#ꜰʟᴇꜱʜ ɪꜱ ᴡᴇᴀᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰɪʀᴇ ɪꜱ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ; ʀɪꜱᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴇ ʀᴇʙᴏʀɴ ✦ flameheart ic

[ashenwinds]

sailor @fortheonetrueking sent a message in a bottle. . .

🐱 (Catheart strikes.... Maybe Jr should find a different place to practice magic lol)

↪ Send a symbol and transform my muse into a…

To call it an interesting turn of events is an understatement. It was not a surprise when he heard his child had dabbled more into magic -- there was a heated conversation with Duchess about it, that Junior needs to focus on their skills in battle rather than dabbling in more magic. The kid always seemed to have more of a knack for learning and exploring than following in the family footsteps and partaking in bloodshed and battle/ Yet another moment he and Duchess clash on their thoughts and ideals. So, in his stubbornness, Flameheart had gone to speak to the Servant of the Flame -- ensure that there is an understanding that all focus should not go into training magic. Other priorities are in place, to improve upon their skills in battle. Although. . . after entering the room in the usual fashion without warning, there was a startle and things changed. Going from seeing the world at the same level, to suddenly having everything much taller than him. Bones shifting and morphing. What had once been the intimidating Pirate King turned into a large Maine Coon that had a mix between the ashen and skeletal curse. Instead of rather indignant words coming out, it is a low, deep merowwww that slips into a growl. Is this what his kiddo has been working on? Transformation magic?! There is a hiss before the large paw swipes out to attack Junior's leg.

[ashenwinds]

     How odd to think at one time he was a novice at being a pirate -- a man with no true skill in sailing but what he had learned from books and observing the Union workers that visited the lively ports. Everybody starts somewhere. Even if it means they started from the bottom and worked their way up.

     Although, he would prefer to focus on the talk of cursed items rather than the past. Easier to speak of that than to ponder the history of before becoming the feared skeleton lord, “ Such items were created ages ago, by ones called the Ancients. Humans. ” Unfortunately. It is not his care or position to learn about that -- such is the job of his chroniclers to know that sort of information.      Arms rest behind his back, the skeletal captain nearby stopping at his side -- their own focus shifting around to gaze at the strange buildings, while Flameheart focuses more on the large castle. An odd thing to see, a gathering of young souls. It is not common to find children in the Sea, a sight that feels. . . confusing to see after decades of being surrounded by skeletons and at the youngest fresh, young adults.      He chuckles at the statement, “ I prefer the open air of the sea -- ” more prefer the beauty of water stained with red and debris of a destroyed ship, but the thought is still the same, “ -- but it could be interesting to visit. . . ” his voice shifts a bit, pondering aloud, “ Perhaps bring my child here one day. ” Get his kid exploring, see if that will tire them out of their desire to explore over continuing the legacy. . .

"Fair point." Spectra nods her head to that. Doing something for so long would hopefully extend to mastering it to a degree. Kind of like how long it took Draculaura to get a hold of her witchcraft. That took hundreds of years apparently! Sheesh. She hopes it's not going to take her that long to master her scaring though. That sounds like a lot of work. "Everybody starts somewhere."

The ghoul pauses alongside him as she listens. "Ah, a classic. I have to wonder if a monster was responsible for its creation or not." They've arrived at the largest section now, a town that's quite towering with the center of it housing the most important, a castle of some kind. Though it seemed to function more as a school given the youngling monsters were all huddling into it.

"What do you think so far, Captain? Would make for a nice resting spot away from the normal world if need be."

[ashenwinds]

     sailor @fortheonetrueking sent a message in a bottle. . .

Now with some peace and quiet at the hideout, Junior turns slightly to hold something out for Flameheart. Lookie here, a vial of kraken ink, pretty fresh too. Seems like they haven't forgotten that promise made when they were little. "Finally came across one. There's not that many around, hm?"

           ↪ unprompted skellie ask

     It had felt like ages since silence has settled in the Hideout. Between those Reapers still clinging to flesh coming to prove themselves and the ones already given the gift of the skeletal curse returning to pay tribute to their king, it has been constant work and noise. Not even a chance to get out and take a sail around the Sea on his own ship.      So, having the peace and quiet gets the skeleton lord to lean back as he sits upon the throne, the fire within his body simmering down just a bit. A few moments of the two remaining in the Hideout time to relax.

     From the peripheral of his vision the movement is noticed and then the vial being held out. A familiar memory rising inside his skull -- from the days back at the estate, when he had returned from his own fight with a kraken to claim fresh ink. The day the young kiddo made the promise to get their own vial of the ink Flameheart had shown.      He muses, “ Came across, or did you go out looking for it? ” Finding a kraken has become rarer than it had been when he first began sailing, and even more of a feat to get close enough to take some of the ink. A thing he knows well, considering the bones decorating his outfit are from such creature, “ Do tell about the journey. ” He wants to know how it was achieved. Has his child finally embraced battle?

[ashenwinds]

     “ Oh yes. . . what a pity that fool Slate and his crew went through so many horrors. If only somebody didn't influence them to do it despite the man's protests of not getting involved. ”

     “ And if only that same person paid attention to the boy who also got roped into such affairs. Otherwise then perhaps he wouldn't have remained a pile of bones abandoned on an island. . . ”

[ashenwinds]

     sailor @fortheonetrueking sent a message in a bottle. . .

For Duchess and Flameheart :> About: Junior, on magic prowess

           ↪ Send me “About [NAME]” for my character’s thoughts on another character

     A hinted sigh, skeletal fingers tapping against the arm of the throne, “ Every lesson I taught was to teach the kid to hold their own in a fight. Not quite part of that to use magic. ” He will admit, the use of magic is not his preference -- not as hands on or personal. However, there is somebody are things that remind him magic has it's uses beyond what he uses it for.       “ At least they are using it properly to bring fire upon those fools. Those parrots are quite useful as well alongside our other methods of gaining information. ” A similar thing that he will never speak too much aloud the pride for his child -- just how strong Jr has become and how skilled they are with magic considering it was never taught outside of the Sea, “ Still have yet to see if that prowess has translated to their combat skills. ”

     “ Well, unlike that stubborn old man, I will admit they've made impressive progress on learning magic, ” Duchess chuckles, “ Reminds me of myself when I started learning after leaving those witches. The creation of those constructs is just the beginning and plans are at hand. Always refreshing to find another just as ambitious and scheming. ”      She is rather thrilled to have another interested in magic, to use it against those annoying fleshies. And well, feels nice to get some bonding going on, “ Perhaps they can give even those Ancients a rune for their money in due time. ”

[ashenwinds]

     He had always loved the praise from others ; recognizing his strength, his authority to control the entire situation with his mere voice. A leader that had been kept suppressed for too long. With each crewmate vowing their loyalty, it rises that feeling deep inside his chest -- the growing sadistic joy.      Part of him had expected to slaughter the whole crew ; to start fresh on the ship and gather those who desire to become pirates. The Union was never known for picking the most intelligent or loyal of crews -- ones usually in debt to them so they have no choice. Those ones, the ones with hatred and fire inside their chests are perfect for a pirate crew. As long as they listen to their captain. . .      Long live Captain Flameheart. No, not long live. Live forever ; forever etched in history, never forgotten in his path of blood and war. Burn his way across the waves, decimating any ship that dares to face him. Immortalized in the fear he will bestow upon his enemies.      There is no care as the kid reaches for the weapon, not even a blink given with the shiv being kept out of reach -- nor the intention of what would happen if the blade had been grabbed. It would have spelled an even more painful end for the brat. Satisfied that the others follow, swearing loyalty to their new captain.      “ Long live indeed. . . ” Flameheart chuckles, the next shot piercing through the skull -- just missing from instantly killing the one trapped beneath his boot, “ Now! Angle the sails, we're heading to open waters! In due time we will find our first target to sink to their watery graves! ” A Grand Maritime Union ship of course.      His focus turns to Horatio, hazel eyes narrowing, “ You. Come with me. ” A gesture for him to follow, leaving the dying kid behind as he heads to the captain's cabin.

Flameheart's speech is marked by the pained cries of the poor sod he's slowly killing. A kid that's trying to writhe out from under his boot, calling out for help to a crew too afraid to move. He even tries to beg to Horatio for help, but the shipwright doesn't even seem to be hearing the kid, uniquely focused on Flameheart- aware enough of any passing danger as the kid tries to reach for the shiv on the floor, as he steps in between it and his hand, and drags it to himself. He shoots the kid a warning look, giving a small shake of his head. There'll be no further attempts at stabbing.

As Flameheart looks at Horatio, he shifts his posture, taking a knee and bowing his head down, his bloodied hand moving from the wound to his chest, staining his shirt with blood where his heart would be. "I swear loyalty to you, my captain." He waits a second, and stands up, looking at the crew and raising a fist.

"Long live Captain Flameheart!"

That seemed to spark a reaction, as one by one, the crew followed Horatio's example, all swearing their loyalty as the kid sobbed and begged to be spared, wheezing through a broken rib that has definitely pierced something.

[ashenwinds]

     anonymous sailor sent a message in a bottle. . .

About: Horatio

           ↪ Send me “About [NAME]” for my character’s thoughts on another character

     “ Heh, the old man? ” They chuckle, “ Won't say I was fond of him at the start. Would have rather stayed far away from him, but I will say it had been a long time since I've found somebody who can withstand a lot of my special techniques. ”       “ I can be a simple pirate: offer me a chance to exercise my torture and interrogation skills for some run, and that'll lighten the mood. ” Now, it's the same as they feel with the others: they would kill for their fellow Lords.

     Of course, for the captain himself, the words are spoken with a neutral tone, “ If he did not have usefulness he would have never made it beyond being part of my crew, let alone given such a gift as the Ashen Curse. . . ”      In his way, that is the closest he is going to get at giving a compliment. If you don't end up dead after a few days, either you are useful to him or Flameheart likes you enough not to murder you.

     “ Ah, I will say the two of us get along well, considering how often our skills cross over. It's rather thrilling to trade ideas on how to improve the ships and the weapons aboard. The Burning Blade little pirates face against in the Sea? That's our work accompanying those orbs. ” She muses, creating a bit of fire in her palm, “ Wouldn't be the same without 'im, just like the others. ”

     For Duchess, it is merely just a shrug, “ Never had too many problems with him. Mais c'est un connard jaloux. ”

[ashenwinds]

    “ Hmn. . . ” So the two have encountered each other. Will jealousy start playing a part?

[ashenwinds]

     “ You are going to have to offer something significant if you are looking for assistance from the Pirate King and the Reaper's Bones. ” The eyeless gaze observes, fires flickering beneath the bones. A gentle tap of fingertips against the hilt of the blazing blade.       “ Make it worth my time. ”

[ashenwinds]

     What a silly habit of his, speaking aloud to the ship as if it could talk back to him -- words spoken into the cold air or in response to those small sparks that prick at the metal across his body. His fingers brush against the necklace hanging around his neck, humming as he observes the entire damage done to the cabin.      Even the bed in the corner of the cabin is tossed into a state of disarray. He has a feeling if the desk and statue were not bolted into the deck those too would be tossed about. The blood is hardly a problem, a common sight within the places he lingers -- a scent that still tingles his sense of smell.      Bit by bit Flameheart works to pick up and clean the cabin -- placing scrolls back in their place, picking up the discarded journal he must remember to bring back to the Hideout. No deep secrets within the pages, but still contains information most pirates would not need to know.      He only stops when finishing up adjusting the maps that were torn in places. Ancient maps that held secrets only his eyes could interpret with the assistance of the knowledge gathered.      The fire within his eye sockets dims, a mimicry of the closing of eyes. Standing between the desk and the towering statue of his image. Months of being cooped up, collecting the work of pirates with the only use to gather the knowledge he desires, unable to use such a magnificent warship and weapon. Even after all this time, he still occasionally stumbles on his feet -- nearly a decade of being without a physical form does such things -- the exact thing that happens as he moves to observe his portrait.      Close enough to see a deep cut within the frame. So. . .      Flameheart roars, the fire within his chest becoming a raging inferno, “ Those pathetic pirates destroy my flagship and all they come back with is ONE RITUAL?! ” Bits of the fire fall to the deck beneath, merely simmering before burning out.

Her hull groaned as the waves let her drift back from touching the dock. The previous crew did bring back a hefty sum of knowledge, but they were far too sloppy when it came to operating her. As he stepped aboard, the air around him began to feel like static again, prickling at his jewelry and the buttons on his jacket.

Yes, the cabin was a mess. Other than anything that was bolted down, things were jostled out of place with blood splattered against the walls and doorways. His question logically would have fallen on deaf ears, but the calm lack of her mast thudding seemed to answer him. It was... comforting to have him aboard. It had been so long since she'd been sailed by her real captain. These pitiful excuses for pirates were nothing compared to him. Despite her injuries, she wanted to go. Every moment she was idle made her feel like she was going insane, waiting endlessly for something, anything to happen.

These feelings stayed locked away, her ferocious heart trapped in an inert body. She'd give anything to be able to unfurl her own sails, operate her own body by her own will, to raze the Sea to ashes.. And all that lay beyond the Shroud. If there ever were such a place.

For now, she would simply enjoy her captain's company. His desk looked rather inviting, his scrolls and trinkets just begging to be tidied. The wood floor offered a gentle creak, as if beckoning him closer.

[ashenwinds]

     “ . . . . ” They give a hum, “ I look at certain fleshies and think 'I'd love to bite them or tear them apart'. ”

     He cannot help but chuckle, “ Hardly a change from when you yourself was of flesh. I recall a few reports of pirates with bite marks having a striking resemblance to your chompers, Warden. Including Grimm. ”

     “ He knows what he did to deserve that and accepted the consequences of his actions. ”

[ashenwinds]

     Anonymous sailor sent a message in a bottle. . .

Flameheart, if you're a king, then does that make Junior a prince?

           ↪ Unprompted Skellie ask

     “ No. ” A simple response at first. Such a title is not something gained by being part of the correct heritage. Not something given right away, “ They will gain such a title when proving to be fit for that of Pirate Prince or whatever similarity that they decide upon. ” And of course, not until he has complete control over his 'kingdom' will such happen.      As if his child has not already proven to be befitting of such a thing. . . but he taught them to be ambitious, to continue striving for better. To obtain what is held out to be unattainable from their father, from this weakened world.

[ashenwinds]

     “ As if we would ever be considered nice! ” A loud, boisterous laugh rises out of Chi, “ Who needs gifts from some old man that doesn't exist. We've got Horatio for that! ”

     “ I give better gifts anyways, ” Ruth gives a shrug, a smirk would be on his visage with the grunt and chuckle of agreement out of her fellow Ashen Lord.

     “ Hardly worth being nice. . . ” Duchess hisses, taking a long drink of her tankard of expensive rum, “ It's far more enjoyable to make people writhe than play nice. ”

     “ This time can be used for rest and our own celebration. . . and time for Ramsey and his followers to let their guard down. ” Flameheart gives his own chuckle and a raise of his tankard, “ Tomorrow, we shall see if those fools are ready for fighting once again, but for now we celebrate! ” There is a cheer amongst the gathered skellies, all raising their tankards before drinking.

Happy Holidays from the Skellies 🖤

[ashenwinds]

     Oh, if the skeleton lord could smirk he would be doing so. Instead, it is mimicked with the loud, hearty laugh that slips out, “ I have already seen the Sea of the Damned, and that was the only afterlife I will be getting around to visiting. ”

     As if he will ever desire to go to another place that is considered the afterlife -- that requires another death. Something he is far from keen on experiencing once again ; that required eight years of waiting. . .       “ Humans won't die out. Not everywhere I can go when I have methods of traveling to new waters. ” A fondness to his tone -- just another beautiful part of his flagship, his method of travel beyond the confines of realities, “ And even so, there are more than just humans and merfolk to hunt down and burn. I will retire when the Flame burns out. ”

"I'm afraid, my cursed compatriot, that you may never see it. What with your soul being trapped on this mortal plane. Tell me, you got any plans for after the humans die out? Who ya gonna terrorize then? You got any retirement plan to go with all that beautiful burning gusto?" He's curious.

This whole-- living undead thing was fascinating to him. Especially when it happened outside his realm of influence. This whole catastrophe wasn't his to deal with-- so he could take an interest in the very subject that normally frustrated him; folks cheating death.

[ashenwinds]

     The sight of the fiery ship had been a ghastly sight ; lingering in the distance as an ominous sight -- the fires burning across her hull from the maw-like structure at the front to the tips of the masts ablaze. An omen many would consider of death ( which would be true in due time ).      And such a frightening ship is coupled with the skeletal captain stepping ashore, followed by a few devout obsidian skeletons -- there to ensure their king only participates in fights he finds worth his time.

     “ Smell that. . .? ” Flameheart chuckles, the fire within his chest sparking. The skellies around him glance around, before giving their growls of agreement -- the captain of the skellies chittering to him, “ Aye. . . fear. Which means we may have company. ”

     open starter with the Pirate King and his gaggle of skellies

[ashenwinds]

Something feels off. . . like he should be disappointed in somebody for losing a fight.