Thread: Relentless (Reno x Lila Lupin)

Storm! Storm! the cry from the crow's nest sounded near-frantic as it reached the ears of the sailors on deck. Newcastle hurried out, beckoned by the alarm, and found the deck already bustling with activity. Good men, indeed , he thought with some pride, even as he cursed the Gods for interfering in his hunt. Helm, bring us in toward the shore! If this had to happen, this is the best place for it. He directed, staring intensely at the starless skies ahead, as if the force of his own wrath could break the storm before it reached them. The lookout slid down the ladder from the crow's nest so fast that the palms of his gloves had begun to smoke. Captain, I've spotted a cove alee the storm! Good! Get up to the helm and direct him in. That squall is coming in fast, so be faster! Newcastle barked, as soon as we're in position, drop anchor and all sails! All men, clear the hold! And so the orders continued, even as they were practically unneeded - most of the Wraith's crew were well-tested old salts, and the few that were still green had the sense to follow along. When the storm hit and the Wraith lurched, her crew were nestled in relative safety in her belly. Safety was not comfort, however, and the men sat in the dark, listening to the rain pounding above and thunder breaking the sky. Newcastle had ordered all lamps doused, lest the oil spilled if they fell should set the entire ship ablaze. Commander, can I ask you something? A voice near to Newcastle's shoulder piped up. Aye, what is it, Lieutenant? Sebastian's gruff basso answered, identifying the first speaker, who Newcastle had not been able to place. Why did we hole up? The Wraith should have been able to weather this if we'd lowered the masts... Newcastle answered before the executive officer could speak. Because our quarry is still fleeing, Mr. Barnes, he said simply. He felt no anger towards having the order questioned, and that was evident in his voice. Whatever time we lost coming here, it is less than what we would have lost re-raising the masts. His lips curled slightly, and the men in the dark could hear that in his voice, as well. And if we ride the coast down to Taftan, then the Domina will have to cross our path when she puts in. The smile disappeared. I want that ship. Aye, Captain, I understand, the Lieutenant said, slightly unsettled. He hadn't realized that the Captain was so near, and that could have gone far less pleasantly for him. Thank you, sir. The storm that blows hardest blows by fastest, and within three hours, Newcastle's crew were on deck again, raising the sails and hoisting the anchors. The rain that still lingered was of no concern to any of them - they worked as if on a high summer's day, and in like spirits. Those high spirits were not to last, sadly, as the sound of alarm bells from ashore reached them on the night wind. Should we investigate, Captain? Sebastian asked, but Newcastle shook his head. No, Jack, it was the storm. It would have struck these fishing villages with as little warning as it gave us, and they were less prepared. There's nothing we can do for them. Aye, Captain, Sebastian said glumly. Helm, to Taftan!