Private Side Adventure Paper-veiled Truths

[Kaii Nashirou]

@Silvertongue Songfox

The Hide was close to the Harbour. This time for real, for it could be seen from the ship using a mere spyglass. It was expected they would get to the shore at the next day. Many cherished this, especially after trials of Urk, they just wanted to get back to their homes or at least take a rest before next voyage. Kaii too would be joyed to actually get some rest, working on a ship was a hard work after all.

But he would be far more joyed, was it not for the fact he had agreed to take on doing the stocktaking for all ship's repair and technical supplies as well as having to note the state of each part of the engine. He was, after all, much capable of doing so, with no offence to Swift's competence, he could make a sketch about what issues he had found much more easily, both due to his experience and Swifttail's current problem with his paw. That is why he took on the full of this job.

And now, after almost full day of work, he was now done. With few hundred pages that documented it all to the tiniest screws and rivets. Now he just needed it all signed and stamped by an officer. He had already signed them all. Three times. The marble fox also made sure that each drawing, sketch, note and number were perfect. Kaii was tired, but at least that sort of work was mentally stimulating for this fox.

Now it was quite late however and he had to get those documents signed and stamped by an officer. Walking around however, most were asleep. He got up to the deck and found that there was light in one room. Capitan's. Knowing however the state of the Duke, It could've been either Captain Gyles or Aide Silvertongue. And both were decent options to deal with his matter. Albeit with Silvertongue? He still were to speak with them about certain oath he swore. His friend had to know about it.

Confidently striding, though minding his own wounds, Kaii got to the doors and softly knocked before entering. There, behind the desk, Silvertongue sat, dealing with letters as it seemed. Kaii cleared his throat to get his attention before speaking. "Good night to you Silvertongue. I wish not to take your time, seeing as you are busy yourself, but I need those signed and stamped. Technically you should check them all, but I can assure you I did my best so you can trust in my work." He sighed, knowing that this is a lot of work to already overworked bard, but he had a solution to this. "I need them done by tomorrow, if that may help, I can in the meanwhile take care of your task so you won't waste too much time on it later."

@Silvertongue Songfox

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue had been asleep. Sweet, blissful slumber. He was soaring through the clouds, while golden furred angels, with majestic white wings. serenaded him with sweet sultry songs of relaxation. Then, reality came crashing back in with a voice. Silvertongue jerked up, blinking and rubbing his eyes. Kaii. With more paperwork. He nodded and quickly sat up straight. Despite working fifteen to twenty hours a week on the daily, Silvertongue somehow always found time to make sure his clothes were in perfect condition and his fur well kept. But his eyes betrayed him. Deep bags under them and heavily bloodshot. He was exhausted beyond measure, and he refused to drink coffee or partake in any sort of stimulant.

More papers that needed to be signed. Before tommorrow. Technically it was already tomorrow. At least it was already past midnight. Well, he'd better hurry then.

Silvertongue nodded blearily and he reached out for the papers. "Task...?" He asked drowsily when Kaii mentioned it. "What- what task...?"

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

When Kaii heard Silvertongue's voice, he did realise that he was in fact asleep when he came. He understood it well, he and all his friends were overworked to the bone during the return trip, but now, as it was about to be over, Kaii wanted for all things to be done perfectly so that they all will be able to enjoy their free time at the Harbour. So he decided to at first let Silvie awake before explaining to him other matters at paw.

"I don't envy you, working the papers is among the worst a creative mind like yours can do." Putting down all the papers he needed to be signed, bound with a thread, onto the other fox' desk, Kaii patted his shoulder. "And since my work in now officially done, I just wanted to offer my paw while you would be dealing with..." He pointed at the other papers around him besides the ones Kaii had just brought. "You tell me what to do, I can manage some papers while you stamp the once I gave you. Sounds good?"

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue nodded, still half awake. "Well... that stack of papers there needs to be folded and placed into envelopes. They're the letters to the families of marines that passed on." He motioned to a concerningly large pile of papers. "The rest need to be sorted out and placed on the Duke's desk. He wanted to look them over in the morning, I think."

Silvertongue then took the stamp, and started to look over the new pile of papers Kaii gave him.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Accepting the grim duty, Kaii moved wordlessly to the letters and took some of them, starting to neatly fold each piece without reading through them. Respect required that at least. He was glad his request was taken seriously, but there was still the second matter at paw. Namely speaking one about what Kaii knew.

And he decided to drop it quickly. No point in wasting time here while doing menial labour. "Silvertongue... I am obliged to let you know I know of your relationship with Swift. I mention this so you shall know you can have a confidante in me, for I am glad to see two of my friends happy together."

He took a moment to look at the other todd inquisitively. "I wanted to know however, if you are fine with this? I cannot forget, but I can act as if unaware. I know you have a rat-shaped reason for others to not know about the matter, hence why I ask."

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue had been half asleep, but at Kaii's admission he shot up like his rear end had been set ablaze, eyes wide open. "Y-you know? Well, of course you would now. You're like a genius after all." He rubbed his chin.

"It's fine that you know of course, there's nothing wrong with it. I mean- I'm not sure if the Captain would approve of an officer and crewbeast dating, so I would appreciate it if you kept it on the downlow."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii let out a small chuff that accompanied a tiny smile that put the edges of his muzzle up. He considered that before and came to conclusion that, while he himself saw no problem in such relationship, not all beasts were as open-minded or logically inclined to perceive the validity of such union.

"I would never speak of your secrets without your permission. You can sleep knowing that it is safe with me." Kaii finally answered while moving like a machine. His arms mechanically were now putting the letters into the envelopes, his eyes already knowing where to look for the recipient’s name and his paws were doing the exact same set of instructions. Pick up the letter, fold it, put into envelope.

"There is however a matter I had to discuss with you regarding that. You see, Swifttail... felt unease at the prospect of the opposition you two may face. From Greeneye, or other beasts. You two are my best friends alongside Darragh and Finny. Thus, in order to put him at ease, I made a vow." Kaii stopped for a second and looked into Silvertongue's eyes.

"Do not be afraid of him. By the blood of my ancestors and whatever authority my name wields, I swear upon you that I will try to protect you and Silvertongue." Kaii recited perfectly, with the exact intensity and flow as he did that night. "Those were my words I said to him on Urk. And as you've heard. This vow was made to you as well."

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue gave Kaii an uneasy look. "Greeneye... I... I still don't feel right." Silvertongue sat down. "I'm going to tell him, soon. I just need to work up the courage, that's all."

He sighed. "Thank you, Kaii. Your vow, it means a lot to me, knowing that I can rely on you. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders." He sat back down, and he looked over Kaii's papers. "I should probably get to signing these, then, huh?"

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii nodded and too returned to folding the letters. The Bard seemed somewhat at ease with his words at least. But with the amount of work, Kaii still wished to occupy himself with something more than just menial labour. Especially as he had little chance to talk with his friend ever since the Urk expedition.

"Silvie, mind if I ask, what is your story with Greeneye? I am fairly certain a beast like you, charismatic and one with, well, a silver tongue, could get anybeast that they would desire. Yet the one you chose is one that to what I saw tends to treat you unfairly. Would you mind explaining to me that?" Kaii asked with genuine curiousity, for his wish to understand other beasts was now much higher than ever. Especially with his friends.

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue sighed. "I... I am not from around here, Kaii. I was born on a ship, took my first steps on a wooden deck, learned to walk to the rythm of crashing waves. I wasn't exactly spoiled for choice. Greeneye was my friend, my best friend. Then, we became more than that. We've been to Hellgates and back together, he saved my life!"

Silvertongue frowned. "He's changed, for the worse. I don't know what's caused it, but he's become angry and spiteful... he's not the same creature that I fell in love with. I'm not even sure he is the same best friend I've known for all these seasons..."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Listening attentively, Kaii tilted his head slightly as he considered what was said. He knew beasts have changed. He himself was in the process of doing so after all. But there was a thing he just couldn't understand.

"I see... that would explain it all" He stopped for a moment his act of folding letters and put his paw on his chin. "Forgive me for asking. I am merely curious so do not feel obliged to explain it. You've been there alongside him for said change right? Did you notice the process? I am sure a more socially intelligent beast like you would observe way more of those mannerisms that would suggest if it is stress or something else that prompts it?"

There was a reason behind Kaii's inquisitiveness this time, one beyond curiosity. "I ask because I know from myself how life can change the beast for the worst, I do also know that it takes other beasts to help them fully out of it and into the best. Like you, Swift, Darr and Finny did with me. Even if you've lost the feelings for Greeneye, you still seem to care for him in some way. Maybe it would be for the best to leave for your own sake, but still help him out for his sake. That is of course, if you feel like it is worth it. He is admittedly abusive and does not deserve you, but I do suppose you still can help him."