Precious Cargo

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<sub>Nerys and Godwine were actually cleaning around the ship, collecting scrap metal and wood for Sine and the others and leaving it in a pile on the deck. They were also busy cooking some food for everyone for a nice dinner with everyone. Obviously they needed it. Nerys herself had also checked up on Clicky and fed her so Cepheid didn't have to and only just returned to check up with Godwine. As soon as they heard a whistle, they looked at each other curiously, knowing Andy would have been going to Sine's place. They then ran out to help him up.

Nerys herself was wearing something much lighter, as in thickness. She definitely was a bit red from running around and naturally was hot, so her long sleeves were thin and see through, and she wore a tank top like dress over the thin shirt that ended at her feet. She was barefoot this time and there was a bandage over her toe from a nail.

"Andromeda! What are you doing? Weren't you going to-" And of course Nerys looked at Ieaeka and then sighed, glancing at Andy. "Andy, now is not the time to be picking up ladies for the ship! Our rooms are filled and I think the crew is large enough!" She puffed her cheeks cutely at him.

Godwine was next. Naturally she wore a simple worker's corset, one that is on the outside and shapes herself, but is comfortable enough to bend around. She wore a pretty red sleeveless dress. The only out of place thing about her was the fact she had her super curly hair hair tied messily up in a ponytail and she was wearing worker's gloves. She then looked at Andy and then Ieaeka, putting her hands on her hips and smirking.

"Oh gosh, Andy. Do I have to tell her how much of a hoot you are in bed?" That would wear the woman off. Though her expression went serious. "Listen, Rosin is running out of apothecary medicine. There won't be another shipment from Thompson in a week.</sub>

[NPC Account]

Ieaeka was doing her best to forget such a shameful incident, though now she knew his identiy, she was a little less surprised at his behavior. Still, the fact that her first kiss was stolen would be something of a sore spot for a while.

"We of Seria want nothing but peace. We are willing to work with and aid our neighbors, but Dula's self superior attitude makes things difficult...Such dislike towards one another is distasteful. I do not like it." She said. "King Edward Truesdale is a kind, albeit eccentric man. I do not think he would have orchestrated this attack. If it was Truesdale kingdom, it likely was an underground group, but he wouldn't believe it even if it was true. A naive man..." She shook her head sadly.

Then his past became the topic, and she fell silent once more to listen. A look of shock came across her normally calm face as she learned the truth. "...I'm so sorry..." She said. What was there to be sorry about, though? She didn't know what else to say, though she memorized the names given to her instantly, putting them away somewhere safe for future reference.

Finally, they arrived and she was assisted to the ground, doing her best to keep her hood down. Best let Andromeda choose if they know her identity or not.

She looked up to see a young girl dressed in a significantly less regal manner than she, though the dress was still cute. She remained quiet at Andromeda was chastised, though a smile of amusement would be visible to the man through the hood.

Though the smile faded and was replaced by a deep blush as Godwine then spoke up. "...Quite the women you have, dread pirate Andromeda." She said. She heard something about an apothecary and tilted her head slightly. Hmm.

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<sub>Andromeda thought about Truesdale. Yes, Seria was definitely at peace, depsite having a powerful army. But howlong will this last. Andy had to bite his lip and then look down at Lila, who sensed this coming. He then lsitened about the King. Yes, if only Andy could use the word 'pacifist' in his mind.

"... I won't lie. I cheated, raped, pillaged and slaughtered. All because of my pain. I took it all out on Dula for ruining my life, and all those kid's lives. Now everybody suffers from it, and I have two sons because of it. It's not too late to try and fix things though. I've been taking care of them, but there's things I can't fix. But I'm definitely not a guy of peace, and... I have a feeling that these years of peace are over." It was a warning to Ieaeka. "I'll settle down eventually though. I mean if I live that long."

Granted, he got up on deck and met with Nerys and Godwine, and thankfully no Cepheid. He would probably immediately go into his swag personality, irritate him, and then woo all the girls. And then tease him about having a new girlfriend, especially since Loki is working finances now. He had to admit that Loki was a bit too focused and mischievous for his personality.

"Yeah, well it's a long story-Wait what happened to your foot?" he kneeled to look at it. "Nerys, if you got stabbed by a nail, you should go and get antibacterial-" Right, they're runnin gout of that stuff. He took a deep breath and stood up. "Young lady, don't get lockjaw. You know what happened to Reuben and Caden's parents."

It seemed odd for Andy to show so much concern, but there was a definite fatherly undertone to it. Despite them being only five years apart in age, Andy felt more like a father to her than an older brother. As for Godwine, though his expression turned into a half pissed-half awkward expression and he fought hard to keep from blushing.

"Damnit, Godwine..." He spoke between clenched teeth. "... Ladies, i accidentally picked up the princess of Seria."</sub>

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<sub>Nerys and Godwine were unaware of the more serious conversations that Ieaeka and Andy were having. usually with Loki it was about how much Dula sucked, and Selena would pipe in about the Eastern islands and how nice they were aside from the illegal slave trading. Either way, Nerys would just roll her eyes when Andy started fretting over the toe. She then lifted it up and then took a deep breath, knowing what he would say.

"I know, but I gave most of our antibiotics to Rosin in the meantime. If I start spazzing I'll go ahead and head to Aunt Sine." She then whined. "Don't worry about me! Julian's been shot and is probably worse off. You know how some bullet wounds can go, and Caden doesn't need to lose another father."

Godwine was smirking at this, though she didn't get her question answered until Andromeda spoke between his teeth. Both the girl's initial amused glances and giggles over Andy's choice of sex were interrupted like a needle scratching on a disc. Both girls just stared at Ieaeka in shock and awe, before Godwine kneeled down, followed by Nerys.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! You didn't hear that from me, okay! If I'd have known...!" She then groaned. "I should be more polite! Princess...!" She would have spoke up more, but Nerys said the same thing Andy said before, and what she was thinking.

"What are you doing here? ... How the heck did you get caught up with Andy?"</sub>

[NPC Account]

Seria had always gone by the philosophy of 'speak softly and carry a big stick'. Seria was always the first to advocate for peace, but they didn't hesitate in putting Dula or other attacking counties down if they caused trouble.

"..." The princess listened to Andromeda's words and frowned deeply. "So long as Seria stands, we will defend the peace with all ou strength. If that means destroying Dula, then so be it." Her voice was firm, though it was clear that was an eventuality she did not express fondness towards. She didn't comment on Andromeda's previous behaviors. She couldn't condone them, yet she couldn't condemn them either. He wasn't innocent by any stretch of the imagination, he'd have to answer for his crimes one day. But he may very well have a decent future if he could do something to make up for it.

They climbed up onto the deck and Ieaeka adjusted her cloak, keeping her gaze lowered so the fabric covered most of her face. Nerys and Godwine were pretty, no doubt, though they lacked refinement. Living with Andy would do that, she supposed.

She watched as the man immediately leapt to investigate the foot of the girl named Nerys. The concern he showed for her was clear, and her expression softened a little.


And finally the big reveal. As Andy told the pair who she was, she gently reached up and pulled down her hood, revealing her face to them with a calm expression, every bit the dignified royal she was.

She was a little surprised that a pirate crew was bowing to her, though the show of respect wasn't unappreciated. Well, at least Godwine was. Nerys was a bit more forward. "Rise." She said simply, letting them stand up again.

"I was being transported to a location safer than the capital, in light of the recent attack. Initially he sought to rob my person, however circumstances led him to offer his aid in my relocation."

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<sub>No comments about destroying Dula from Andy. He kind of grinned at that though, relishing in Swire Inc collapsing and a new Dula rising. One where crooks wouldn't be in control. One where his family would live in peace. That's what he worked for, and in all honesty, exposing Dula was something that he knew would finally make up for his crimes.

Andromeda didn't bow to Ieaeka, but he didn't know who she was and bowing on a horse would have been awkward. Either way, he watched as the girls bowed down and was fretted over, and he took a deep breath as they rose up. He would explain the situation in detail at a later date, though right now Ieaeka needed to know what they were all doing there. These were pirate girls and they had their rules.

"I had heard through Loki and Nerys about what had happened to Seria not too long ago. We both came in to finish off the remaining clockworks, met up with Reuben and headed to Benedict's church." He remembered that she didn't know who they were and then added quickly. "Reuben and Ben are my sons. You'll recognize them. They both have my eye color. Same messy hair. Loki is my accountant. When aroung her, check your pockets, she's a bit of thief." After that, he would finish the story. "We all decided to stick around in Seria and help repair the buildings, starting with my ex-girlfriend's apothecary, except we're running out of medicine and the people need it. Like what Godwine said, Thompson's ship won't come in until a week later, so I decided to head out of the country and see if there were any medicine stores that could spare some. Naturally... I got distracted.

When she explained hers and his situation. He then took a deep breath and turned to three girls. His expression was a bit serious, but there was something deeper in the expression in his eyes. An unknown emotion, perhaps? Or just that his eyes suddenly feel much... softer than how they were?

"I don't know what would have happened if I just left her there and robbed her, if those bandits would have come back and found her. I didn't steal from her... I feel compelled to take her to where she needs to so her father doesn't have to tear up the country looking for her. However it comes with the risk that I am wanted and people may mistake me for kidnapping her." He took a deep breath and rubbed his head. "Benedict and Cepheid are rubbing off on me."</sub>

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<sub>Nerys and Godwine both rose up and then stood up straight, and proper. Ironically, despite Godwine's mouth, she was definitely much more prim and proper, and both girls plotted to dress up Ieaeka so she would feel better. They had some time to and Lila could wait, since she was happy munching on the tall grass near the shore. They both listened to the situation, nodding in affirmation at Andy's story and then giggling a bit at what happened.

"So you just ran into each other~? How cute~." Godwine spoke up, though she put a hand over her mouth and then went silent. She then looked over to Andy as he spoke up and her expression softened. She then walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "No, that's an honorable thing to do, Captain. Look at you~. Saving princesses." She teased, before Nerys brightened up.

"Wait! You'll be passing by towns, right? Can you drop by any local apothecaries and get medicine? Just the typical. gauze pads. Explain that it's for Seria." There, Andy could be helpful. She then frowned. "You need a change of clothes and get your hair fixed up again. Godwine, can you cover that scar of his?"

"We need to get some aloe vera just to fade that stupid thing." Godwine puffed her cheeks, looking at Andy's scar over his face.</sub>

[NPC Account]

Ieaeka nodded lightly as Andy explained some simple ground rules and what they were doing in Seria. So his son's names were Benedict and Reuben. "So you are aiding in the restoration?" It was an obvious question. More likely they were just helping their family.

Hm. A week before the shipment arrived. There were likely people who wouldn't last that long. "..."

She listened as Andy spoke to the girls, shifting lightly as her legs ached lightly. She strained herself when the carriage crashed and it had been pretty rough going since.

She took a light step back as the girls began to fuss over the man, and she stood silently and allowed them for a moment.

"Miss Nerys. Would you happen to have parchment, an ink and quill, and some seal wax?" She asked, looking towards Nerys as Godwine focused on the pirate captain. "And, if it's not too much trouble, perhaps a place to sit?"

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<sub>Andromeda found himself being fussed over for the moment, grunting and putting his hands in his pockets and allowed this fussing over until Godwine dragged him off to fix his hair and left unable to talk about restoration. Though this man was putting aside his hate for Rosin in order to help people. They needed medicine, and badly. Either way, as soon as he was alone, he would lean against the wall of his dresser as Godwine left to get the makeup.

"... What am I getting myself into? I told her everything, cause I'm an idiot and I just so happened to like her at first glance." He muttered before putting on a simple white collared shirt and brown pants. He kept his boots but then noticed his wonderful black cloak all nice and washed. He grinned happily and then put it on rolling down the sleeves and putting some gloves on. It was pretty cold out there.</sub>

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<sub>Godwine had left for the moment and then proceeded to try and get Andy into proper clothing. Washing could wait, though Andy wasn't that dirty. Though for now she would get the makeup and hair products ready. Mostly the wax, and she would make sure it was stiff but soft. Nerys, in the meantime would just stand there awkwardly with Ieaeka, not sure what to say. She didn't want to offend her, of course, but when she asked for parchment and paper, she gave her a curious look and then nodded.

"Follow me." She would lead her to the study room of the place, which was at the front of the ship and then lear off a space at the desk for her to sit before handing her an ink, quill, and seal wax. She was curious though, but she didn't want to offend the lady so she would sit down in one of the chairs at the farther end of the room and wait.</sub>

[NPC Account]

Ieaeka followed Nerys in silence, letting herself be led to the study, in which she sat at the desk. She accepted the writing tools and looking down at the parchment before her. "Thank you."

She's write in silence, the only sound would be the scratching of the pen against the paper and the light clink of her reflling the ink in the pot.

After what likely felt like an eternity to Nerys, the royal reached over to the heated wax and tilted a small amount onto the bottom right corner, before tugging a ring off her finger and stamping the signet ring onto the wax, giving it the DuKair Royal seal, authenticating the parchment.

She'd let the wax cool and and ink dry before folding it in half and handing it to Nerys. "Bring this to the Captain." She instructed.

Assuming Nerys did as she was asked, and handed the parchment over to Andy, and assuming he'd read it, it'd say the following:

By Royal order of Ieaeka Hakiru DuKair, the emergency supply stores of the city of Alfya are to be opened and distributed to all needy parties. The mayor of Alfya is to expend every resource to ensure rebuilding and the health of the people, as a heavy scrutiny is now upon all officials within the city. Any behavior that is, can be considered or misconstrued as selfish intent is to be avoided and reported.
A full supply of medicine and supplies are to be given to all registered apothecaries for no charge so long as they are offering medical service for no charge, until the time that the city is no longer in a state of emergency. Upon cessation of the state of emergency, all participating medical facilities are to be stock to 100% capacity to aid in return to business and leftover supplies are to be returned to the storage facility for future use.
As it took seeing with mine own eyes the plight of the city and the lack of supplies, all reporting officers are to be audited as soon as possible to weed out any corruption within the ranks to ensure the safety and security of the people.

Princess Ieaeka Hakiru DuKair

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<sub>Finally, Andromeda was ready. He had the same outfit, though his pants were a brown color and he wore his typical black cloak, but his hair was smoothed out and more formal looking, while the scar over his right eye almost disappeared. He was adjusting the coat of his collar as he walked into the study room to grab his better sword. He blinked at Ieaeka writing, but he was silent as he got his sword out, a classic basket case handle and thin but strong blade. He sheathed it and then grabbed a pack to put some bullets and cleaning supplies for his flintlock in. It wasn't too big so he fastened it on his hip, just to fool people.

As soon as Ieaeka finished up, she walked over to him and he just looked at her in curiosity before taking the note and then reading it. ... In short, all the worries that he had for getting Nerys and Julian safe and healthy were gone. He glanced at her in surprise, almost relishing in the fact there was an actual royal family member who... cared about her people. It was alien to Andy. He never thought about it before looking back down at the paper.

"You... You're doing this?" He spoke up quietly. ".... Thanks. I mean, I know I'm not a Serian, b-but..." He stammered. For once he was at a loss of words. "... Well, the people of Seria..." He then smiled. "They should be proud to have you for a princess."</sub>

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<sub>Godwine had finished packing up a backpack for Andromeda to take with some food rations, as well as some clothes for him as well as a notebook with some graphite lead. There wasn't much to pack for him since he entertained himself with getting into trouble, though collecting some things for the apothecary would be good and she made sure to leave some space. She stopped at the doorway when Ieaeka and Andy were talking, and she just glanced at a rather bored Nerys, who perked up at this exchange.

"... Are you two off now?" She asked. They needed to get going, no matter how badly Nerys and Godwine didn't want to bother them. They needed to hurry and be on there way, since it was past noon and the sun was going down.</sub>

[NPC Account]

Ieaeka stood in silence as Andy read the paper, and he looked surprised. "You need not thank me, Andromeda." She replied. "Those stores should have been opened days ago." She shook her head. "I am shamed that the man we have representing the royal family did not do so." Still, she was humbled by Andromeda's words.

"Just about. Andromeda, have one of your girls bring that to the Guard Captain. Hopefully this will help some." She'd give Andy a few minutes to get the last minute things taken care of, before addressing him once again. "Is there anything else that you need to do?" Ieaeka wouldn't have minded a chance to rest and maybe something to eat, but getting a move on would likely be best; she wouldn't complain.

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<sub>Andy put his hand on his hip and then took a deep breath, realizing how hungry he was. Perhaps some rest and a good meal would do. After all the smell from the kitchen was wonderful. It may not be as amazing as Dani's stews, but it would still be amazing. Granted, Ieaeka spoke up and he shrugged.

"I don't think all the blame should be put on him. It's probably total chaos right now and it got overlooked." He then gave the letter to Nerys. "Sweetie you're the fastest one here right now. Speed over to the guard captain and let them know you are just a messenger. If they ask About Ieaeka, let them know she is safe."

He then stretched and then as Ieaeka spoke up, Andy grunted. "Actually, some food sounds like a good idea. Hope you don't mind us stealing some of that lunch, Godwine."</sub>