Author's Note: Thank you for the feedback, everyone. I agree with those who couldn't decide; I can't choose my favorite character either. Also, don't worry, there will be more sexual scenes to be had. This is turning out to be a very long story, so there will plenty of room for the smut. YAY SMUT! Kirik and Anya's time will come, as well. They are being very stubborn, though. ;)
I do find that I am concentrating more on the story-line now, rather than the erotica aspect. This is something I hadn't planned on, but I hope it's been enjoyable all the same. Keeping the plot going and trying not to leave any obvious holes, while making sure each character is behaving appropriately is difficult and time-consuming. That and caring for a baby makes these chapters come far apart; but I do apologize. I wish I could think/write a bit faster, as well.
A final note; I am aware that the content and behavior of some of the characters might not be to everyone's preference. However; this is my story, these are my characters, and I shall write whatever I wish. So there. ;)
All comments and critiques are appreciated, as usual. Gimme more, please. They are deliciousssss. :d
Luv and other things,
Ginnnnnnnnnnna!
23.
The dwarf's beady eyes gleamed. "Oh, izzat right? Whatchee mean, 'service'? I ain't a man-whore if thas yer fancy."
Horace appeared surprised, "er...no. We are in need of transport. Are you the captain of this particular ship?"
The stout man snorted in derision, "do it look like it? I ain't never heard of no cap'n tha' has ta do tha supply inventory hisself. Damned annoyin' task and usually dun falls to t'first mate, don'tcha know."
"I see. Do you suppose the captain-"
"Where ya headin'?"
The wizard blinked, "ah...to Wyvern Rock."
The dwarf scratched his beard and drew his fingers through it musingly. "Why ya need ta go there?"
Kirik stepped forward and stared down at the short being, "our reasons are our own. Will the lead of this vessel take on passengers or not?"
"Hrm. Not normally; but I reckon it's not a complete impossibility," the dwarf replied, seemingly unperturbed by the elder's blunt manner.
"Splendid!" Horace exclaimed. "So he'll hold council with strangers?"
"Ayuh, but t'cap'n ain't 'round a t'moment. Left fer the evening. We sail at dawn. Ya might wanna come back 'round then.
"Where did he go?" Kirik asked. "And what is his name?"
The dwarf cocked an eye up at the strange creature. He'd never seen anything quite like him before; and he had been to many, many places.
Scratching at his beard once more, he examined each person in turn again. His expression became rather amused when his gaze landed on Andi, clutching a very wiggly puppy. The rotond little man was becoming a bit more curious with this group with each passing minute.
He issued an abrupt, polite bow, "me name's Peggin; though mos' call me Pogs. The Cap'n is jus' called Sway. Cap'n Sway. Ye might try t'bath houses jus' down t'stretch here. Sway likes to order up a hot bath when we make port. Is only saltwater, ya know, but heated an' there be soap too. 'Course tha dun usually leave 'nuff time fer ME ta-"
Kirik cleared his throat, "what does this man look like?"
Pogs shrugged, "t'cap'n be t'only 'un with a huge, black parrot hangin' 'round. Damned bird never shuts up."
Horace tilted his head, "a black parrot?"
The dwarf nodded, "ayuh. Canna remember t'exact type. Has red cheeks and a big crest on its head." Pogs fluttered the fingers of one hand on top of his head, vaguely miming feathers.
The wizard arched a brow at the description, "those birds are remarkably rare. I wonder where he managed to-"
"To hells with the bird, old man. We must find this ...Sway... and convince him to take us aboard."
Pogs held up a finger, "some advice. Be polite."
Kirik narrowed his eyes and nodded. "I can do that."
The sorcerer appeared flabbergasted, "can you? Really? This I must see."
"I am tiring of your taunts, old man."
Kael cleared his throat and twirled his finger, tapping his foot impatiently. "What is going on, brother? Shall we sail on this one or not?"
"We must find the lead and make a formal request. Apparently he is the only one who decides who may or may not board his craft."
"Makes sense enough. Where is he?"
"The short one said he may be in one of the bath houses and that they'll likely not set sail until sunrise," Kirik replied, glancing back to where the dwarf had pointed.
"This place has a bath-house? You wouldn't know it by looking," the juvenile replied, peering around with thinly veiled disgust.
Horace observed their conversation with a thoughtful expression before returning his attention to Peggins. "Do you have any idea when he might return to the ship? I hardly think it would be in our favor to go barging in on him whilst in the middle of bathing."
Pogs shrugged and went back to squinting at his list, "t'Cap'n will be back by dawn. Tis all I was told. Ya might have a look 'round town for a bit. Ya got 'til tomorrow. Now piss off! I got work t'finish." He flapped his hand at Horace and grimaced.
"One last question; are there any other crews that you know about who may be planning to sail a bit earlier than yourselves? Perhaps tonight?"
Pogs glanced around at the nearly deserted docks before issuing a sighing grunt, "nah. T'early snow put a damper on t'fishin' and tourists. Been a meager season as of yet; we're yer bes' bet - if yer even allowed on, that is. Now get!"
The wizard blinked again and began to saunter away, "right then!" He turned to the Feylak brothers, "seems we're stuck here until dawn. If I may make a suggestion?"
Kirik followed and nodded, features grim and distracted. He was not looking forward to lingering here.
"Perhaps a good scrubbing in hot water may be appreciated by all. Come now, Feylak. We cannot go anywhere presently, might as well allow ourselves a bit of much needed rest?"
Kael tilted his head at the strange little man, "what is he saying?"
"He is telling me that we need to bathe and rest."
"I am neither tired, nor dirty."
"Nor am I, youngling."
Anya and Andi watched all the back-and-forth silently. Each wondered if they would indeed be granted access to the ship. And, if so, how long would the voyage take? Would the crew members be kind?
Anya tried to remain hopeful. Being in the presence of others was a comforting thought; especially considering the company that they'd been sharing for the last few days. She glanced back at the dwarf's face; he'd seemed brusque but not unkind.
Peggins noticed and tipped his head to her, " evenin' lass."
She raised her brows a bit, surprised at the polite farewell. Remembering her manners, she offered him a prim, little courtsey in return. "Good-night, sir."
Pogs' entire demeanor softened considerably. It'd been awhile since he'd been referred to as 'sir'. The dwarf suddenly hoped that Sway would allow the strange group to board ship. It had also been quite some time that he'd been around a polite, sweet-natured lady.
He watched as the dark-haired woman gave him a tentative smile, and then began to busy herself with fastening her hair back into a thick, tidy braid.
Andi, on the other hand, sincerely doubted it; taking into account how they'd been welcomed initially by the harbor's locals. Still though, she couldn't help but admit that the thought of a proper bath in an actual tub sounded heavenly. Anxiously, she glanced at Kirik; rather hoping that he'd agree.
Kael noticed the girl's hopeful look. The juvenile watched her furtively for a moment before turning back to his elder, "maybe we should, though."
Kirik appeared surprised, "oh?"
Kael shrugged and affected casual indifference, "well, we're not going anywhere right now. I actually wouldn't mind a soak. Come on, big brother, what could it harm?" He tossed Kirik a charming grin and raised his eyebrows up and down several times.
