and Admiral Keltoi. There be hammocks or a bedroll. Across the main, take the stairs down two decks. Ye should hear the bosun pointing out the bunkspaces, though the sheer body of dangling beds will be a clue." He winked.
Drawing the roster back, he set it upon his stack of papers.
(Feel free to join the main thread Mettle and/or Mettle: Indiscipline, or start your own side adventure if wished )
Fortuna Survivor
)
