Rainblade-Ryalors Private The Bilge In The Bucket The Belle of the Bilge

[Mina Rose Brewer]

The Bilge, Mina Rose discovered, was a far different working environment from her parents' tavern. For one, the owner was far less permissive than the Brewers had been; the first time she dropped a bottle, Mina Rose was scolded fiercely and warned that it was coming out of her pay. At least she'd managed to wait until she reached the back storeroom to start crying.

Second, the beasts who frequented it were rude. She'd been yelled at numerous times for small mistakes or things she couldn't control, like the slowness of food coming from the kitchen. She'd had to bite her tongue and bear with the abuse, worried about losing another job if she talked back. Then there were the beasts who got handsy with her, pinching at her tail whenever she turned her back. One had done so right atop her bandaged wound from the crossbow bolt she'd taken at the Opera House, and she'd reacted so violently she dropped the entire tray of drinks she was carrying. That too, of course, came out of her pay. Almost worse were the awful things that some of them whispered or muttered to her when she walked near; she'd been scared enough that she'd taken extra shifts rather than walk back to her apartment in the dark, fearful of one of them making good on the vile promises sent her way. When she'd complained about it to the owner, it had been met with a shrug and advice to 'toughen up'. As if surviving the loss of her entire family, friends, home, and life's savings wasn't tough enough.

By the time that Mina Rose got around to serving the table in the back, she was on hour six of another twelve hour shift, and she was on the verge of tears. She'd finally had enough and had slapped away the paw of a beast grabbing at her rear, throwing the most vehement oath she could their way - and they'd laughed at her. She'd wanted to strike him over the head with her serving tray, but she was sure she'd get fired if she did so, so instead she stormed away, trying to contain her anger, humiliation, and shame.

"Sorry fer the wait," she apologized, not glancing up at the beast in question as she fished in her apron pocket for her notepad. "Busy day an' all. Wha' can I getcha-" She finally looked up, and she froze. She recognized him immediately, of course; her rescuer's face had played in her dreams a few times since that night, including in one or two very interesting ones that had left her flushed and embarrassed when she awoke. Her face turned red as one of those mental images crept into her mind, and she had to look away, brushing nervously at her headfur. She knew she looked a mess, especially compared to his careful composure. "Hi," she managed, her voice suddenly small and shy.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Of all taverns he visited, Kaii rarely ended up at the Bilge. It had specific reputation and Kaii mostly ate at whatever was closest (and affordable) to his current workplace. Today however, he was just done working on fixing a strongbox. More specifically, the opening mechanism that got stuck. Rarely Kaii liked to work on those due to possibility he could assist someone in a heist. But it was a proper shop by the market asking for it so he agreed reluctantly. The pay was good after all.

And since the nearest place was The Bilge, Kaii ventured in for the meal. He was standing out like a sore thumb, wearing his usual frilly shirt, waistcoat and having his pins and a signet on him. Not that he cared much, in his tool bag there also was his glaive, ready to be used at any attempt to mug him. As such, the marble fox simply sat down by the slightly further table and awaited for a waitbeast to come. Kaii was still in a way processing recent revelations about his own family as well as the whole meeting with Duchess Dusk. It wasn't exactly life changing, but he could now tell exactly that his life goal of honourable restoration of his title, made little sense since his parents actually did betray the country. It was after a lot of thinking that he concluded that he himself at least could stick to this. If he couldn't make Nashirou name great again, because it wasn't, he would make it great with his own work.

Kaii did break his line of thought as one waitress came close and spoke to him apologetically. He recognised her instantly. Mina Rose, a vixen that he met at the Opera. One that made him feel primal attraction like no beast before. It was a matter of time to find somebeast like that, but Kaii didn't expect for it to be so soon. He wasn't ready, his life was still a mess and he had little to offer as a bachelor. But also, he wasn't going to step back because he wouldn't defy his nature.

"Good afternoon Mina. A pleasure to see you." He spoke softly, with a delicate smile, keeping in his head all that he had to withheld from her for now. "I didn't know I could find you here."

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina blushed at the sound of his voice, so soft and smooth, far unlike the gruff tones thrown at her all day. She felt a small thrill race down her spine, straight to the wound he'd treated in the Opera House. Got another hole in me ya could look at, the primal part of her wanted to offer. She had to turn away as she flushed redder than her fur.

"Oh, I ain't been 'ere long," she evaded, trying to shield her face with her notepad. She was sure he'd see her indecent thoughts in her eyes; she didn't want this proper, noble, heroic beast to see just how base she could be. "My las' job kinda burned dahn, so I 'ad ta find a new 'un. Ain' much, bu' it pays th' bills." She'd gotten lucky that her family had found her a nice studio apartment in the Trenches on one of the safer streets. They'd given her an account number at the Epicurean Bank to which she made rent payments every Friday. She still hadn't met her landlord; apparently the account was in the name of a holding company, DDR RE Holdco, whatever that meant.

She dared to peek out at Kaii from behind her notepad, and couldn't keep herself from blushing again. 'Gates, were all foxes in Bully Harbor this handsome? Even if he wasn't a minister, he had the bearing of one, that princely stature about him. More than that, he had kind eyes. It was those eyes that had gestured most often in her dreams, and sent a thrill through her that, of she were speaking honestly of the dead, Geremy never had. "Can... Can I getcha a drink ta star'?" she offered. "We go' some wine in the back. I e'en think it migh' be the real deal."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Admittedly, Kaii struggled a bit to understand her. He had to thank Swift and Darr both for having accents so that he could get used to deciphering those on the fly. Hers was however quite dense. Not that it was going to stop him. She was visibly troubled with his presence but she wanted to talk. Kaii was happy for it, if both had social issues, this would've been a disaster already.

"A shame to hear so. Losing stability in life always stings." He commented with honest compassion on her saying she lost her workplace. Admittedly, he could relate, albeit he lost his entire wealth and properties and then had to win the ruins in the legal process. Still, in his believes of equality, Kaii wasn't one to grade tragedies. Each beast had their own daemons to deal with.

At the offer of drink Kaii shook his head and chuckled. "Well, I came here for food mostly and maybe some water. But if you offer some? I wouldn't mind some dry, red wine. Preferably from Westisle. It is okay if you don't have that though... Also I would like you to bring a spare glass for it if you would be so kind." The marble fox had a small idea. He wanted to talk with her, but there was a fact she was at work that didn't allow him to continue conversation freely. But at the same time, he had a plan. One that would solve this debacle.

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina Rose brightened up at his request. "O' course!" she confirmed, beaming. "I'll be back in two shakes of a hare's tale."

She waited until she'd fled into the storeroom to squeal in giddy delight, paws pressed to her mouth. Two glasses? Was he going to invite her to dine with him? Was she allowed to do that? Then again, who in the Bilge was going to tell such a noble fox 'no'? She dropped her paws and steadied her breathing, refocusing herself. She needed to get it together; he might be meeting someone else and wanted the glass ready in advance, that was all. She shouldn't get her hopes up.

She found a bottle that had Fyadorian characters on it, which, unfortunately, she couldn't read. It was darkish, so it was probably a red, and there was a thick layer of dust on it, so it was probably pretty dry after sitting for so long, or so she reasoned. She retrieved it and then swung by the bar for glasses, then returned to the table. "Here ya go," she proclaimed, setting down the bottle and the glasses. She fished in her apron pocket for a corkscrew, then carefully uncorked the bottle - or, at least, tried to. The cork stubbornly resisted her. She braced it against the table, tugging ineffectually. As she felt a bead of sweat form on her temple, she looked to Kaii apologetically. "Sorry, it's a bit stubborn - kinda like me, I reckon," she added, trying to play it off with a smile. "Ya think y' got any strength t' spare?"

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Once Mina left, Kaii again was left to his consternation. He felt that tug, that call towards someone that was unmistakeable, even for someone who felt it for the first time. Was it her scent? He heard a theory that just as scents gave a lot of information, they often passes subconscious information about compatibility. One that went beyond what beasts could tell even when focused. It was mostly a problem for two reasons. He didn't like when something was happening that he couldn't explain with good accuracy. Kaii also had his rational part screaming that in no way he should be searching for a mate now. He was in massive debts still, with poor prospects, bound to navy and also, he was still not mentally well.

It was not too long ago he even told Darr that he is not planning to have a family before resolving those problems.

Kaii remembered now that look the stoat gave him in the Opera when he held Mina. What a sly mustelid.

When Mina came back, she would not be able to notice how torn Kaii was internally as his muzzle was still just as stoic and cool as ever. His tail was slightly curling, being the only sign that something was wrong. Kaii observed as Mina set the glasses and the bottle. He understood the first thing that attracted him as she struggled. Her honest being. She wasn't afraid to speak to him despite apparent difference in standing, nor ask for help, just like with him, she at least could put the pressure of social differences to the side.

Stuck corks were a problem that Kaii heard about often. He took the bottle from her paws and produced a pair of thin slip gauges from his bag. Those very narrow metal pieces were thin enough that Kaii could slip them between the cork and the glass. Efficiently popping it open. Only now however he felt the smell and realised what the drink actually was. It was sake that due to age got into dark amber. Already knowing how much it will cost, with a twitch of his ears Kaii decided to indulge himself. Before pouring, however, he turned to Mina again. "Tell me please, do you have a break to spare to sit down with me? I would like to have a few words with you Mina if you of course, would like to do so as well."

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina's eyes widened as the todd took out a small metal implement and pulled some sort of clever trick that suddenly had the bottle open. "Well rustle me up an' take me t' bed," she exclaimed before her mind caught up to her mouth. She blushed scarlet as the turn of phrase, in context, flooded her with embarrassment, leaving her to nod mutely at the handsome todd's invitation. She sat herself opposite him, trying to remember how to sit primly like her mother had taught her. "Don't slouch, and keep your knees together," the vixen had chided Mina time and time again. "You don't want to look like you're inviting in every sailor you see."

Mina Rose's eyes widened at Kaii's comment about having words with her. Her mouth started moving before she could stop it. "I'm real sorry abou' the 'ole cake thing back at the Opry 'Ouse," she apologized. "Ya looked so fancy in yer nice garb, I figgered ya fer a minister. Still look like a prince t' me, anyway." She blushed again, embarrassment catching up with her once more.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii very much liked his white fur. It did however nothing to hide any sort of blushing and he was not capable of stopping it upon her sultry comment. To smooth it out, he treated is as a joke and let out a small laugh. Mina was very much trying her hardest, Kaii now realised so he decided to even the playing field. Especially as she had very wrong impression about who should apologise who.

"I don't have any problem with it. In fact, I am quite flattered to be called minister or a prince. I am however but a humble gentlebeast. One whose title matters little. Please, do not treat me as anyone above your station. All beasts are equal, including you and me. I do not want you to stress over... mannerisms and whatnot." He allowed while pouring the sake for both of them, carefully making sure she was still at ease. "If anything, I am the one who should apologise to you. I should've figured out later and tell you, saving you from the embarrassment that followed. Also, I did fail to ensure that no harm would happen to you. But most importantly, I apologise for... well. Not being who you think I am." He finished slightly more flatly, taking a sop of sake. It was good which meant Kaii will have to quickly get some task at Occult just to pay for it most likely.

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina poured herself a very small glass of the wine, sniffing at it before tasting. It was strong; she had to keep her stomach from revolting as the hard liquor, far stronger than anything she'd tasted before, hit her tongue. She decided that she'd take her time with it, one little sip at a time until she adjusted.

Her eyes widened at Kaii's apology, and she set her glass down. "Well, I don't rightly know 'oo I think y'are," she remarked, "other 'an a handsome fox wot dresses real nice, talks pretty ta me, an' doesn't act like 'e's Mar'kan IV." She pronounced the numeral as 'eye-vee'; whether she understood that it represented a number was unclear. She shrugged and added, "So, unless ya ain' any o' that, then I think y'are pretty much 'oo I think y'are."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii was for his part unable to disagree. Dusk told him that. She was indeed simple. Not that Kaii cared much, but he certainly had to keep it in mind. He already went to make too many assumptions and it already backfired slightly. He decided to play it then slowly, she could hear about his troubles at more opportune moment.

For now, he noticed she wasn't too fond of sake. A shame, but admittedly, as with most alcoholic drinks, it was an acquired taste. "Well, you got me there. If that is who I am to you. None of this is false." He then politely offered. "If you want something else to drink, well, I will pay for it. I didn't expect Sake myself if I am honest."

Kaii was slightly unsure where to go next now, but he decided that the best he could do was to work on learning more about her. "Tell me Mina, you've not been here for too long you say? Where do you hail from then?"

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina Rose adamantly shook her head at the offer. "Nah, I'm gonna get used ta it," she stated, her tone adamant. "Ma an' Pa ne'er let me drink too much is all, 'ey only let me have the light stuff, an' never 'round customers. I think 'ey allus figured I'd get drunk an' wind up in a bad way. Jus' protectin' me, I'm sure." She gave a shrug and sipped at the sake again. She experimented with letting it hit different parts of her tongue; it gave a radically different taste, and she finally found a spot where it was actually quite pleasant.

She raised her gaze to Kaii's at the question, considering how to explain it. She set the glass down, smacking her lips to clear the aftertaste as she considered. "Well, I'm from the Keys 'riginally - born an' bred in East Tookumberry," she clarified. "Least, I think. Ain' so sure abou' that anymore. I recently found out my Ma an' Pa weren' my birth parents," she clarified. "Course, from what I hear, my birth parents are dead, so it don' make none a' much difference. Jus' means I got new family t' look ou' fer me."

She looked to Kaii in interest as she remarked, "Ya met one, actually. 'At mean ol' vixen at the Opry, the one 'oo 'ad you carry me out." She blushed as she added, "Thank ya fer that, by an' by. Ya saved my life. I reckon I shoul' be the one buying you drinks." The only reason she didn't offer was because she certainly couldn't afford to do so; as it was, she probably owed money back to the Bilge for her performance this week.

Her tail twitched as she leaned forward a bit, her gaze turning with keen interest on him. "So," she remarked, "ya ain' a prince, an' ya ain' a minister, but yer clearly a well-read, booksy kinda todd. What izzit ya do 'xactly?"

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

While Kaii was showing his full interest and listened attentively with a small smile, he still couldn't feel bad with the fact he knew the truth and she didn't. At least Mina seemingly was knowing that Dusk was some sort of family to her. That was good to keep in mind. The fact she also spoke about her being sheltered with even such things as drinks, yet experimenting with them now, gave Kaii good idea of how keen on experimenting she was.

"You needn't thank me Mina. I was raised and taught a very strong code of honour upon which I act. Even without that vixen asking me to do, helping those in need is just what I do. Especially after they had suffered from presumptions and bad treatment already. To give you an idea that some beast cares? It was my obligation and pleasure really." Kaii explained truthfully, though he had no clue if it was the best answer.

As she asked him about his profession, Kaii pondered what terminology to use. "Well. I am an engineer. That means I solve problems. Anything that moves, from hinges to cranes, from locks to clocks. I design, make and fix those. Currently, I also serve on the Golden Hide. Doing this engineering on the ship..." He paused for a moment and looked to the side, deciding that it is worth adding the rest. "My family used to have massive workshops and a great title. Revolutions wiped them out and I was left with nothing but a meaningless title. I am trying to rebuild some of what I had really. Trying to have my own workshop so I can spend my future designing tools and devices that would further help beasts. That is ultimately what I do and what I want to do."

He took another sip of Sake, happy that he could take a glass of most things without getting tipsy. He looked at her again, curious and appreciative of her presence. "Who were you then before, unfortunately being forced to come here? Don't feel bad if it isn't grand or interesting in your eyes. I simply wish to know more about you."

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina listened with rapt attention, her tail flicking as she absorbed Kaii's history. Somehow that he was a fallen noble only made him more appealing to the vixen. There was pain in his past, she could tell; she wanted to cradle his head to her chest and stroke his fur as he told her all his fears. Alright, I may be falling hard, she admitted to herself.

She gave a demure shrug as he asked about her past, secretly pleased that he'd done so. She enjoyed listening to him, hearing him talk about things she couldn't really understand but the light in his eyes told her were of interest to him. That he would ask about something as boring as her own past, even if only out of politeness, was a gesture she greatly appreciated. "Oh, I'm nothin' special," she admitted. "Grew up in a sailor's tavern, The Admiral Rainblade Inn - don' reckon you'd 've heard of it, it was real outta the way. Spent my youth hearin' stories of the world, dreamin' o' seein' it m'self one day. Even was savin' up my tips t' go."

She sighed, looking downcast suddenly, and looked to her glass of sake. Her paw finger toyed along the rim as she spoke. "Course, dreams don' last if ya don' feed 'em proper. I'd been seein' a todd," she admitted, confessing something she'd been planning to keep to herself for a while at least. Most todds got jealous hearing about past lovers, or so she'd heard. "It weren' love really, jus' proximity an' bein' on an island wiv' nothin' an no one else ta do. At leas', that's how it was fer me," she reflected, looking into the middle distance. "I think it mighta been real fer him. He wanted me ta marry 'im, start a family... I said yes." Her voice grew quiet as she confessed, "I didn' wan' to. I wanted to see the world still, I just... I figured if I didn't settle then, I'd regret it later. I were on my way ta tell my Pa when I saw the fire."

She grew quiet, reflecting on the darkness of that day and the weeks that followed. "Pirates burned down th' inn, killed me Ma an' Pa, an' took all our savin's to boot. Worse, my todd, Geremy, 'e musta stumbled on 'em an' been stupid, thought 'e was savin' me or summat. Found 'im later, out on the sands." She looked up to Kaii, apology in her eyes. "I ain' a pure an' upright maid fit fer a noble," she admitted. "An' I don' even know yet if that sorta life is what I'm lookin' fer. I know I like bein' around ya. Even when I don' rightly know all what yer sayin', I like the look in yer eyes as ya say it."

She gave a small shrug, picking up her glass of sake and daring a larger sip of it. This time she managed without any coughing or bad reaction at all. "If ya ain' turned away from me 'cause a' 'oo I am an' what I've done," she remarked, "then I'd really like ta keep talkin' to ya, Mr. Nashirou. I reckon yer a real swell guy, an' ya ain' managed ta bore me yet." It was as light a comment as she could make. She knew how much she still wanted to do, how allergic she'd been to the sensation of the bonds of obligation closing around her wrists. Maybe, if he wasn't looking for a yes or no answer on the topic of 'forever', then they could have some fun and figure it out together.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Mina spoke, Kaii listened with more and more confidence into his feeling. She wanted to see the world? To explore and experience things? She was a beast that understood curiosity and wished to act upon it. Not much unlike Kaii, which was really perfect. With both of them being inclined to learn, he could be sure they would have a lot of fun doing so together.

Fortunately for Mina, Kaii wasn't 'most todds'. What he got from Mina talking about her past lover was... fear. Mixture of clashing desire and obligation. Something that Kaii was struggling with right now, still unsure if he should seek a mate in her or not. And the very same protectiveness rose in him as she spoke of losing her life. He after all knew it to the dot. Losing ones you've loved, your whole life and being made to start anew.

She did admit that she did feel experimental with him. That actually was a massive relief that prompted Kaii to let out a breath he held subconsciously. Kaii looked to the side and chuckled. "My name is Kaii. You can use it, I would actually prefer hearing it from you." Then he turned to look at her and extended his paw onto the table, freely offering it to her. "I couldn't care less about your social status and you have done no wrong in my book. But I am... troubled individual myself. I know how it feels to not know what one is looking for. To not have a goal and be alone at it. I cannot offer you solution to all your problems nor making all your dreams come true. Allow me to be with you, until you find what you are looking for. Maybe even I can offer some advice and help in that regard."

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina Rose smiled at Kaii. It was a warm smile, affectionate, as she rested her chin atop her interlaced pawfingers. "I think I'd really like that, Kaii," she confirmed. Her tail swished beneath the table, pleasure apparent in her body language as she leaned in toward him.

The vixen's eyes glanced toward his tool bag on the seat beside him, curiosity lighting up her face. "Izzat your inventin' gear?" she inquired. "Whatcha workin' on? If ye can say, that is," she clarified her request.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

With a soft smile, Kaii pulled out his notebook and opened it. Passing through pages covered in math, sometimes with single equations covering entire page, he reached the place where he did all material calculations as they included simple sketches. Not wanting to bore Mina too much he simply explained what mattered as he went on between the various pictures. It was impossible for him however to hide his excitement, not with his tail now wagging.

"A variety of things. Some are weapons, my family wealth came from making those after all." He showed designs for swords, polearms and potential improvements to cannons he had in mind. "I did recently got my paws into working on medical equipment. This one is to help a beast breath when they have fluids in their lungs. This one was made specifically to help someone who lost feeling in their legs to continue living with at least semblance of normality." He showed both the simple pipe ended with a valve that saved Morgan as well as much more complex wheelchair and leg-frame he designed for Piper. "Both those were designed by me, but I had my friends helping me to make them."

Finally he moved to the section where the sketches and designs took both pages. "Yet my real focus is in those. Engines. Turning coal and water into power. One of those can replace dozens of beasts at menial and dangerous tasks. Anything from pulling a cart from a mine, pumping water from a flooded building, powering machines that required constant work up to even moving ships with no sail or oar. Something that I hope will make the future easier for all those that now strain their muscles and risk their lives."

But there was one more part Kaii wished to explain and show to Mina. "But I also dabble with what some would call... esoteric. Magical even." He pulled out a glass rod along a piece of cloth and quickly rubbed the two to create electric charge. He then put the rod into the glass, making the sake within it to disperse and climb the walls, defying how liquids should work. "This is but a simple show of what a thing called electricity can do. And I am trying to delve into it."

Not wanting to overwhelm the poor girl, Kaii kept himself close, assuringly close, if she were to show interest in his work as he hoped she would? Kaii's rational was getting even louder at him to not subject her to his life, but Kaii absolute belief was in nature and her laws. He would be a hypocrite to deny his body the very primal need that nature gave to each beast.

 

[Mina Rose Brewer]

Mina Rose couldn't quite keep the excitement from animating her tail as she leaned forward to observe the sketches, admiring the delicate crosshatch shading on the designs. She didn't understand the particulars at all, and the writing might as well have been Akefi for all she understood of it, but she was impressed by the cleverness of it all. This was a beast who thought about things she didn't even think to think about. More than that, his work was helping beasts. Sure, some of it might help them to kill each other faster, but that was a form of helping too.

At his trick with the glass rod, Mina Rose's eyes widened. She knew, per his explanation, that it wasn't sorcery, but it was easy to believe it must be. "Golly," she exclaimed, "if 'at's the sorta thing ya can do with a glass stick an' some wine, I can only imagine what ya could do with some proper scientific stuff." There was something in her pronunciation of scientific that was off, though it was impossible to point to a single vowel or consonant as the culprit. She looked up to him, eyes wide. "Ya really think we can do all 'at?" she inquired, her tone full of wonder. "A world fulla machines doin' all the hard stuff? Sure wouldn' mind one ta help carry them big barrels. Nearly crushed my footpaw rollin' one in the other day."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii smiled, he enjoyed the fact Mina was actually interested in it all. While he didn't know exactly how much she understood from what he showed her, at least his words (he hoped) were enough to coney it all. She seemed enthralled and happy with it, excited even to learn about it. And then she was taken by his little show. Kaii may have known much about the seduction, but he was luckily full of various knowledge that he was open to sharing and talking about.

Her question about if he is capable to do it made him sigh. "Well, not alone for sure. I am but one beast after all, but I aim to making the world better for all. I am not very idealistic, but I believe in organic work. Society relies on little folk. You, me, honest beasts around. It is our work that makes it all work. Giving technology, education and means is how we can make the world better."

Kaii stopped as he realised he was rambling. Instead he focused on her again. "Don't take this question badly, but do you want to know more? I would happily tell you things I have knowledge about. I've read a lot, came to my own conclusions aplenty. You seem fascinated so I want you to know I am happily willing to share."