helmsman.

[luciien]

zehra-ozdemir​:

“Don’t you always look heroic?” Zehra smirked, toying with the idea of painting in Vincent’s face instead of Lucien’s. Alas, she had spent too much time on the painting to ruin it just to spite the surly Frenchman. “We’ll hang the portrait in the lower deck to boost the morale of the crew.” With that, she returned to work.

He grinned, not expectant. “Hm, well, you bring up a good point,” he conceded, although knew better than to think it genuine. Lucien crossed his arms for a moment out of habit, although quickly remembered himself after a moment. “I like that. Then they will know I am always watching, even when I am at the helm.” 

[luciien]

athena-thadd​:

Athena just stood there blinking, looking like a baby doe caught alone in the woods. “You… make a good point,” she admitted then sighed. “I know it’s an odd way to put it but in my dreams either I have the stone already or I’m just about to take it. The ones where I’m about to take it are terrible. I’m not alone and this– this thing keeps shifting into different members of the crew. In their voices, it urges me to take the jewel but every time I turn to look at it I see destruction.” She shook her head. “But when I already have the jewel things are fine… we’re at sea, we’re happy, things feel normal. I don’t know what it means. I haven’t told him,” she admitted. “I don’t know what I would say to him.” She focused on the space next to Lucien as if someone were standing beside him. “Jax, I believe I can control one of the jewels. Why? Well in my dreams I can and… well I really want to so…” She knocked the palm of her hand against her forehead in frustration. 

“But...they feel like more than dreams?” he questioned quietly, reading between the lines. “Destruction,” Lucien muttered, shaking his head. While he had heard plenty of stories- they were just that, stories. The idea of the jewel being a real threat to Athena...to the crew worried him. While the logical part of his brain told him that she was merely having dreams, a difficult to place feeling told him it was probably not that simple. “So you think you need to take the stone,” he concluded slowly, uncertain how such a thing would go down. Once again, a part of him screamed that this was all foolish, that it all meant nothing. And yet... “Well, you seem to be somewhat convincing me, yes?” he said with a half-hearted smile, although knew that their captain could not let such a large deal rest on a dream. “You bring up a good point. Although, will he not like the help? Help with the jewels?”

[luciien]

adelinedrxke​:

The initial silence that passed was almost deafening, and Adeline began to wonder if she truly had chosen a poor time to strike up a conversation with Lucien. It was a far cry from their former chat outside of the pub, but there was always something to be said for the influence of alcohol in those sorts of situations. “Of course not. Besides, even if I were tasked with telling you that, you would still have a right to refuse me,” she pointed out with a knowing look. “Unless I were to start threatening you with a menacing looking mop as my weapon—maybe that would do the trick?” Brief amusement faded into concern as she looked over his features. “Care to elaborate? Or does me asking that rope me into the group with poor timing?”

He shrugged, but nodded in agreement. Although, truthfully, another part of Lucien knew that he rarely turned down people requesting his help, it wasn’t in his nature...even if he was prone to mumble and complain along the way. When Adeline brought up a mop, his brows furrowed in confusion just before realization dawned upon him, eyes narrowing slightly as the barest of smiles flickered across his face. “The mop may be more effective,” he replied quietly, a bit caught off guard (and embarrassed) by the reference of that particularly hazy night. A sight fell through his lips. “I am just agacé. My drink is cold now, and...” he trailed off, waving the complaining aside, realizing how petty it sounded. “-it is nothing.”

[luciien]

doctor-durant​:

“Now you’re just making excuses. Are you honestly admitting that your greatest fault may, in fact, be your lack of creativity?” Thaddeus teased with a cocky smirk. “Picture it, it’s the dead of night, you know the ship better than any intruder, and perhaps its the night of a new moon so you’ve got the darkness to your advantage—voila! A perfect scenario for you to best my hiding efforts, if you ask me. Maybe I shouldn’t be helping you too much, though.” Bringing a hand to their chest, they ducked their head in a dramatic display of mock grief. “Many a night’s sleep has been lost to the likes of horror-filled herbal studies, I can admit.” Breaking from their theatrics, they opened the door to the kitchen and held it open for Lucien. “By all means. Nobody can say you don’t deserve a spot of something after all that steering,” they joked.

He waved his hand, as if swatting their words away. “I did not say that,” Lucien replied, putting his nose into the air slightly. “I am merely pointing out that the playing field is...uneven,” he finished lamely, unsure why he was considering this hypothetical so seriously. Yet, nonetheless, he thought about the other’s words for several moments. “Hmp. You may have a point,” he allowed. “I suppose there are possibilities. What is the saying? Hiding in plain sight.” A laugh fell through his lips, despite himself. “Herbal studies. Sounds horribly boring,” he mumbled, although lacking malice. “I wish I could have a spot of something a bit more, but I will stick to a snack, I believe.” 

[luciien]

cyrus-hartwin​:

He sighed, slowly, and forced the remaining anxiety and echoes of old pain to drain out him. He tilted his head back to look up at the skies and the endless stars. They punctured the night and offered comfort. “It’s kind of you to do what anchors cannot,” he said honestly, though his gaze remained fixed to the sky. He could tell, vaguely, where they were from the sight. “I actually enjoy sleeping a great deal. But sometimes it isn’t worth the effort.” He finally looked back to Lucien with a tired smile. “You don’t sleep much. What do you do with all your extra time?”

Lucien was a bit taken aback by the other’s words, not one to handle such compliments easily. He appreciated it, nonetheless. “Yes, well, somebody has to,” he replied quietly, although his speech lacked the usual bite that was often there. Darkly, he chuckled before sighing. “Sleeping is a chore. I only wish we did not need it.” Yet, he could most definitely resonate with it being too much effort at times. Caught by surprise once more, he raised a brow, kicking at the ground absently. “I enjoy reading, at times,” he said slowly, not mentioning that a lot of his idly time was often spent wandering the ship for someway to help. “And I like to pick up new knots...although I believe I am running out of those.”

[luciien]

jax-harper​:

“Of course, if she attacks, you’re more than welcome to defend yourselves. I’m tired of people threatening our lives - well, threatening our lives more than the usual amount.” If they stayed on the path to the Jewels, Jax knew more threats would come, but if they could cut down on them, that’d be better. He ran a hand through his curls, wishing they were shorter as fingers caught on the ends. “Good. I’ll let Thadd know you’ll be joining them. Magni asked if he could follow you two to make sure you don’t get into any trouble, or if you do, that you have back up. Are you okay with that?” Jax was more relieved than he cared to admit that Lucien had agreed. After their last mission had started with half the crew being kidnapped within the first few days on the island, he hadn’t been sure Lucien would be agreeable. 

He smiled slightly, more to himself than anything. Lucien didn’t expect Jax to expect them to stand by idly if somebody threatened them. While he considered himself to be slower to draw a weapon than many other aboard the boat, that did not mean he could not handle himself. “I too am sick of that. Gets a bit old after the hundredth time, yes?” He lifted a brow, an amused expression dancing across his face. “Magni trailing us? I have no problem with that. A bit like a game of hide and seek, I suppose.” A pause. “Although I suppose I ideally won’t spot him.” While he did not anticipate danger from what he had heard, the pessimistic side of his brain wanted them to be prepared for anything, and Magni’s presence could only help matters.

[luciien]

zehra-ozdemir​:

Zehra almost smiled. “If you’re looking for praise or a pat on the back, you won’t find it here,” she said. Her amusement turned to irritation as the helmsman wandered into her personal space, peering at her painting. She didn’t like to be judged, especially on an unfinished work. She gestured to shoo him away. “Away with you. No previews until you participate.”

A laugh fell through his lips. “No, I do not think you would be a person I would go to for this,” Lucien replied, noting her irritation several moments later. He put his hands up in mock surrender, only getting a quick glimpse of the artwork in front of her. Back at the helm, he looked over his shoulder. “Make sure I look very heroic.”

[luciien]

cleptaar​:

As they stood there in the dimly lit passageway, Magni felt the seconds drag on while he waited for Lucien to answer him. The wait might only have been a moment, but for him, it felt like ages, in that time, he had already run the worst-case scenarios through his mind, over and over again, causing his heart to beat faster against his chest. He felt light-headed but refused to blame it on his nerves. Instead, he blamed it on the suffocating feeling in the passageway. 

Talking to him was a terrible mistake. He should have avoided Lucien like the plague until the argument would be out of their minds, but now it was too late, and they would have to talk about it. His fingers tapped against the blade of his axe. A habit he usually did whenever he was waiting for a fight. Of course, they weren’t going to fight, but having to talk and share his feeling with someone was more nerve wracking for Magni than fighting ever was.  

When Lucien agreed to talk to him and led him outside, Magni felt like he could finally breathe again. During their walk, he kept his eyes glued on the floorboard. He kept going over everything he should say to him, but before he was able to utter out a single word, Lucien was already speaking. His gaze shot up at the other man, shaking his head. “ No, Lucien, you don’t have to explain yourself. “ He hesitated for a split of a second, swallowing down drily before continuing. “ I’m the one who should be apologising. I’m not used to yelling at any of you, especially not you. I’m not sure what came over me, but you have every right to be angry. “ 

He shifted awkwardly, wanting to look anywhere besides at Magni. His fight or flight impulse was telling him to leave, to not linger in a situation that frankly made him feel uncomfortable. Yet, that idea was even more unappealing. He wanted to at least attempt fix this, even if it meant sweeping it under the table, if that is what ended up happening. Upon seeing his friend shake his head, for the briefest of moments he feared for the worst, despite knowing how irrational the thought was.

Yet, Magni’s next words left him with furrowed brows and a sense of unexpected relief. Of course he knew that his pessimistic attitude (especially when it came to feelings) worked against him at times, but surely, the other man wasn’t trying to absolve him from the role he had played in the conflict? He still felt bitter towards how it went down, a part of him still feelings as if he was in the right, but any such feeling was overshadowed by guilt. “I do think I need to explain myself,” he disagreed, raising his nose. “I was pushing your buttons and I let myself say words...I only partly meant,” The last part was said in jest, the barest of smiles appearing, although his heart was not entirely there.

Now it was his turn to shake his head, pausing for several seconds. “I was angry at you, at first, but then I was angry at myself...for being angry with you,” he admitted after several moments, finally looking in Magni’s direction, eyes still harboring surprise.

[luciien]

athena-thadd​:

At Lucien’s question, Athena looked to the ground and pulled her shoulders in, making herself smaller. She braced herself for the insults and quips that would keep her at bay. Maybe he would say something that would really get her upset and they would argue till she forgot about the gem. Maybe Lucien would take a rope and tie their hands together so she couldn’t run off and take the jewel. She was prepared for everything, except for his approval. Athena looked up at him with wide eyes, her mouth slightly agape. “You… believe me?”

At his questions, she took in a long heavy breath. There was no point in lying. He might as well know the truth. “I’ve always been… intrigued by the gems. And a part of me has always wondered if I could control it. But ever since we’ve left port those feelings have become stronger. I’ve dreamt about it in my sleep and even when I’m awake it slithers through my thoughts. I pour myself into my work but then I think if I had the gem I could navigate the perfect route. Every book I read speaks of power and wealth and I want it. Even when I practice my French I find myself speaking of the jewel.” She shook her head, “it’s like my thoughts are not fully my own but… maybe this is what I’ve wanted all along.”

Lucien faltered slightly as Athena was unable to keep the shock off her face at his confession that he believed her. Well, he’s have to file that thought away for later. “I don’t see why you would lie about this,” he replied simply. It all made so much sense, magic or not, that Athena would be lured by such a thing. From the way she poured herself over maps to the way she took her job so seriously, well, either she truly thought she could control the jewel...or she actually could. 

“It slithers into your dreams?” he once again questioned—echoed. While he felt a bit like a parrot, simply repeating her words, he did not know how to respond to such claims. While the jewels and their power had always intrigued him, he could not relate to the sentiment of feeling control over such mystical objects. They were objects of legend, objects that he had only truly believed in once they had one aboard the ship. His mouth quirked up a fraction of an inch at her mention of the French studies, although was damped by the jewel’s seemingly insidious nature...and by her confession of wanting such power and wealth. While those were not uncommon among pirates (more like the standard), he could deny the rotten taste it left in his mouth in this context.  “Have you spoken to Jax? About this...feeling? I know nothing of such things but you are obviously very distracted, bothered, by it.” 

[luciien]

wolfalarik​:

“Oh come on, Lucien, live a little…lighten up!” Alarik said sprawling out some as he continued to lean against the side of the railing, the smile stretching across his face. It was rare that he was in such good mood but with the ship all put back together for the most part the carpenter was able to find time to breathe and relax. And that meant getting under Lucien’s skin if he could. “I mean if you want to trust they will come get you, themselves and that they aren’t bleeding somewhere waiting for you to come to them, by all means be my guest.”

“I fail to see how me...living a little has anything to do with it,” he replied dryly, tilting his head. Lucien took a sip of his coffee, looking back into the sea for several moments, breathing in the salt that always lingered in the air. His gaze finally wandered back to Alarik, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Hmph. I would like to trust that you would be telling Thaddeus, then, if somebody was bleeding out.”

[luciien]

adelinedrxke​:

Setting sail once more always seemed to ease the crew back into their life of routine, but once cannon maintenance was seen to, the gunners had a bit more freedom in their schedule onboard. Adeline saw fit to check in with the others with that time, making her rounds much in the fashion she’d become acquainted to over the years. Nearing the helm, she could almost feel the irritated manner of Lucien before he actually spoke, not that his blunt question deterred her much. “I can’t pop by for idle conversation anymore? Or is that just not in the cards for this particular morning?” She jokingly asked, placing her hands on her hips as she feigned a look of amused surprise.

Lucien looked like he wanted to make another biting comment, but restrained himself for the moment, taking a sip of his coffee. While he may often appear like he would like nothing more than to be left alone at all times, he more often than not enjoyed company. And, if he was being truthful once more, he liked Adeline’s reoccurring rounds. “As long as I am not being told to leave the helm,” he simply replied with a wave of his hand, which was his way of saying that he was content with her presence. “It is just...some people have the worst timing on this ship,” he mumbled after a moment, deflating. 

[luciien]

cleptaar​:

Magni couldn’t seem to shake the foul mood that kept following him around like a dark cloud ever since the argument with Lucien had happened the day before. A frustrated groan left his lips while he was trying to count their stock. He recounted and miscounted certain items over and over again until he eventually gave up.  He kept going over the scenario in his mind, going over the things he had said and regretted. What had the argument even been about? Crates? Their next destination? Magni couldn’t remember how their argument started, but he could remember the frustration and anger that made every single cell in his body scream. 

If this argument had happened with anyone other than the helmsman, he might not have cared about the things he had said, and not even given the argument a second thought, but he cared about him, and the fact that he might have hurt him caused him to feel on edge.  

Perhaps he should talk to him? Or maybe Lucien wouldn’t be interested in talking to him? After anxiously pacing around the stores for what felt like hours, he finally decided the only thing he could do in this situation was to talk to him. He was positive he knew where to find Lucien, but before he was able to go far, someone crashed into him, causing him to stumble and nearly fall. “ Bloody hell. “ He gasped, but his heart nearly stopped when he noticed who it was. “ Lucien… We should talk. Right? “ He asked him, his voice was low and uncharacteristically uncertain.

Lucien took a step forward as Magni stumbled, although let out the breath he had been holding when the other man was able to right himself. Now that would not have made matters better. He averted his gaze for a moment before nodding. The feeling of discomfort that brewed within him only grew, feeling more intimidated by the prospect of voicing regrets (and any other such lines of conversation that were sure to follow ) than often felt when sailing through a storm. At least in a storm he knew what to do. 

“Yes, that is probably a good idea,” he replied tersely after several moments, gaze finally returning back to Magni. While he did not think the quartermaster was one to hold a grudge against a friend, a part of Lucien feared rejection in any sort of reconciliation...feared voicing his regret over the fight only for it to be thrown back in his face. No, he reminded himself, Magni was not like that. He mentally swatted the idea away, taking in a breath as he absently motioned for him to follow. 

He made his way up several steps so that they were near the banister overlooking the ocean. Better there than in a passageway. Something about the sound of the waves always brought him comfort. Plus, there was the added benefit of the sound being more likely to drown out their conversation from prying ears. He kicked aside a coil of rope that was on the ground, more to distract himself than anything else. Yet, once they were both standing there, his gaze became determined. “I believe I...lost my temper yesterday,” he slowly began, watching intently for Magni’s reaction. 

[luciien]

jax-harper​:

“No pretending. No lies. I’m afraid we don’t have time to waste with that nonsense. We are who we are. But we can’t be too forceful, at least not at first, and out of everyone, I think you and Thadd are firm without being too frightening. You’re fierce pirates, of course, but not quite as menacing as some of us.” Jax thought of Magni - who was fiercely loyal and kind but definitely looked the part of a terrifying pirate. “So what do you say? Are you up for the challenge?”

Lucien nodded. While he could be prideful about many things, how menacing he appeared as a pirate was not one of them. He would much rather let his actions and accomplishments speak for themselves. “Do not scare them off. Seems simple enough—I will use my manners, say please and thank you,” he said with a smile, unable to not deny the pride that coursed through him at being chosen for such a job...although it was also paired with a feeling of intense responsibility. Well, nothing new there. His grin widened slightly, having already accepted the job the moment Jax had asked. “Oh yes, of course. I do like a good challenge.” 

[luciien]

athena-thadd​:

Were her mind not so lost in an argument with herself Athena might have chuckled at Lucien’s sleepy French. At least she would crack a smile. But not now, not tonight. Walking past the rest of the crew she winced when Lucien insisted there be a serpent circling the ship. Perhaps there wasn’t a literal monster but Athena figured the ideas in her head were their own kind of monster. The kind that could get her killed. The kind that could get the whole crew killed. Now in the hallway, she paused for a moment, shutting her eyes so tight her entire face became tense. She was aware of the dangers… so why must she still crave the touch of the jewel?

Hearing Lucien’s footsteps behind her Athena pressed on, walking some ways into the hallway till she was sure no one in the bunks could hear them. She met Lucien’s questioning gaze with a look of guilt. The act hadn’t even been committed and she could still feel the weight of guilt on her shoulders. “Lucien… it’s about the gem.” Instinctively she bit her lip– but pressed on. “I just– I know I can control it, or at least get it started. I don’t know what it is but at night, on this night, I feel it. Calling to me. It’s like hearing waves in the distance and knowing the sea is nearby and that you must board a ship to sail across those crashing waves.” Her hands reached up to her scalp. She pushed and pulled her hair away from her face, grimacing. 

As they slowed to a stop farther down the hall, Lucien rubbed his face, idly wondering what time of day it was. Yet, his eyes widened when Athena brought up the jewel, any remnants of drowsiness falling off of him. Magic had always been a blindspot for the helmsman, something he knew existed, but lacked any real understanding of. “It is...calling to you?” he echoed, brows furrowing in a mixture of confusion and apprehension. While he could not understand the feeling she was experiencing, what he could recognize from years of working with the woman was that it was troubling her greatly. Any sort of biting quips that may have been forming in his mind quickly died as he studied her for several moments before speaking. 

“I do not understand how you believe yourself to possess the ability to control such a thing...but I believe you,” he finally uttered softly, running a hand through his hair in thought, unsure what to say next. “It has only been calling you tonight? Not before?" His brows only furrowed more, feeling odd speaking about an object in the way he would a sentient being. Yet, he knew enough to know that they were quite, well, mysterious from years of hearing Bradway, and later Jax, talk about them. Either way, he didn’t like it. 

[luciien]

cyrus-hartwin​:

Cyrus cast the helmsmen a look over his shoulder that he hoped captured just how absurd he found the other man’s sleeping habits. Even though he didn’t know Lucien well, he’d observed enough to know that his habits were terrible at best and ridiculous at worst. Referring to whatever hellish hour it was currently as “afternoon” made his head hurt. “Good afternoon, then,” he conceded with half a laugh. “Sadly sleeping wasn’t agreeing with me.” His breathing was intentionally steady, each inhale and exhale painfully deliberate. He pushed off the ship railing to turn and face Lucien, schooling his features into a weak smile. “Why are you awake? We have anchors for a reason, we aren’t going anywhere.”

“Oh, hm.” Lucien looked like he was considering asking another question, but closed his mouth once more. He didn’t want to pry, knowing well that he often did not tend to open up to such questions. His eyes followed the other’s form, leaning against the railing and giving a noncommittal shrug. “Anchors do not save us from everything,” he simply replied, glancing out into the darkened sea. He knew his paranoia and odd sleep schedule probably was at least somewhat illogical, but it never had stopped him. “Sleep can be a little overrated, yes?”

[luciien]

jax-harper​:

“No, don’t make them equal! It’s hard enough to move quickly with this damn leg. Injure the other and I might never run again.” Jax was being dramatic. His leg wasn’t quite that bad. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jax leaned against the railing, his eyes watching Lucien’s every move. “No knife throwing involved. Or at least, I don’t think there will be. We’re headed to a coastal city. There will be plenty of people who have never seen pirates before, and won’t know what to make of us. We need to make a good first impression with this woman we’re looking for. I want you and Thaddeus to be the first ones she meets.”

“Ah, but you could still stand there and be intimidating. Probably more important than running, I would say,” he quipped back easily. Yet, as the captain spoke, he couldn’t keep the hint of surprise off his face. It wasn’t difficult for him to tell that this task would be crucial to the jewels, and that a bad first impression could be quite the disaster. “So I am to use my winning personality,” he noted with the barest of grins, although Lucien’s mind was already racing as he considered the mission. A thoughtful expression filled his features, already on board despite not yet verbalizing the affirmation. “Would we be going in as pirates? Or pretending we are something else?” 

[luciien]

wolfalarik​:

“Who said I needed anything?” Alarik said leaning against the edge of the ship, just watching Lucien with almost an amused look on his face. It was like he could tell the other was not only annoyed but needed his coffee fix and well that was more than enough to agitate him more in Alarik’s opinion. “Though I could be tempted to tell you who needs you for a price,” he said smiling all teeth. 

“You leaning right there tells me this,” he replied curtly, lazily rolling his eyes. Lucien could see little reason behind the other man’s presence, especially with the ship newly repaired...and something told him he was not going to enjoy his idea of small talk. At his next words, he simply raised a brow. “I do not believe that is something one usually needs to pay for. They can tell me themselves.”