Hoist the anchor, Let loose the sails!

Scrod made his way down the docks to the Deadpool, Gangplanks ship where he'd agreed to meet up with the pirate. He had his fishing pole and a pack slung over his shoulder as he whistled to himself as he walked along the way. He didn't really get a chance to find out anything about what was going on, so he wasn't sure what to expect on the journey. Not that he minded all that much, in his older age he found surprises made things more interesting.

He mentally checked off the things he'd brought with him as he walked onto the deck. As always his flask and pipe were on him, he'd never go anywhere without them. As for combat he brought his gear from his younger days, both of his hextech pistols and a large bowie-knife he was fond of. He bought a large handful of small but very powerful explosives from one of his old contacts, figuring you never know if you'll ever need for something to go 'boom.'

"Hey, hope ya' weren't airin' the paunch too much after that contest." Scrod greeted the famed pirate grinning.

Even after all the spiked booze Scrod was completely fine now, not that it should be of any surprise since anyone worth their own salt in Bilgewater was pretty much drinking since they could walk.

The remainder of the journey here was surprisingly uneventful. The blonde breathed softly, watching the white mist flare out and dissipate. She didn’t particularly mind long treks through Noxus, but it didn’t mean she particularly /liked/ them either. She wasn’t sure whether it was watching the uncultured activities that went on from a street perspective or actually seeing somewhat peaceful family gatherings as people began preparing for the day ahead. Well- the unsavory activities weren’t nearly as bad above ground, but were still things that never would have occurred should she have been marching under the banner of House Du Couteau. Her cerulean spheres travelled along the horizon, pausing only momentarily on the grand masts of what was to be her noble steed. Hah. Noble indeed.

She ran her fingers along her bare arm, shivering ever so lightly in the cold; gentle bumps pressing against her digits as her skin reacted to the breeze. When was the last time she travelled in this direction so early? The Ionian campaign? She had participated, but only ever so slightly- the East was not her domain. This would have been much more enjoyable clad in the leather that normally graced her form. Or anything, really. Something other than what seemed more like a few rags quickly, and rather messily, sewn together. Her bare toes curled lightly, feeling the cool soil between her toes. She had stolen a pair of shoes for most of the journey here, but definite portions called for damage on her bare feet in order to conceal that fact. Either way… no time to tarry. A rather bemused expression, almost uncharacteristic for her innocent looking features crept onto her visage. Her tongue slipped out from between her lips, easing along the painted flesh- dampening the skin ever so slightly. Perhaps she might have… derived a little too much entertainment ‘punishing’ her escorts for their insubordination.

The blonde pressed forward. She would need to meet up with the other… cargo. Yes. That was the term, was it not? She would prefer to limit the oddity of a single servant girl arriving on her own to only a few others. The story was still being fleshed out in her mind when she came across one of the many processions that would be arriving soon. She raised her arm, waving towards the girls flanked by two guards bearing another House’s family crest. She wore a bright smile, trying to imbue it with emotion- the relief of finally being able to return home; the joy of meeting others who had shared her fate years ago. She broke into a run, the hardest in her life- not from the physical exertion; but from suppressing her years of training. This wasn’t a run that suppressed sound- nor one of speed. It was, simply, as girly and as worthless a run as possible. Even with the reduced speed, she was close. The surprised look on one guard’s face. A bemused expression on the other’s. What course to action to take? Her expression shifted to that of a smile. A genuine one. How was that even a question? The last time someone ran like this towards her without intending to impale her with anything sharp was her dear little sister- she laughed as she slowed down ever so slightly and collided with one of the girls, hugging her tightly on an awkward tackle. ‘Was’ seemed the perfect world. The innocent girl that used to come running at her was forever gone, in more ways than merely a shift in personality and experience.

Her eyes watered ever so slightly as the guard nudged his fist into the top of her head, accompanying the act with a lecture about how incredibly stupid an idea it was to come charging towards a pair of armed Noxian guards. A pout and an apologetic nod before joining her peers in their trek. It seemed a source of inspiration for how to act had been closer to her than she had ever imagined. She was thankful for the guard’s request to keep things quiet, her blue orbs focused once more on the ship that only grew closer with every step. All objectives cleared. For now.

Their little group merged with others as they approached the ship. Their escort came and went. It seemed her guards were not the only ones that were made… offers to complete their task with haste. Others seemed to rather enjoy the task of walking what was essentially a gaggle of girls to a ship of what seemed like a contender for the most unsavory figures of all time. Really just pirates. What were previous bright orbs of blue and gold slowly became a bit downcast. They were going home but it seemed people had neglected to notify them of their accommodations. When the realization had fully sunk in with their retreating Noxian host some of them had actually seemed to prefer remaining in Noxus. Not that she particularly blamed them. They huddled closer together, most of which were clearly terrified of their situation as they found themselves on the vessel. A few somewhat excited murmurs broke the silence; finding themselves in the presence of a Champion was a bit of a relief. The darkness took them yet again as they entered the bowels of the ship, moving about lightly to find some comfort and rest for their weary legs.

Three weeks. Seriously. She was to sit here for three weeks? She sighed lightly, her exasperation with the situation masked by the fact that her peers, too, seemed a little irked with the situation. The pirate was right after all. Although they were technically captured by Noxus they weren’t particularly treated poorly, residing in mansions, serving nobles. Katarina relocated herself closer to the end of the room. To not stand out, yet remain as far out of sight as possible. The thinly veiled advice invoked a light smirk on the blonde’s face. Yeah. Like any of them would roam in this situation. Even an idiot could see how the crew eyed their cargo. Then again, god knew what weeks of darkness would do to these poor girls. Who know what three weeks of being constrained on a boat would do to /her/. Perhaps Swain had planned this torturous journey to break her in not through strength but by driving her slowly to the brink of insanity. Maybe she should forgo the theatrics and murder everyone on the ship, returning to her original plan before Swain decided to micromanage her endeavours. Gangplank would be a problem should she make such an attempt, a Champion with home field advantage; but it shouldn’t be a problem for one of the three blades of Noxus, right? Right? Right. She was already going insane. This bode well for the future.

She was lifted from her thoughts by a gentle tap on her shoulder. The girl she had hugged previously was seated next to her. Katarina smiled, almost instinctively knowing to place the woman’s hand in her own. She was to babysit as well? Excellent.

Gangplank returned to the top of his ship. He walked to the bow, staring out into the vast ocean ahead of him.

He called out to Nautilus in the water. I wouldn't matter if he was submerged, he always heard what you said."You now Nautilus, ye' can come aboard if ye' want. Ye' don't have to spend the whole trip in tah' water."

Hopeful orbs of blue and gold shimmered in the darkness. One by one they turned to face the old man as he started talking. The champion had turned and left, the one now addressing them seemed almost frail. Oh okay, so go and run to daddy when if the nasty pirates get feisty. On that note, she sighed softly. This journey only served to detract from what she felt to some degree was a more important mission. The reclined, leaning against the other girl as the man finished speaking. Was he expecting a response? Yeah, right. He was talking to maids. They nod, curtsey, and carry out their tasks. They remained silent, staring at the man in an almost infinitely awkward situation; wordlessly waiting to be left alone.

The blonde grasps the scant bedding, her fingers digging into the rough material. Her toes curled ever so slightly; a light blush adorning her cheeks. Her body coated in a light layer of sweat, the rags that made up her outfit clung to her every curve as she writhed lightly for but a moment longer. Her eyelashes fluttered, soft lips parting ever so softly.

“Ah… Ash….-“

Sapphires glimmered in the darkness as she jolted awake; her irises expanding as she adjusted to the darkness- slowly coming to her senses. She gulped down air as she furrowed her brows; normalizing her breathing. A hand reached up to rest on her forehead, her eyes coming to a close as she exhaled. A dream. That just about settled it. She was right. This was doing nothing for her sanity. She turned her head, opening her eyes as she gazed at the other girls sleeping soundly. How long had it been? Everything was blurring together… Ah. Right. Bandle. That means… She rolled her eyes. It had only been a week. One of three. Teeth ran along her lips as the hand on her head ran along her hair. The sea had not been kind to her. She considered lazing about and sleeping more to pass the time, but something about that dream left a strange impression on her slowly declining mental stability. She growled softly under her breath as she rolled and swung a leg over the trash she had labeled as a bed in a graceful arc- her toe pointed as the side of her foot made contact with the ground. Her foot slid slightly, her other leg following soon after the first soon in a fluid motion as she righted herself. Katarina stood a moment longer, remaining still as she could on the unstable surface she had been forced to reside upon.

There was one thing the League was good at. It was fun. The thrill of battle. The lust for blood. The adrenaline pumping through her form as she danced on the fields of battle. It was exhilarating. This on the other hand… Katarina sighed as she stretched, her hand running along the bare skin of her arm. Her head tilting ever so slightly. She had fallen asleep fantasizing about murdering everyone on the ship. It was too soon to play that card quite yet. That was something to save for when she /really/ got frustrated… in more ways than one. Perhaps that explained her dreams. Her lips curved into a smile as she shifted her weight, stretching her other arm. She glanced around. Everyone was still asleep… But this time of day was also one of the few times she could wander the vessel without too many annoyances irking her. Her patience was thin nowadays. Coming into contact with too many people might cause her to snap- and nobody would like that… right? She shook her head. This was how her daydreams started… the woman finding herself surrounded by the disgusting creatures called pirates, painting the walls with the crimson that she hadn’t seen in- She began walking towards the entrance almost on autopilot. Talon and Cassiopeia. The idiots had gotten themselves into trouble- and the spider infestation was never quite… resolved. She laughed quietly to herself. Perhaps she should have gotten herself injured. A mocking, juvenile voice entered her mind. But mommmmyyy I’m siiick, see? I would loooove to join my sisters but I caaant.

The morning light was almost blinding, coupled with stinging embrace of the cold morning air. It was uncomfortable but at least it confirmed she was alive- however badly she wanted to welcome the loving embrace of death to escape her floating prison. Even the idea of serving as a Crownguard maid was a desired post after this. It was as if a solitary beam of light had fallen upon the woman, lost in her own world.



Katarina was drawn from her little world by a rough clatter- a motion catching her eye as she intentionally dulled her reaction to fit her role as a hapless maid; turning almost painfully slowly to what was simply a drunk pirate bumping his way around the deck. She frowned. Perhaps it was time to return to her little... gaggle of girls.

Oh... god... damnit.
She sighed, resisting the urge to throw herself overboard. She had thought she managed to avoid social interaction with the scum of the Valoran when the sole source of movement other than the droll, methodical rocking of the ship and the endless expanse of sea she just couldn't wait to rid herself of turned out to be incapacitated; but now this? The plus side to the League largely ending its matches with her as a participant was that she no longer had to associate with the more despicable of Runeterra. Lux? Please. Never again would she have to list- Oh god. She was going to be in their manor.

Her expression remained neutral as she glanced back towards the sea. That option she thought of as a whim was seeming more and more attractive now. If she just... inched over.. and threw herself overboard. No more ship. No more Lux. I mean, Garen was okay... but that was entirely besides the point. Right? Right. Katarina breathes slowly, steeling her nerves.

She turned back towards the man as he spoke, taking care to lower her head submissively. A demure gesture as she grasped the edge of her skirt. She placed one foot in front of the other, curtsying before the Captain of the ship. It served a dual purpose, really. Such a gesture also occupied her hands. Restraining her tongue would be hard enough.

"I... "

Came up on deck to keep myself from murdering everyone.

"...It's very pretty"

Watch your language now... Vernacular was key together with intonation. Expression. She was fairly certain the Pirate was not aware of her situation, so it best to play her role. Yet she was inexperienced. Any extra time would threaten to blow her cover, especially in her current mindset. She stepped towards the side, non verbally noting for Gangplank to approach- and leave the doorway to her sanctuary... of sorts. Attempt to end the conversation...

"I... I'm much more suited for dry land though!"