Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Fri May 8, 2020 6:08 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Why in the realm's green earth did he go along with this ridiculous idea? Jayce couldn't wrap his head around it until the obvious bluntness hit his mind. It was because Evani had been so convincing and that despite it all, he trusted her. Hell, he should have gone with his own senses and trekked back to Egjora. From the moment they found Jala, everything went entirely wrong starting with his partner's sudden temper. And she was telling him to think twice when it came to his brother? She could barely handle dealing with her sister without freaking out. Still, they had made it all the way here and they had to somehow get Jala to comply. But firstly, he had to wait until his djinn got dressed after that rather revealing tactic her sister pulled. 

"Riiiiight." He was pretty sure that Evani hadn't planned on having her clothes melt right before a wandering eyed crowd. The next unfortunate thing was that none of his men were able to catch the woman. Instead, they might as well had been standing around with their "appendages" in their hands. "I should have known…" If they had been distracted by Evani the first time they met her, then her sister probably could have stolen The Fenrir right from their noses and they'd be none the wiser. He would think of a punishment for them later; right now they gave chase and venture into the casino. 

"Halt", he calmly ordered and place his arm up. This would surely look bad to have Egjorain sailors coming pouring into an establishment in a rather seedy city. Instead he had them spread out and the pair would handle Jala and the man she was wrapped around themselves. The exchange between the women could bring about a splitting headache for him, and it didn't seem like the man Jala was pawing over didn't seem entertained either. Poor bastard. 

After the series of lies she sprouted were proven false (though Jayce was hardly surprised), he approached them and shook his head. "I don't care what wage those two made. That's none of my business. I merely came here to ask for help from your djinn." He gave a stern look to Jala, "Evani told me that you could locate just about anyone. I'm looking for my brother, Vincent Gloreaver. Is it possible that you can track his location."  

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 10:58 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

In the grand opulence of the Marsilea, the young Karithian man had just finished a challenging round against a table of seasoned players. It would seem that his prowess was reaching even the ears of those beyond Jayou's borders. With the seats surrounding his table empty, Fuxing meticulously shuffled and rearranged the mahjong tiles, laying them out in straight rows before each place. The doors to the riverboat were flung open, and to his surprise he saw Jala return early and empty-handed from the market. Before he could ask, the djinn threw herself onto him as she wailed her sister was coming for her with a vengeance. Seeing several strangers enter the casino shortly after confirmed Jala's words, however the young master's state of alarm was soon dispelled by what the sister had to say herself. Immediately his face stiffened into a frown the moment the other djinn declared Jala was a swindler–which wasn't exactly a surprise–but it was what she said next that made the blood rush to his head. In response, Jala began to sob and he found himself shoved face-first into the Abedian woman's bust–unwillingly, one might add! While Jala began swearing that this wasn't due to another of her recent shenanigans, the young man's frustration was rising with each passing moment.

Then, she did the unthinkable. As she interrupted her sister's interjection in an attempt to gain sympathy, Jaladhija made the outlandish claim that they had six children and had been married for seven years. While her sister was having none of it, she turned to him and stared back at him with her teary blossom-pink eyes. Already sensing that her attempts at charming her way out of this situation were finally running dry, she hid behind him and then proceeded to lean on top of his head in the very same fashion that irked him to no end. Once the djinn sisters introduced their respective holders of their bottles, Fuxing at last had the opportunity to get a word in. There was a loud audible clack of his folding fan closing as his patience had reached its limit. Without even looking up, he drew his lips into a thin line before demanding in an exasperated tone: "Jaladhija what did I say about making wagers?!! I demand an explanation–in full, without any omission of the smallest details!" He raised his voice, shaking his folded fan. "And for the last time–we do not have any children!! We are also not married!" 

It would appear that he had grown wise to the djinn's mischief and antics despite her charms. His resolve adamant, his eyes glanced upward at the pretty troublemaker. "Jala, pay what you owe her." From the annoyance visibly written on his face, it was clear that this was not a request. And if she wasn't able to pay the debt, then he would have to pay it for her…much to his chagrin. 

Author: Evani, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 9:54 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

“Mostly anything to do with the earth and things of that nature. I can also do minor scrying. My connection to you through the contract allows me to feel your heart.”

Evani mulled it over in her head. “It’s been two thousand years maybe she forgot about it. Jala is Jala though. She will help once we get through the initial meeting. My djinn sister is a good woman if not a little air headed.”

This would be a good battle at least that’s what Evani had thought before Jala had acid washed her clothing off. “SHE WILL HELP! This is just how we greet each other,” she scoffed before disappearing into the bottle. It took her few moments but she came back out in a sparkling green outfit that looked much like her last but brighter. She put her hands on her hips. “She was headed towards that casino!”

Once they made it to the end where the men were they were rubbing their necks. “She got through?”

“…We couldn’t say no to her…”

“I told you to watch out for that! She is charming yes but she will force that charm on you if you don’t listen!” Evani scolded lightly. “TO THE CASINO!”

She pulled Jaci and she could hear Jala as could Jayce’s men. “MY MEAN SISTER IS HERE AND SHE IS GOING TO HURT ME,” Jala cried out. “She is going to beat me up and she is going to make me look bad and how will I attract customers!”

Evani saw red a bit but she was calm as they entered the casino. Jala had herself clinging to a wealthy looking young Karithian man. “You have a swindler clinging to you!” Evani pointed at Jala. “DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WOMAN OWES ME?!”

Jala began to cry as she shoved Fuxing’s face into her bust. “MASTER I SWEAR I DIDN’T BET ANYTHING AGAIN!!!!!” She squeaked a bit at the end, “Recently…”

Evani pointed, "That is my sister Jala and sh–"

Jala started to yell, "THINK OF MY SIX CHILDREN THAT FUXING AND I HAVE! WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR SEVEN LONG YEARS! I CAN'T DIE TODAY WHAT WILL FUXING JR. THINK?!"

Evani stomped her feet, "You can't use that trick on me twice Jala!"

Jala eeped and stopped her crocodile tears, "MAsssteerrr this is where you," she reached down and took his hands. "This is when you thousand dragon roar them." She lightly moved his hand like a child. She could tell Fuxing was upset with her and pouted as she jumped around him to his backside and popped up on his head resting her breasts against it. "So, besides my debt why are you here?"

Evani sighed a bit and put her hands on her hips. "All that for you to give in? I'm disappointed."

"Well, it was fun but now I'm bored… Right Massstterrr?" She looked down at Fuxing with a smile.

"This my master Jayce and this is his crew."

"This is my master Fuxing but you must call him Young Master Fuxing," there could have been little hearts floating above her heart and Evani rolled her eyes.

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 9:26 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Jayce gave her an inquiring look, "So what sort of restrictions and limitations do you have? I figure that now would be a good time just in case I want you to do something that's out of your control." It wasn't as though he would be taking advantage of her wishing powers too soon or often; he could as easily get the stuff done himself, almost prefer it to be the case than to have it given to him on a silver platter. "That's three thousand too much from what you are telling me. Still, if he was happy with it, then good for him."

He made his way over to the large map that hung on the wall close to his bedside and plotted their position and that of Jayou's. It would only take them about a month to fly over there to that city versus the two month minimum of Egjora. That, and at least it would provide a safer route in case they bumped into any storms along the way. While he was plotting over that, his eyes slightly shifted towards Evani and frowned a little. "Wished you would have shared that with me prior. How in the world do you expect her to help us if she's afraid of you?" He would have asked what debt did she owe her, but he figured that would only get him deeper into this mess and abstained from it. "My men could hardly handle you, what chance do they of her?"

Gods did he need a drink and he reached behind his desk and pulled out a bottle of rum and poured it into a glass. He let it settle for a moment before he chugged away at the stuff. "Fine. You will have their support in capturing her. Also, how do you know whether her master will crack? What if she found someone that's as stubborn?" He sighed again and poured some more rum. This djinn was going to be the death of him before he knew it, he swore. Still, he trusted that she would be able to convince her sister to help them on their quest. The journey was a lengthy one, but when the final day arrived, he had her prepare the crew with the information about Jala and their tasks. Some of them looked wide-eyed and Jayce figured that they were imagining how the other djinn looked. He caught onto the slight change in Evani as she discussed her sister and shook his head.

Just what did he get himself into? 

"I want a few of you to find and guard the entry points of that marketplace. Once everything is set up, we will go in and b begin pursuing her. Stop her as well as you can and do not harm her."

Before long, they set anchor and arrived onto the land once more. Some of his men had already left and followed orders, and Jayce and Evani went on and once she spotted her, Jayce feared that the worse would come. And it did. He looked on sourly as his djinn made a fool of herself and failed to capture Jala. And now he was reverting his gaze as to not look at the woman as her clothes were melting away. Fortunately, the others weren't close by to see it. "Good job, now she will really want to help us." He snickered a bit but still, this was a bad situation and he was hoping that one of his men would intercept her. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the bottle and popped it open. "There." He waited until she returned, clothed and gave chase. "She headed that way! They probably could try and hold her up until we arrive…"

Author: Evani, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 8:06 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Evani gave him a smirk and nodded. “I get my hands dirty once in a while. It’s not within my power to fix magical structures like airships completely but he wanted to fix it by his hand. He had a lot of pride in his ship. Said he had haggled it down to three thousand silver pieces. I think he still overpaid for it.”

There was a small smile on her face as she tilted her head. He listened to her so easily. “Thank you for taking me seriously. If anyone can find her it is Jala but I will need every force on this ship to subdue her. She owes me a great debt and will probably try to run away from me. Even if she is stronger power-wise Jala is not a fighter, she is a lover.”

Evani shrugged a bit and looked around. “We will be fine. Knowing Jala she didn’t get involved in anything bad. She hates that sort of thing and will whine to her master until he cracks.”

It was a long trip to Jayou from Abed and Evani was hanging up on deck looking over the city as they prepared to dock. “I can feel her like an ocean as always. So warm and inviting,” She spoke up to Jayce. “She is here. Doubt she recognizes me though. Jala has always been aloof.”

She slinked in front of the crew and by Jayce’s side. She coughed lightly to get their attention. “WE ARE GOING AFTER MY SISTER JALA. Whatever you do: do not fall for her feminine wiles. She is a beautiful abedian woman with long hair that fades pink and is most likely wearing attire like mine. She has cherry blossom pink eyes and she is… well, how to put it… She is well endowed and curvaceous.” There was a tinge of jealousy from Evani. “You’ll know her when you spot her.”

Evani looked up at Jayce. “I sensed her near the market. She must be out shopping. We can take this opportunity to corner that runaway!” She pounded her fist into her palm. Once they were out and walking the streets of the market it didn’t take Evani long to spot the sultry Djinn.

She was beautiful from head to toe with henna up and down one side of her body. She wore pink djinn clothing and her hair was long curls of ash brown that faded to pink. Evani who had been so composed before saw red as she stalked forward, “JALADHIJA!” Her voice screeched. “I HAVE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR YOU FOR THE LAST TWO THOUSAND YEARS!”

“EVANI,” Jala dropped the lemons she was looking at and the basket of produce she had already as she stepped back. “…It’s been so long sister~” She called out but she was still trying to back up.

“OH, NO YOU DON’T!” Evani dropped and began to dive kick down to Jala. Jala evaded and splashed water up from the canal. Jala smirked and pointed as Evani’s clothing began to disappear. “JALA YOU CHEATER,” Evani held her body and squatted down.

“MASSTTTTTTEERRRR,” Jala’s smile dropped as she began to cry and ran off towards a large casino that was floating on the water. “MASSSTTTERRR I’M GOING TO GET KILLED,” Her voice carried even as the djinn was halfway between them and the Marsilea.

“JALADHIJA!” Evani screamed at her. “I’m going to fucking kill her when I get my hands on her. I didn’t think she would acid my clothes off. My bottle Jayce! MY BOTTLE!”

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 7:37 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

"Well, I'm sure he got the message, along with everyone else now", he shrugged. It was well into her right to defend herself and the lad had gotten a little too handsy for not only her case but also his too. In any case, it was better that man than him to have been on the other side of her foot. It would make things a lot more interesting as they would travel together. He was sure that at most, his man had gotten some bruises and probably more done to his ego but would be alright otherwise. He let it slide and focused onto his ship instead, "The name came from a forgotten language to this realm. It was meant as a name to a strong and large wolf. The ship itself was tailored by me once I made Captain. Many people in power consider me a strong contender to rank up to Admiral soon and want to be on my good side." He did chuckle at something though, "Surprised he hadn't wished for it to be fixed. Can't imagine you and hard labor mixing well together."

Jayce went on and attempted to straighten out the things at his desk, though a part of him knew that it was going to revert back once he became consumed again. Still, he would at least make the effort to keep some order about on his ship, even down to his own quarters. "I can only imagine how much a place meant for books could be a maelstrom. Then again, it is your sister…" He supposes in a way she understood well about how siblings were with each other and perhaps how much it bothered him to be forced into this position. But there wasn't much of a choice- he too would have failed and Vincent would be hunted down by someone who would likely kill him before they would ever bring him back alive. 

He managed to tidy up before he noticed a change in Evani, something that was out of the norm despite their brief knowledge of one another. He turned to face her and for a moment, sighed. They were to head back to Egjora but if Jala was as good as her sister claimed, then it might bare better fruit to pursue this lead. "We are supposed to head back home…though I guess that if you are right, then we can find them quickly and not have to waste more effort and time…" He slipped away from the room to head back to the deck and returned minutes later. "I hope you are right. I just had them change course for Jayou, though that place is hardly one I love." He knew of quite a few organized families that lurked beneath its shadow and hopefully they wouldn't get too tangled up into those affairs. Jayce wasn't one to go against orders nor did he go on a whim over a sure thing. But Evani was serious about this, he could pick that up easily from her tone alone. 

Author: Evani, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 7:01 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

“I’ve heard that some of them like to be more in touch with their mortal roots than others. I’ve never met any that I know of… They are good at hiding that sort of thing.” Evani shrugged.

She moved easily enough on land and it was no different air or sea for a ship. She had always found her way into the hands of captains. After she demonstrated her ability she simply added after Jayce finished, “I studied under Nisshoki monks in a monastery for three decades. My master at the time was a monk traveling who often traveled by boat.”

The djinn moved easily up onto the ship. “The Fenrir… huh?” She tilted her head. She appreciated the tour and she knew much about airships already so there was a plus to her being around. “This is a high standard for an airship. At least it’s not falling apart. My second master had a rusted bucket of an airship that broke every two days and I got well acquainted with a wrench and elbow grease.”

Once they reached his room she moved away from his side to look around. “Tis not so bad. This is cleaner than the mess hall on that one ship I had to live on for three days after my monk master died. Plus it is cleaner than Jala’s library.” She smirked a bit and got a look on her face.

“Master?” There was a tone shift to her. “May I suggest we depart for Jayou? That is where my sister is and if we are to find this Vincent… We will need her help. Jala is highly skilled. I spoke of the gardens and Jala was born from the second garden. Her abilities are better than even my own. If she has the blood of someone related to Vincent she could track them easily.”

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 6:40 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Jayce looked at her with a slightly odd look. He didn't think that she would mention the gods; but then again, Abed was just about the only place in this side of the world that would acknowledge them completely. "Odd, I would think that they would love their own temples and realms and such. Then again, you're right. It's no different than your own…" He ended up slurping up a good deal of curry why thinking over the situation with his brother. They had a fairly good relationship up until they grew older and went into the Academy. There, they had a bit of a rivalry as they climbed up the rank ladder. While he would prefer not to have to arrest Vincent, his own stupidity had caused all this.   

"I suppose I will hear him out while I have him under the deck once I capture him and Furtuna. It might be better to have them separate so that I can see whether it's some sort of spell or manipulation she has him under. If it isn't and he genuine believes her, then something really did stir him." It would be simpler to believe that he hadn't gone completely willingly and maybe he would be able to save his brother from some harsher punishment. "As it states, he's a traitor to Egjorain Navy; the sentence for that alone is clear. Death." Jayce kept his cool and continued eating until she suggested they head out. Gods, he had forgotten how long it had been since they were out on the streets. It wouldn't be long before they were to set sail- the crew was already loading up on supplies and gear, he'd imagine as he slurped up the remains of his meal and got up to his feet. "Simple. I will tell them that you are an all-powerful djinn and are bound to me by contract. People know me for my straight-forwardness and my men will know that I'm not bullshiting me." There would probably be a few that would question it, but he'd leave up to Evani to inform them otherwise. The pair went off towards the docks where his ship awaited them. Some of the crew were preparing as he'd imagine, while the others were reluctantly coming at a snail's pace, not that anyone could blame them. They would be out in the air for a couple of months before they'd arrive at Egjora and would be without land or company until then.

When they all arrived, Jayce gave them an introduction to Evani. "Alright, this lady right here is my djinn that I found today. Her services will be a great aid to our ship and crew, so treat her with the proper respect and courtesy, Hear me?" Most got the message and answered with "Yes Capt'n" and the sort, but one of them was too lust struck with not listening to his superior and got punished for it. Jayce shook his head and marched over to the fallen one, "Though I should sentence you to nightguard duty until we hit land, I think what she did was good enough." He then beckoned a couple of men over, "Get him to the infirmary." They took the poor sap aboard the ship and Jayce turned to Evani, "Welcome aboard The Fenrir. This beauty is my most prized possession and one of the finest ships in our city." He couldn't help but show some proudness as his hand came onto the hull. "Come on, I'll show you around once the ship takes off."

About another hour later, the preparations were complete and The Fenrir took to the skies. With everyone at their stations, Jayce took Evani below the deck and showed her around, with the climax of the tour reaching a golden and crimson door. He unlocked it with a key that was looped around his neck and let her in first. "This is my personal quarters and office. Or more so my sanctuary, you might call it when I had enough of what's going on upstairs." He moved over to the desk that was litter with papers and books of all sorts. "I do tend though to be slightly messy without realizing it when I get focused onto something. Hope you do not mind it."   

Author: Evani, Posted: Thu May 7, 2020 5:49 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

“Aye, even the gods like the real thing outside their realms,” Evani smiled up at him. “Jala is… she would be my elder sister time-wise. She was created thirty-six days before me.”

Evani wasn’t surprised by his answer and she nodded. “What you will do from here on out won’t just affect your life anymore but mine too. Anything I do also affects yours. We have entered a pact Jayce… It’s important to remember this when making decisions. If your mind is damaged it can also damage me as well.”

There were several thoughts that crossed her mind. “I belonged to an Adelunian captain in their naval unit many decades ago. I know more about both sides than most. It could be he heard a tale or two and made a decision that best suited him. You won’t know until you ask him Jayce.”

She nodded firmly. “Good.” Her mother scared her a bit and she sighed after the woman left. “I do hope so Jayce… We came into this world unnaturally yet we are subjected to all of this just like you natural born are.”

Evani finished her curry up and got their dishes to give back to the vendor. “We should go. The chimes are about to start in the city and I do believe you have a crew and a ship you need to meet up with.” Her purple eyes watched him and she smiled. “How will you explain all of this to them without them thinking you’ve gone mad?” She chuckled as she plucked a flower from a vendor and tossed a coin she had on her. “I suppose we will just have to find out… huh?”

Once they made it back to his ship they waited for his crew to all arrive. It took several hours for them all to trickle in from their adventures but she was fine waiting. The flower which was as purple as her eyes was now tucked in her braided hair. The men asked about her but Jayce had held off on answering until they were ready.

Once she was introduced she jumped down off where she was and waved. “They call me Evani of the Tenth Garden. Evani for short. The Tenth Garden refers to the power reservoir my mother used when she made me. The closer to number one you are the more powerful you are.”

“Well, you are really pretty… I wouldn’t mind if you~” The man had been told to be careful with Evani as he put his hand on her shoulder. She was giving him that innocent look. “I don’t know Captain… She looks innocent.”

It wasn’t too long after that she kicked him into the wall and threw her hair over her shoulder. “There are fifty-two gardens that mother cultivates her power in.” She was a very strong djinn.

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 12:07 AM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Jayce slowly nodded, "Very well. You aren't a slave, not as long as you are bonded to me." He damn sure had no intention of harming or corrupting her, what the devil the latter meant. She wouldn't have to worry about anything going down from his end and deep down he knew that she wouldn't do it to him either. Now, that sharp tongue and sassy mouth of hers was quite a different story. "Well, tit for tat really. I simply give you what you give me back."

They returned to the outside world; for Jayce, it hadn't been very long while Evani hadn't seen it for at least years. "Suppose even with that great magic, it still pales to the real thing." As fancy as that bottle was, he couldn't fathom choosing that over living in the realm as they were. "Jala…a friend of yours?" 

He was taken back a little as Evani seemed to have gotten excited when she told him what she wanted to eat. He accepted with a nod and lead the way from the beach and back into the city. It was odd to walk through the crowded streets again after the experience he went through. While they searched about for a place that served the desired curry, Jayce ended up looking back to Evani as she pried further into the issue that held onto his mind as of late. "Is this what is to be expected? You gonna pry and put your input into such matters of mine?" 

Jayce shook his head hastily, "Never gave it thought. Furtuna lurking weak men into her web ain't anything new. She's had plenty of practice in doing so. I told him not to do chase after her, yet she was able to sink her teeth into him. He was a firm believer in right and wrong, preferring the former. Yet you think that fate made it so that he became hers?"

He rose an eyebrow as his olive eyes latched onto their hands which were now interlaced. He didn't fight her though as she continued on. "A guidepost? You seem to love that term. I don't know whether she's using him or not. What I do know is that someone's going to go after them. If not me, then it will be others and they won't hesitate to do whatever necessary to capture them…dead or alive." He wouldn't admit that he was conflicted right now, not that he had to. She seemed to know with this damn connection of theirs. But since she could read into him through that, would it be possible for him to do the same with her?

"I'll take it into consideration though, Ms. Guidepost", he offered just as they reached the curry stand and after paying for their meal, he took his own bowl. It was odd for him to eat on the streets like the commoners that ran about here but he didn't complain about it as he feasted on the spicy but delicious meal. Things went smoothly for a bit until Evani caught his attention and then it turned to someone that she obviously knew about. He continued to eat while watching this mysterious figure and once more, Jala was mentioned. Once the woman took her to leave, he had finished up his bowl and settled it down. 

"I see why you contemplated such things earlier. But as I said before, you aren't a slave. And I certainly don't see you as property either. You and your lot are just as real as me and my kin as far as I'm concerned. Fate, if it does exist, is fickle and no one gets to decide it then. Maybe you were right about Vincent and Furtuna and us as well- that we are just pawns to its course. Your sister's probably doing alright and found someone that will take good care of her. " 

Author: Evani, Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 7:56 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Evani held a blank look on her face for a moment before she showed any sign of emotion. “I should be clear in this – As long as it is reasonable and you wish it of me I have to do it. I’m merely asking for my chains to be loose. We are birthed into servitude with the utmost love and gifted to individuals who will value us but those who we get passed down to aren’t always as normal. Some of my sisters have died, some of them cursed, and some of them have been corrupted so far they have to be destroyed and returned to the magic that we are born from.”

There was a snort from her when he corrected her to moondust. “You do have jokes.”

The focus on Vincent made her shrug. She would voice her thoughts on the matter later but for now, the sunlight did sound good. “Aye, I’m coming up on my three thousandth birthday on the first harvest moon this year.” It seemed like her information startled him and she thought that it might have been a good thing. Evani crossed over into the sands and felt the crisp ocean breeze against her. “This air is less stale… I wish I could replicate it.” She mused a bit. “But that would be Jala’s forte.”

She put a finger to her chin and thought about it. “Curry. Lots of curry. I love curry.” That was the first time she had shown actual real emotion. Food was one of her favorite past times.

As they walked to the markets for the fresh curry Evani decided now was the time to lay into Jayce. “Did you ever stop to wonder that the strings of fate took him for a reason? That is is meant to be with that trouble maker.” Her eyes wandered up to his as her hand took his. “Just like you found me. There is a reason for everything. Maybe he is her guidepost. Right and wrong are shades of gray. I’ve been in service to pirates and to heroes. I’ve seen many sides. It is alright to be conflicted about it because the more you lie about it… The more you will have regrets later after you commit the act. It’s my job to make sure you don’t doubt yourself.”

Her hand left his as she found a curry stand she deemed good enough. Getting some she waited for Jayce to pay before handing him a bowl. “Here.”

They ate in the streets and near the end of her meal that she silently enjoyed she paused. There was a slight look of concern. “Maata” her eyes got big as she bowed to a hooded figure. A young hand reached out though she remained cloaked and swiftly took Evani’s long hair out of its bun so it fell down her back.

“Jaladhija has been restored and so have you. Thank the fallen that you both are alright. I would trust that your new wisher takes good care of you.” The voice was whimsical.

“Where is Jala?” Evani’s eyes narrowed. “I thought she had been cursed.”

“The curse appears to have been lifted and as to where your sister is… Who knows. Not here in Abed. Not anymore.” Evani appeared sad as the woman spoke and just as she had come… The woman left.

“She showed up… Just to let me know Jala is fine.” She looked at Jayce. “Jala was made before me. Each of us are crafted from a wish… For Jala it was love. She was passed down his family with extreme love until two thousand years ago when one of the ancestors of the first beat her and mishandled her. He thought she was cheating on him with his son even though Jala did not feel for him or his son like that. His son was like her son and she had raised him. He did terrible things to her and I had begged my master to end him but~ he told me that it wasn’t his place to get involved. So many of my sisters meet fates like that. But Jala… Jala was always so happy. Troublesome but happy. Her bottle disappeared and I felt the son’s life force disappear too. She’s been gone, asleep, for the last two thousand years… I do hope whoever found her… takes care of her. We are objects in the end. A means to an end. We do not decide our fate.”

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 7:30 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

"Well, ain't that funny. Your latest one is a Captain of Egjora, so you don't have to worry about me getting mixed up with illegal and dangerous things."

He wasn't too thrilled with getting his palm sliced open but he understood the meaning behind it. He looked down at his hand as he took Evani's words. For better or worse, they were going to have to walk jointly on this road, Perhaps this could suit him just finely. "I suppose so. Whatever this arrangement is between us, I hadn't planned for it nor do I derive any pleasure from barking orders at you. As long as you don't betray me or feed me to your pet there, I'll honor my side of things."

He supposed that in the grand scheme of things, even beings like her had to have come from somewhere. In this case, she referred to her creator as "mother", who sounded like she had plenty of power herself at her fingertips. "Sure you don't mean moondust?", he spoke dryly before waving it off. What really stroke his attention was when she spoke more of his brother and his location. "The hell he's doing in Canelux of all places…" He ceased walking about; Jayce couldn't fathom why he would be sailing for the land where he was wanted. If anything, he would fare no better than a rabbit going for the carrot underneath a clearly set up trap. He had at least hoped that his young brother would have better sense, but considering the situation Vincent was in, that hope should have been dashed. 

"Never said it would be easy. He's a traitor to our home and tarnished our family name. He should have never gone after that woman in the first place" Jayce fell silent for a short while before turning back to her, "I have little choice in the matter. If I don't go retrieve him and his insane leader, then the council will move forward and see heaven and hell torn apart to snuff them out." Could he though? Could he go through with imprisoning them and sending them to the gallows? He couldn't care about Furtuna too much, but his own flesh and blood? Even if the name was restored, his family would likely shun him and deem him kinslayer. Perhaps it was a sacrifice he was willing to make for them. The title and prestige he was promised could be pissed away as far as he was concerned.

"Probably so. Right now, before I was sucked in, it was nearing the afternoon hours." Gods, he felt as though he could use a drink at the moment. Thankfully Evani made a portal and he sighed out of relief. "Thousand years?", he stumbled out. She certainly didn't look her age then and he swiftly recovered himself, "Fine then. We can go walking in the streets. Can't say for sure how long it's been since your last walk in Revaliir." He started to follow her towards the portal and then froze a bit after she did. He looked at her when she spoke a name, and when she made it apparent to who it belonged to, Jayce tensed up. It was better for him not to know who the child was since he would have to deal with her parents. It was better not to have a face painted for him so that he could pretend that he wouldn't know the pain he would inflict on it. "Almost forgot that he had a kid", he spoke with a sharp exhale that trailed behind. "Well, it will be a while before they reach their destination. Let's go." Jayce took the lead this time and slipped through the portal, finding himself met with the sandy beach and warm sun once more. It didn't seem like time really passed by all that much and sure enough, Evani was there, eliminating any lingering thoughts that this was all a dream. 

"Well then, what you want to eat?"

Author: Evani, Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 5:56 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

“Very illegal. My last master was a pirate lord, the youngest of his kind on the seas of Revaliir. I was his guidepost.”

Once she had cut him and he had raised a fuss she turned her purple eyes up to him. “We are one after all. Mingling one’s blood is a common way to seal a contract and become one… Though it is much more symbolic.” Her voice was steady and rather stoic as she pondered. “My first master did it before we boarded his ship. He said that I was not to be referred to as owned or a slave. That the bonding of our blood symbolized our partnership. I would hope that you would have the same ideology as him.”

There was a curious look from her as she pondered on it. “I suppose those bound to items by people who don’t care would give them small room and board… but our mother cared. We were dreams and wishes that became a reality thanks to her magic. She wanted to give us the freedom to dream as real people instead of objects. Even if we are nothing more than stardust.”

She shrugged a bit and sighed a bit as he cocked an attitude with her. “We’re one and I am your guidepost. I can vaguely feel your innermost wants. Your brother comes to the forefront.” She explained while moving her hands. Selkie was curled up nearby now as she took an extended nap. It appeared the basilisk had been kept up thanks to being her seat.

“He’s on route in the skies. Going across the skies to the vast Canelux mainland. I can’t tell for sure since he’s not on the earth but I know he’s headed in that direction. The north of Canelux is my guess from the taste of the air around them.” She held her hands behind her back as she looked up at Jayce now.

“You are highly conflicted about it. You want to do what you’ve been told to but he is also your brother. Fame and glory await you should you do it but at what cost?” Evani’s eyes settled for his. “This will not be as easy as many may think, a difficult journey lies ahead.” Finally, she tore her eyes away and looked up at the sky. “I haven’t seen real sunlight in decades… I wonder how long I was sitting on that merchant’s shelf.”

Evani shrugged a bit and opened a portal nearby. “We can leave this place and venture Abed. It’s been some time since I have seen my motherland. I haven’t been there in a thousand years. I could use some real food… That does sound nice.”

Evani began to head for the portal before she stopped. “Fiona.” Her eyes met his once more. “Your niece’s name is Fiona. It’s screaming from your brother’s mind so loudly it’s why I can’t focus on him clearly. His next biggest worry is that Furtuna takes her medication. It seems she is out and they need to get more."

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 5:40 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

Jayce was still coming to terms with this whole situation; rationally, he couldn't believe any of this being real. The concept of him being transported into another place, much less the bottle he had just bought and was in some sort of wacky land with a djinn greeting him with her pet that looked like it was hungry. "Not familiar with the drug personally other than its highly illegal." Gods, he hoped that he wasn't hallucinating and was found by someone watching him behave like a fool, talking to himself, and whatnot. It would have been even worse had it been one of his crewmen that witnessed it.  He held onto his forehead and pondered what he could do when he felt her touch against his nose. It clicked merely moments later that Evani's words were true- this was all real. He merely stared at her, confusion still high on his mind even as she helped him up to his feet. His olive eyes went to the scroll and now boasted his name- this contract of sorts he assumed. 

Though he didn't get too much time to think about it as the pain registered soon into his mind and found that she had cut him. "The hell?" He was starting to find her a little crude in her manners and actions, not that it seemed to be a bother to her. Their hands joined and the contract was set ablaze. 

Fortunately, the pain lasted for a little while before his newly acquired djinn healed the wound and he paced around her. Jayce wasn't completely alright with this, but everything was settled now. It was too late to go back unless one of them died. "Quaint. I've heard some tells here and there, and I didn't think you lot got spacious quarters when it came to be being bottled up", he spoke as he glanced at her home. To be fair, he didn't think the wishing sort were anything but tall tales, but lo and behold one stood before him. Perhaps he would test out whether she could grant such things or if it was a ruse. 

The one thing that stopped his train of thought was her bold statement which made him shoot her a look. "As tempting as that sounds, this isn't a joking matter." He was going to tell her off and demand him to be returned back to the world outside when she stopped him again. Though this time it held his interest quite a bit. "And just how would you know who I might be looking for?" Jayce chewed at his lip, questioning whether he could really trust her or not. He couldn't see a reason why she would lie, seeing how they were bonded now and getting on a rocky foot like that was surely no way for them to co-exist. 

"If you know where he is, then enlighten me, Evani. It quite dire that I know of his location." Still, he hadn't made up what he would actually do if he knew where Vincent resided. Catching that so-called "Pirate Queen" was an easy answer, but for him? He knew that he would have to hunt him down and bring him back home, though he didn't take pleasure in the punishments that were sure to follow.

Author: Evani, Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:49 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

She tilted her head and slid off the basilisk after a bit. She wore traditional genie wear in blue and silver. Her ears had three silver hoops and her nose had a tiny hoop in it as well. Evani was standing at around five feet and five inches tall and her body was curvy like most of her sisters. She had appeal to her but nothing was more alluring than the eeriness of her purple eyes. “Pixie Dust is gross and you end up doing stupid shit on it like demanding to raid an Adelunian naval ship and getting your ass hung from the masts. That’s how my last master died. He inhaled pixie dust with some asshole named Dante.”

Evani put her finger to his nose and slightly pushed on it. “That’s what I said. For better or for worse.” A giant scroll appeared behind her as an equally giant quill wrote out his name across the bottom. She took his hand and pulled him up off the ground. “I’m not a drug-induced delusion,” She took a dagger and dragged it across her palm before she did his. Putting their hands together she watched as the contract caught blue flames. “The contract has been finished.”

Healing magic left her hand as she patched them both up. “This is the inside of my bottle. Every djinn that is tied to an object has a home inside of it.” She pointed to the Abedian country home. “That is my abode. These are my farmlands and my forest. This is Selkie, she is an albino basilisk from the snow lands. She is my companion and she was given to me by a past master. She will not harm you unless I tell her to but I am loyal to you now.”

She tilted her head and looked up at him. “Should I seduce you and rid you of your clothes to prove to you this is real? Would sleeping with a djinn be a good way to prove it? Or perhaps?” She stepped in close. “I should tell you where what you seek most is… A brother is on your mind.”

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:31 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

What he had expected was to find out that the bottle was full of nothing but hot air. That he had been mistaken or misled and that would be the end of that. What he wasn't expecting was hear words from out the blue. At first, he assumed that there were others close by, speaking Abedian or some other foreign language. But when he peeked around, there wasn't anyone else. In fact, the sourced seemed very close to him and until the green mist appeared, he hadn't realized that it was from the bottle itself until the last moment. He wasn't able to speak what was on his mind as he was pulled inside and found himself in a rough landing onto the ground.

"What the hell…", he snarled a bit as he sat up. He wasn't in too much of a rough state and opened his eyes in time to see a giant snake looked down at him. "WHAT THE HELL!?" He looked bewildered at both it and the person that was on top of its head. The woman spoke to him while he kept his eyes on her companion. None of this made any sense to him as he stumbled to think of the right words to say in this particular matter. "Gods, was that Pixie Dust I inhaled?" He looked around for the bottle, swearing up and down that perhaps he had partaken in that damn drug back in the hookah club and that all of this was but a hallucination brought about by that.

"Wait…so you're a djinn and I'm your master?" It took him some time to find the words, but once he had, they came out hastily. "Okay then, maybe this is real…", he muttered to himself. "Jayce Gloreaver. Wasn't aware that djinn kept pets in their containers." He wasn't sure if the part about death included if he was eaten by the basilisk or not. He hoped that wasn't the case as he stood up. "How do I know that this isn't still some trickery caused by the old man that sold me that bottle, or if I'm being afflicted by drugs or something?" He didn't know what to think at the moment- hell, he wasn't planning on the day leading him to ownership of a djinn of wishes.

"Just where am I, Evani?"

Author: Evani, Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:11 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

She was born from a wish for treasure. A cove filled to the brim with exotic silks and gold. A pirate’s wish.

Like many of her sisters before her, she served her first master well and she was beloved. Unlike her sisters though she was sealed and placed in treasure chests along the way. Her owners were passed off with time as old age took them. Their last will was to give her to the next who would be worthy and she would be their guidepost. She was Evani of the Earth.

She spent the decades sealed up in her bottled doing spring cleaning. Her pet basilisk's name was Selkie, an odd name for a huge albino basilisk. He had been a gift from one of her previous owners and he would live as long as she willed it. Laying in his coil she was reading a book on that faithful day. Her gentle elven like ears gently twitched as her purple eyes looked up at the skies of her abode. “Do you feel that Selkie?” Snapping the book shut the Abedian woman stood up and watched the skies as they shimmered. “Someone’s opened the bottle finally.” It had been thirty-odd years since her bottle fell into someone else’s hands and dared to open it.

By all accounts, it wasn’t a fancy bottle nor was it exactly threatening. There was nothing magical about a bottle of Moondust. It had been just an empty container that her mother had grabbed when Evani was born. Still, though, Evani loved her bottle and it felt at home to her. On the inside of the bottle was a quiet country Abedian home with lots of farmland and woods.

Her bottle smelled like gardenia, lily of the valley, and hyacinth together. It was laced together with an earthy scent which fit her elements. There were whispers that came from the bottle after a bit. Wild words that spread until a deep green dust poured out and grabbed Jayce dragging him into the realm of the bottle.

The green dust dropped him three feet from the ground and Evani was sitting on top of the ten-foot-tall basilisk looking at him. “Soul who has opened my bottle, state your name. Many before you have accidentally opened my confines and have been rewarded… Unfortunately, once the contract has begun there is no way to back out of it. You are bound to me and I am bound to you until the death of one of us.” Her deep purple eyes stared at him as she brushed her white hair back. “I am Evani, a djinn of wishes and for all intents and purposes you have found and taken ownership of my bottle.”

Author: Jayce Gloreaver, Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:49 PM, Post Subject: Bottled up (p,r)

“Fucking idiot.”

The words slipped out his mouth in but a whisper as Jayce took a puff from the hookah. He then passed the pipe over to the brunette that he had purchased services with, not that he partook into that side of the business unlike the rest of his crew. While they were all scattered about in the hookah club and some were in more private arrangements, Jayce merely wanted the young woman there to keep him company. “Something wrong?”, she asked before she took a puff. Exhaling the smoke, he shook his head, “Nothing to worry yourself with. Just some family business I have to deal with.” Lo and below, he was crossed with his little brother over his actions as of late- first having chased after that crazy air pirate, especially after he was among those that warned Vincent not too do it. Furtuna was far different than most criminals and the fact that she’s been running amok for so long spoke volumes of it. Anything short of a full sky armada was doomed to fail. Even though he was ambitious and wanted the promotion to admiral, he wasn’t going to be stupid enough to waste his time chasing her. But now not only did his brother fail his mission, but he also had right out abandoned his post and now joined with that woman and her crew. He didn’t believe it up until she had the gall of sending them a lovely little letter stating how she had him and that they procreated.

Great, now his niece was a bastard and a pirate. Ever since that embarrassing news, the Gloreaver name had been tarnished and the council felt it poetic justice to send Jayce out and capture them both. In return, the family would be restored and he would get that promotion. “Just a little dispute between brothers”, he sighed, taking a swig of the whiskey. “Figured I’d treat my crew to some relaxation for a bit before we head back home and get back to business.”

“Now noble of you”, the girl smiled. “Are you sure that you won’t be needing me for anything else?”

“No, I am certain. You are a beauty, but my mind’s too wrapped up to give you the attention you deserve.” He fetched out a small pouch and handed it to her. “Keep it. A little bit extra for accompanying me for hours now.” He took her hand and kissed before downing the glass and bid her farewell. He would leave his men to their own devices while he went outside and cleared his head. He didn’t want to hunt down Vincent, but the fool bought it down on himself for aligning with Furtuna. He could only pray by some strange miracle that when he found them, he would learn that she had tricked him somehow into staying with her. The bedding part alone made him wonder as his brother wasn’t the first victim she had. No, there were colorful tales of other captains and the like that attempted to hunt her down only to be caught in some alluring trap. He still could recall the one where one captain was driven madly in lust with her up to the day he was hung. Poor bastard had a wife and child prior too.

He aimlessly wandered about until he found himself upon a shop. Seeing as to why not, he went through and saw that it was one of the trinket shops. “Good day sir, may I interest you in some ivory tusks? Golden daggers? He waved it off and continued to walk about. There was no desire to really purchase anything, and after a few minutes of looking at the random items about, Jayce was about ready to leave when he noticed a small bottle with the label saying “Moondust”. A slight chuckle slipped out as he took it and rotated it about. “What’s with this ‘moondust?’”, he inquired at the shopkeep. “Oh, that old thing? It’s supposed to have healing properties.”

He looked back at the bottle and shrugged. “Well, never hurts to have a bit around, especially if it works. How much?”

“Hmm, twenty-five pieces. It’s never been open, either.”

Jayce paid it and took his leave. It was cheap and perhaps it wouldn’t work after all, but he supposed that he was entertained by the idea, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. The shopkeep did say it had never been open, so how the hell did he even know what it did? Before he knew it, he was nearing the docks before he turned towards the beach nearby. He was curious enough that he stopped as he reached the warm sands and popped the cork off the bottle and took a deep sniff of it. It smelled unlike anything he had ever known before- it held a strong yet sweet flavor to it. Perhaps the old man wasn’t full of it- he knew of different herbs and other plants that healers would use so surely this could have been made from them or at least a component. Jayce fell back and relaxed as his mind wandered about the coming storm that awaited him in Egjora.