I’ve been wanting to work on a new maned wolf character for myself recently. With my week off I decided to finally take the time to do that! I had wanted to get a full reference sheet out but for now this will have to do.
“Figured I'd share some design sketches I did for Finn.
As much as I like his original design (Left) I didn't think he quite fit in with the rest of the crew.
He will fit well in another location in the universe, so we will probably see him used as a background character later on.
Oh and after this I was convinced to get rid of the boob tube and make the bandanna design more reproducible.
I learnt a lot from Aarav's over complicated stripe pattern!” - F.Warden
Too quiet, that was my thought for the majority of this year. Faye having moved on and the guild having temporarily dissolved after the whole ‘host’ incident, I have to say I was relatively pleased to have my time to myself again. Few months that was enough. Taking on a few deals, joining up with some old acquaintances it was normal or at least as normal as things get for me these days. It wasn't until a few months ago when an old friend came up to me with a proposition and I realized something might have changed.
“Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft!”
Halvar, Hal for short. Met the guy after first arriving in Lion’s arch, gave me my start, or at least the push to it so to speak. “What d’ya mean?” I remember shooting him a cold look after that to which the Norn responded with a huge bellowing laugh. Who knows how this guy managed to sneak around so long, and after he told me he took up piracy I had to agree sea life suited the guy better.
“Don't play me like that” He would start walking up to me and condescendingly patting my shoulder against the dark wet wall of the tunnel. “Trekking off to the Reach once a month, I know you won't admit to it but ya got friends there I can see it” at the mention of that a pang of annoyance at Faye triggered in my mind. Thinking on it, maybe I didn't miss her so much. “And now!” he would start then stop as if holding back a laugh. “And now you reject my offer for one of the biggest scores you’ve had in over a year.” he shakes his head and moves past me into the light outside. “Whatever Charr” he would toss a wave back which i would nod to grunting slightly. I intend not to follow, still, I can’t say my intentions ever lead me well so I found myself following anyway.
“How big we talkin’…” I start gruffly, staying a few steps behind the Norn who, now that we were out in the light of day and the warm breeze of Lion’s Arch I could smell the scent of salt lingers on his clothes tattered clothes.
He would turn round sharply, a knowing grin over his face. “Big” he would laugh heartily “And I ain’t talking ripping off the trading company big, I'm talking busting into the Queen’s throne room big.” I pondered on those words for a second, attempting to not give the Norn any sign I was considering it. Still I was following him and asking for more so maybe the act was in vain. Due to Hal’s reputation I didn’t doubt the legitimacy of his claims but I made a point to scale all of them down by half before really taking them in.
What can I say, the guy gets me. After walking around Lion’s Arch long enough for the sun to start setting and enough drinks that I could start believed the lofty profits he bragged about I tentatively agreed.
My only real concern about disappearing for three, maybe four months was Faye, the aforementioned twig that has become a persistent thorn in my side. Even though at this point, one I was strangely unwilling to be rid of. I couldn't let her know what I was doing but at least to shut up her nagging voice in my head I should consider telling her I won't be around.
So that’s what I did. Sending a bird from the Lion’s Arch docks with the most vague details I could muster that wouldn't trigger some sort of idle brained panic, we were off.
*****
At this point I should probably mention what we were doing. Turns out Hal was spending his year a lot more wisely than I had on small petty projects or strange Twig based business ventures. He on the other hand had come across news, some of which I had heard floating around some of the less reputable parts of the city but had assumed was some bullshit rumor. Some old Lion’s Arch shipwreck that hadn’t been found until recently. Hal, as he put it was planning on “Getting down there quick as bloody possible, bashing some heads together and making off with the loot.” Not the best laid plan, but I guess that’s why he wanted me to come along. Unfortunately the only directions we had came in the form of an encrypted note that had been intercepted on the way to the Lion Guard. It seemed it was my job to figure this all out and get their crew to set our target.
Luckily being an experienced crew it wasn't too hard for them to atleast put the first pieces together. Judging by the bird used and the layout of the seas around here it had to be set in the Sea of Sorrows, at very most the edge of the Strait of Malchor. Fortunately for me, Hal said I was needed, being more familiar with the political side of Lion’s Arch and that gave me a higher chance of deciphering it. He would later add, though a mug of ale that he’d hoped that would give us an edge on any other crew that got wind of this.
So that's what we did, setting off in high spirits fresh salt air and strong wind freeing up the pressures of land and a heavy mug of ale to bring them all right back. I wouldn’t admit it to Hal as the old brute comes over, heavily barging his shoulder to my side, but it felt good to be around guys who got my line of work. Not to mention half of them being complete assholes, in the truest sense of the word, helped me settle in relatively quickly.
*****
The note took a little longer than I had hoped to crack, tossing what Information I could to the captain. A larger, brutish Charr called Vidar who definitely had a head more for exploration than the politics of Lion’s Arch. We could at least head in a vaguely positive direction.
By now having gotten close to completely solving the thing, I remember resting back in my chair, taking in the air and closing my eyes to feel the rock of the boat, the wind around it and the clatter of people above. My eyes open, a devastating crunch of wood from above my head. Frowning I quickly pushing myself up from the desk remembering to lock my pistol and sword to my belt before barreling my way up to the top deck.
What met me, I wasn't quite ready for.
My experience as part of the crew so far had lead me to connect breaking wood to a few rowdy crew members, nothing that a kick to the back of the leg and a well placed sword wouldn't fix. This on the other hand might get a little messy. The crew, most of which was now up on deck, would be manning cannon as another ship [surprisingly quickly] gained pace on us firing and sending waves of ocean clattering over deck.
Jogging up to the front I quickly found Hal who desperately set me to carrying cannon balls over as he returned fire. Now I think back on it things should have probably been the other way around. Though I could handle the task easy enough, the Norn was at least two heads taller than me and had a physique more of a warrior when compared to mine that was more used to lifting pens and skirting the darkness of hallways than siege warfare. I imagine I would have considered that at the time but the noise of the waves and the rabble of the crew around me didn’t exactly put me in the mindset for considering my actions.
It was only now I understood how close the ship had gotten. Feeling the salt spray of the ocean slash over my face and bringing my sight up to see heavy boards thumping down against the side of our own ship. I heard Vidar screaming, maybe spiting would be a more accurate description. “Three of you fix the hull! I want the rest of you dogs to meet them head on, I'm taking those fuckers for all they are worth!” With that he would leap down the stares skidding across the water soaked deck and quickly mount the planks to meet the approaching crew head on.
I remember [at the time] thinking this was either incredibly inspiring or incredibly stupid i couldn’t say which but I couldn't comment anything on the guys skill. Seeing him displace two of the approaching force to the sea below and a third quickly follow I took my sword in hand as the two planks that weren’t blocked by a wall of angry Charr funneled people onto the ship.
At this point, things start to get foggy. Initially sticking close to Hal, we try to keep an eye on each other, but the sea of incoming bodes doesn't let that last long. The clash on metal and the ring on gunfire in my ears was not the kind of fighting I was used to so I had to adapt quickly.
Being used to quick and quiet strikes strangely found the idea of that very alien now, being completely trapped out in the open two opposing forced butting heads I tried to focus on what i knew. I stayed like that for awhile, not taking much in, not more than I needed to.
A slash to the right.
Gunshot to the left.
It seemed to be working for me until I gained a moment of clarity.
Hal, reeling back against the side of the ship another Norn at his throat. Now that felt natural more what I was use to. Quickly deflecting an incoming strike and kicking my attacker in the chest to loose him in the crowd then tucking down to get lost between them as well, it wasn’t to hard to get over to Hal. Clearly the Norn had been enjoying his time or Hal might have been overboard by now. Taking a deep breath I dash forward as if disappearing and reappearing at his side, raising my pistol and firing as I use my speed to kick the Norn over the side of the boat. Hal seems to out of it to react but offered a grunt as he gets his breath back.
Unfortunately I wouldn't have been as stealthy as I might have thought. Seemed my friend knew a little bit about losing himself in the crowd as well.
Pain strikes its way up my shoulder feeling his sword slash my skin. Spinning on one foot I don’t have time to respond. I hear a bang and feel myself spin off balance crashing back against the side of the boat knocking my head. Swearing loudly I growl, my vision foggy with blood I kick back against the weakened wood of the deck and lunge forward bringing my knee quickly up to his abdomen sending him lurching forward then shoving him back with the butt of my gun, winded and gasping for breath. Looking down at him I try to regain myself. Through my blurred vision I kick him back down to the ground, drawing my pistol, my foot bearing his chest down to the deck.
Three short bangs.
I only fired twice, Once to make my point and another to finish it. Moments later I’m thrown forward feeling a splitting pain in the back of my skull. Cursing again I watch as the ship seems to turn on its side and everything fades to black.
*****
“Damn it!”
I clattered back against the back of the wooden headboard as the light seers its way into the back of my skull. Shielding my eye I tried to look around. Noise of movement outside the chamber wall called my attention as I tried to figure out where I am.
Not dead thats for sure and by the looks of it we are still afloat.
I attempted to open my eyes again, with more luck this time. Shielding it from the light of the torch though it still stings and even beyond that my vision couldn't quite seem to stay still, my left eye blurred and unclear, burning at the light of the room.
I quickly decide to keep it closed.
Using only my right eye now I can put together a more complete picture. Hal pressed into the room followed by a Charr who introduces herself as Ylva. I was in to much pain to care and the laugh of the Norn rang in my already battle weakened ear. “Man they did a number on you!” He laughed shaking his head as Ylva brought a sodden rag up to my other eye. Before I can shoot something snide back in Hal’s direction the pain is back. Cursing loudly I wince as Ylva held my head still as she digs the cloth in deeper.
“What are you..!” My protest is cut off my Ylvas unimpressed tone. “Alcohol” I heard her start with a little bit of glee in her voice now as she set down a bottle to my side. “Rum! Actually!” she added even more pleased now “Not great use for it but should stop any real infection” she took a moment to think before continuing. “You were lying on the deck quite some time before we got to ya.” she put her hands on her hips as I considered continuing to belittling her but reconsidered it and instead spit out a half-hearted thanks, biting my tongue to not add anything more. She nodded pleased at the reaction and glanced over to Hall who is now Awkwardly checking over my face.
“How is it?” he started, pointing at what I could only assume is a pretty heavy gash at this point. I frown bringing up a hand to touch the soft tissue of my eyelid, even the roughness of my own pads burn as the pain seems to ward me away from trying it again.
I considered my words for a moment “Not great, Blurred and anything I am making out is either painfully bright or only serves to confuse the other eye.” I bite my tongue again to distract from the pain that came when I tried to relax my face and let it open.
Ylva instead responds “Sounds about right” to which she reaches into the draw next to me pulling some black leather patch over my head. I'm starting to get a little annoyed, feeling crowded by the two of them so I start to push myself out of the bed pulling the rest of it on myself. “Open your eyes” she said, which I did and thankfully I found the lack of light helped my good eye finally focus.
I snort “Great…” I mutter to myself staring over to the light to check before cursing again. Despite myself I nod in thanks to Ylva who throws an unimpressed look at Hal which was returned with a shrug that could only be interpreted as ‘Well-that's-the-Best-You’re-gonna-get’
*****
In not to much time, though I still feel my head throbbing from the impact and despite the recommendation from Ylva I get back to my note preferring to have something to focus on rather than being dead weight to the crew. Having the burning pain in the front of my skull to concentrate on didn’t appeal much to me also. Still I couldn't work on it for long. Growing more and more frustrated with myself and the extra distance I had to move my head to take in both sides of my desk between jotting my own notes and the letter itself which by this point is pretty much complete, bar any professional farewells and a few side notes.
Feeling almost complete with the piece but mostly annoyed I pushed myself off the chair pacing up and down the cabin growling at myself and slamming my fist down hard against the wall. Keep my eyes closed for a second I looked up into the glass of one of the port holes. Its night out and I hadn’t noticed time passing so quickly. That isn’t what struck me so hard though.
Reflected back at me in the Darkened glass.
The first thing I remember looking into that reflection was not recognizing the face that looked back, drained and tired, fur still blotched with red and burn marks from before, just under the thick leather blocking my eye from the pain of the light. The second thing that hit me was how much it reminded me of Trib.
I stood there for a moment staring blankly at the tired face looking back not wanting to consider where thoughts of my sire might lead me. Even knowing that I couldn't help my mind wander anyway.
I never disliked the guy. Hell after I left he’s the one bit of guilt I have cutting my ties to the citadel so quick. I’d checked on him a few times and he seemed happy. I say seemed, maybe I just wanted to see it that way. He was never particularly close to his partner but the few times I’d managed to catch sight of him she was never around. I wondered if he's lonely. If he blames himself. How he continued on with his life now his old one seemed to be gone but beyond all that, I hoped he still saw me as the Brevet he once knew and not what was looking back at me then. I can’t help but give a quite saddened laugh. Hell if he didn’t think I was already dead he’d probably kill me. That thought, at least, in its grim nature gave me some levity and I made it a point to try to check on him the second we hitch back into port.
*****
The next passing weeks that thought didn’t leave my head. Less to my concern were the weekly arriving birds with notes from Faye about her bizarrely normal life to which were replied to with fittingly vague lies. Not long after what I started to referring to internally as the Trib incident I dedicated myself to finishing the note and not soon after that, my job done. The rest of my trip was relatively calm, still adjusting to my new situation, I found myself helping around deck and drinking with Hal recounting his stories and sharing mine from when Lion’s Arch was attacked and hearing about Ylvas experience leaving another crew based out in Gendarran Fields to join up with this one. She expected that would bite her in the ass soon enough.
Being completely honest with myself, apart from getting used to the less subtle combat situation it was a life I could get used to. Little dedication beyond the men around you and freedom of the worry of the land. It had been awhile since I’d managed to mesh so easily with a group. Thinking back on that now, it was probably thanks to Faye that I’m even able to enjoy these quiet moments right now.
As the evening calms down and the rest of the crew finish up, I set down to writing her another note, more genuine this time;
“How’s it going soldier.
Should be back in a few more weeks. Been thinking
about ya and hope your store is going well [For my
wallets sake more than anything else!]
I won’t be able to pop straight up there when I get
back, I’ve got some loose ends to clear up will fill you
