Salt of Nayla

Set in the same world (but centuries earlier) as: True North

Set in the same world as: Shark Filet

Lorei was suddenly awoken by shouting, followed by a violent jerk that sent him flying out of his hammock. He stood up and shook his head, suddenly feeling quite awake. On the deck above him, he could hear shouting “SAILS DOWN! LEFT ABOARD! BRACE” followed by another violent impact, sending Lorei tumbling down to the floor. He got up once more and hissed, dashing for the stairs, trying to keep his balance. 

As he got onto the deck and quickly glanced around he realized what was causing the commotion. They were in the middle of a violent current, dragging their ship through cliffs and rocks. Levi was manning the helm and shouting out orders to his crew. Lorei was on board his friend’s ship ‘the Black Lagoon,” a pirate vessel operating in the Northern seas with a focus on the spice trade.

Lorei was sent tumbling once more as the ship impacted a cliff on the starboard side, followed by a “WE GOT A BREACH” shout. A few men rushed down the stairs below the deck to deal with the breach. Lorei, in turn tried to make his way to the helm to get an update on the situation from Levi. Upon climbing up the stairs, Levi, a large hrothgar, sneered at him- “morning pal, hope you slept well” he said in a sarcastic tone. 

Lorei chuckled – “hah… yea, best sleep of my life, I love waking up from falling. What the hell is happening?” Levi shrugged – “we got pulled to the deadman’s passage by the current and now here we are! Man the sails, we need your strength to quickly raise and lower them!” Lorei cracked his neck and looked up at the main mast, operated by 3 men who were being tossed around – “aye aye captain” 

In a swift leap (and after morbing! (sorry i couldn’t resist xD)) Levi was by the mast, pulling on the ropes with the strength of 5 men, quickly raising the sails and holding the ropes in anticipation of Levi’s next command. Levi looked around, seeing a passage on the right side, between 2 cliffsides. While tight, they’d be able to make it. Or left among many smaller rocks and coral reefs. 

*****Audience Input*****

Ventus Leonhart: Right!

Nynu NiShiva: Hmmm The right side sounds safer indeed

You gaze upon Ventus Leonhart in deep reflection.

Mimi Valen nods to Ventus Leonhart.

Saira Merolod: Yes, agreed!

Leona Lucifra: Left sounds like more fun!

Mimi Valen laughs at Leona Lucifra.

Ventus Leonhart laughs at Leona Lucifra.

Leona Lucifra: Not entirely sure it’s fun they are seeking though, hm..

Nynu NiShiva: Well surviving is kind of fun i suppose

Ventus Leonhart: pirates do indeed live for adventure… tho a chance to prove their skills and make it out alive…

Mimi Valen: I would think not with how it’s being described sadly

You laugh at Mimi Valen.

Vikiridi Mikwel: Right it is then!

**********

Levi turned the helm to the right- “RIGHT AHOY FULL SPEED AHEAD! SAILS DOWN!” Lorei smirked as he swiftly lowered the sails and turned the mast the catch the wind. The ship took a violent turn to the right, tilting heavily to the left. Sailors held on as to not fall overboard. Sounds of crashing and breaking ensued from below the deck, followed by a scream of pain. 

“MEDIC” a shout echoed from below the deck. The ship was still in middle of making it’s turn so no one dared to move. As the black lagoon made it’s way gracefully into the tight passage and leveled out, Levi shouted – “MAIN MAST SAILS UP! FRONT HALF UP! SLOW AND STEADY”. The men were quick to follow the orders of their captain and the sail between 2 cliffsides began. At first, everything seemed to go well. The current was rather slow and they were able to make all the turns.

However, before the crew had a chance to relax, the watchmen at the front shouted, – “ROCK FALL! TAKE COVER” The crew looked up to see an increased number of rocks falling from the cliffsides. Some are smaller and some larger. Large boulder landed beside the ship, hitting the rails and breaking them in the process. Most of the men rushed below the deck, as Levi grunted but did not move from his post. 

Lorei took his position beside Levi. With his (morbing) senses he was the only one on the ship capable of protecting the ship, and the captain. He would leap at the larger boulders to divert them off the course in order to avoid the ship’s destruction. It lasted merely 10 minutes, but to Levi and Lorei, it felt like an eternity as the 2 fought against the odds to keep the ship and crew alive.

When all was clear the crew returned to their positions. Medic tended to Levi’s wounds as he had taken a few rocks to the head and was bleeding. Nothing too serious, though. Hrothgar is known for their resilience, after all, and Levi had survived far worse. Lorei sighed beside him – “you owe me at least a virgin for that, Levi”. The captain laughed, “you mean virgin’s blood? I ain’t into human trafficking pal” 

Lorei laughed – “so, how close are we to Nayla now?” Levi squinted as he stared at the horizon “hmm, a couple of days I reckon?” granted we don’t run into imperial forces and have to detour.” Lorei sighed – “i sure hope not, i’ve not eaten in days. My strength is low” Levi extended his arm and sneer – “want a bite?” Lorei responded with a faked gag – “ugh, beastman’s blood, no thanks!” 

*****Audience Input*****

Vikiridi Mikwel: Lorei could now return to his chambers, help with the repairs, or talk through the plan with Levi. Which shall it be?

Linesi Zeksrath gazes upon you in deep reflection.

The sight of you springs a question to Mimi Valen’s mind.

>> Tain TeezShiva: love your attire btw!

Mimi Valen: Some rest could do a man some good after all that in my opinion~

Leona Lucifra: He seems like a guy they could need for repair but then again, staying informed is important as well..

★Nagisa Shokushu: I say go back to sleep

Linesi Zeksrath: well if it were me.. going back to sleep is probably what i’d want to do, fixing the ship is what i’d need to do, and talking about things is what i’d probably end up doing

Saira Merolod: Couldn’t agree more, after being so rudely awoken… however – being informed seems like something lorei would do

Ventus Leonhart: hmm, i would agree… allow the crew to tend the repairs. perhaps it would be best to talk things through with a captain. perhaps over some ale

Nynu NiShiva: Yes sleeping is good

Nynu NiShiva: But i can see the appeal of staying informed

**********

After a short while of silence, filled with sounds of hammering and sawing, Lorei swamped out at the helm with Levi. Captain went to grab a couple of drinks for them from the galley. Returning with 2 mugs filled with cooled ale. The 2 of them enjoyed their drinks in silence but then Levi groaned – “uggh, this whole plan feels.. Dangerous” 

Lorei nodded – “Yeah, we’ve never operated on a scale like this, but if there is a crew that can do this, it’s us Levi. You and me, and your men” Levi looked at him and nodded, then chugged the rest of his drink and smashed the mug on the rail – “So. We sail up into Nayla, gather intel from the locals, find the head of the salt mining operation there, and… simply take over the whole show?”

Lorei smirked – “Well, we won’t ‘take over’ perse, we’ll ‘partner’ with them on our own terms. Simply said, we’ll blockade the ports and deny their exports until they agree to export through us only. The town is quite far north, with hardly any guards. The imperial navy isn’t going to sail that far north, it’ll be far too much hassle for them to send ships there, they’ll just agree to work with us as well.”

Levi leaned over the rail, looking down a the water – “hmm sounds too good to be true. But, who am I to complain? We’re the mightiest pirates in this region. Our 2nd ship will be meeting us there, and we can call in assistance from a couple of other crews if we must.” He turned and stared at the pale vampire before him who had an evil grin on his face – “say, Lorei, what is it you desire? An eternity of prosperity? ” 

Lorei nodded – “as a vampire, I am immortal to time. What could an immortal being desire if not to be a king of their own place? If not to rule and not be ruled? It’s simple Levi. I desire to be at the top, I desire to run the show. Is this not the same for you, the infamous ‘pirate king’?” he chuckled. Levi laughed – “Of course it is!”

The next days passed uneventfully and peacefully until the black lagoon found herself docked at the Nayla’s port. The crew unloaded their trade wares and goods, most of which consisted of stolen spices from merchant vessels and ports they happened to run across. This was quick money for the crew, and they could easily afford the inn and a  night at the tavern where the crew focused on gathering information, except Lorei… Lorei was gone that night. 

Lorei hunted a young girl and feasted upon her blood. Unlike common folklore and legends, a bite from a vampire did not turn its prey into a vampire. The ritual was a lot more sophisticated and required the vampire to share their blood with the new recruit, and a spell, but Lorei had no interest in creating competition for himself, so he simply feasted upon her blood and left. He did not kill his victims, that would be counterproductive. 

And now Lorei faced a choice. He was full, and his energy recovered. He could try to scout the mines on his own, scare some townfolk into telling him information, or go to the crew at the tavern and learn of their findings.

*****Audience Input*****

Linesi Zeksrath: hm… well, if the crew already has valuable information it’s the least risky option

Atheris Hispida: He should keep his head down a little longer, so no scaring townsfolk.

Leona Lucifra: If he is full of energy he best gonna make some use of it, I say

Ventus Leonhart: scaring townsfolk seems it could play against him in the long run and lorei definitely seems the type to look ahead… perhaps their is information to be gleaned in the mines. he can always learn what was discussed at the tavern the next day…

Eznix Mal’qirZodiark: He should give the townspeople salt! Everyone loves salt!

Nynu NiShiva: Yes a bit of scouting never hurt anyone right?

**********

With his speed, unrivaled by any other creature, Lorei was quick to find the mines. His enhanced senses allowed him to find the mind with relative ease, and despite it being a few kilometers away, it took but a few minutes for the perfect predator to make its way there. He stood a few hundred meters from the entrance to the mines. The lights were off and no people were present as it was the middle of the night. Lorei approached the mine and examined the equipment and transport operations.

It was quite sophisticated. They had massive lifts bringing the salt up to the surface which was then loaded onto carts and wagons and transported back to the city on a surprisingly modern-looking road made of something that could be akin to the cement of modern-day. Lorei found it quite fascinating how sophisticated the whole operation was and grinned widely. Thoughts of taking over, it filled him with excitement. 

Salt was among the main exports in the empire and had the value of gold on a large scale such as this. Now all he had to do was make a plan for the blockade and take over the operation. He returned back to town and went straight to bed. The sun rise was nearing, but the 2nd crew was not to arrive for another day or 2, so they had time to make their preparations. 

The next morning crew gathered and discussed their findings and plans. Levi was taken aback by the modern equipment and road structure leading to the mine which raised concerns. “Such equipment and the road, surely the empire is actually invested in this”. Lorei dismissed his concerns in an aggressive fashion – “Before you stands 1 of the greatest vampires on the continent. DO NOT dare doubt me, Hroth!” Levi growled and nodded – “yes, of course” 

*****Audience Input*****

Vikiridi Mikwel: Levi, a proud hrothgar dislikes being commanded in such fashion. Does he dare challenge the vampire?

Ventus Leonhart delivers a confident smirk.

Leona Lucifra: Well somebody is easily irritable today.. Did he have nightmares of the tooth fairy coming for him?

Ventus Leonhart: it seems the answer is in the question! his pride will not stand for such disrespect

Ventus Leonhart: it seems the answer is in the question! his pride will not stand for such disrespect

You burst out laughing at Leona Lucifra.

Atheris Hispida: Naturally. No proud pirate king would tolerate being talked to like that.

Nynu NiShiva: He’s the captain of course he challenges the Vampire!

Paresse YonelPhoenix: Nynu is right

Mimi Valen nods to Nynu NiShiva.

Eznix Mal’qirZodiark: Hang the vampireç

Eznix Mal’qirZodiark: !

Eznix Mal’qirZodiark: Big cat will win!

Leona Lucifra: Hm yeah, he can’t be seen by his crew getting commanded around like that

**********

As Lorei smirked confidently and returned to his discussion – “Good, now then…” Levi smashed his fist on the table – “You know what pal? I have enough of your shit! This is my crew, my ship, MY OPERATION! You’re just here to ride along and enjoy the rewards”. Lorei raised his eyebrow at the captain and grinned – “Oh? Daring aren’t you today?”

Levi jumped up from his seat and roared like a king, his mighty deep voice made any outsiders, not from his crew shiver. The tavern fell silent as the captain stood, growling quietly, gritting his teeth. His claws sparkled in the morning sun, his gaze fixated on the vampire. As if a tiger, about to pounce on its prey, his fur stood up, his breathing was controlled. 

Lorei remained seated, full of confidence, keeping his eyes locked on the beast towering before him. As if the time itself stood still, nobody dared to make a single move, until the vampire provoked him with a click of his tongue. What followed after, will be passed on by the townsfolks as a horror story for generations. 

The beast took a wide swipe at the vampire. His massive arm and steel-like claws ripped through the chair on which the vampire sat. The vampire leaped into the air, with ease dodging the swipe, but found himself in a rather disadvantageous situation since he now was in the air, and the beast was on the ground. Hroth leaped at the vampire, snapping his jaw at the vampire’s leg. A loud crunch filled the void of silence. 

A pained groan, followed by the sound of crashing as they both collapsed onto a table behind them. A mighty kick to the forehead sent the hrothgar flying back a couple of meters, with the vampire’s torn off pieces of leg firmly in his jaw. He jumped back up and spat the piece of leg out, cracking his neck- “You sure you want to keep this up?” 

Lorei’s leg regenerated swiftly, right before Levi’s eyes, as Lorei’s eyes turned black as the void. For a moment, Levi found himself hypnotized by the void that was the eyes of the vampire. The longer he stared, the more frightened he felt. As if he were a cornered beast, his instincts screamed for him to run. He was snapped out of it by the reality of his ribs breaking from a mightly kick by the vampire. 

Levi, before tumbling down, swiped at Lorei swiftly as he could, scratching down the entire length of his body, tearing his flesh all the way to the bone. He rolled over swiftly on all fours, claws digging into the wooden floor as he prepared to leap at the vampire who was regenerating once again. The vampire’s face was that of pure joy. Grin stretched across it. He was clearly enjoying this. 

Levi did not hesitate and dashed at the vampire. He was swift! Tackling Lorei, his claws digging into the vampire’s back, all the way to the ribs. He was scratching Lorei’s bones. The vampire was quick to react, a might knee kick to the side, but Levi held on. A fist to the back of the head and then another. Levi was outmatched in this battle, he knew that, but his pride wouldn’t let him surrender. 

He awoke in his room. Bloodied and in pain. Medic from his crew tended to his wounds – “Captn, that was a hell of a fight…” Levi sat up and grunted – “gahh… what time is it?” The medic hesitated for a moment – “Uh, morning the next day cap. Our 2nd crew docked but a couple of hours ago. Lorei is, well, currently in charge.” He nodded – “damned vampires, how dare he make light of me?” 

The medic laughed – “that damned vampire disappeared for almost an entire day after your fight. He didn’t get out of that fight unscathed.” Levi grinned – “Serves him right! Alright, take me to my men!” The medic’s concerned expression displeased the king- “What? I said, Take me to my men!” the medic nodded – “yes cap, but..” Levi interrupted him – “buts don’t matter right now! Let’s go” he got up and groaned from pain. 

Medic guided him to the port where the 2 crews were gathered, still unloading the 2nd crew’s ship and making preparations with munition sand gunpowder, arming the ships and preparing the cannons for the blockade. Levi watched the action for a while, contemplating his choices. His gut feeling was that the salt mine was too important for the empire and that they would end up facing fierce resistance from the forces in a few weeks if they were to blockade the exports.

What shall he do? Does he follow his gut feeling and cancel the operation? Or go through with it, following the vampire’s orders?

 Does he try to reason with vampire? Or plot his assassination?

*****Audience Input*****

Ventus Leonhart: The captains the captain!

Ventus Leonhart: his men will follow him

Ventus Leonhart: Lorei can’t do it without them

Linesi Zeksrath: salt’s worth its weight in gold, and there’s clearly been significant investment in the operation, his gut is right

Paresse YonelPhoenix: I think it’s too dangerous to alienate the empire

Nynu NiShiva: Yes He should listen to his gut

Leona Lucifra: I would say, fuck the vampire, then again his last confrontation did not end exactly beneficial for him

Mimi Valen: Depends on how well armed the crews are compared to the empire, those serving the empire could easily outnumber and potentially destroy them all sadly

Atheris Hispida: Even more reason to not trust the vampire.

Leona Lucifra: Reason with him once more, since they otherwise seem to share common goals

Mimi Valen: Agreed

Paresse YonelPhoenix: yes we don’t betray our comrades, so he would rather try to reason with Lorei

Vikiridi Mikwel: well aren’t you just a bunch of politicians? i expected a unanimous ‘assasinate him’

You burst out laughing.

Linesi Zeksrath: fight aside, they seem to work pretty well together

Atheris Hispida: An assassination seems like it will end with a lot more then one corpse, so not a good idea.

Mimi Valen: I feel an assassination would serve difficult with the odds against them

Leona Lucifra: We just like our profit, hun, and the vampire seems beneficial to me at least, hehe

**********

Levi approached his crews and ordered them to cancel the blockade preparations. Then set out to find the vampire. A few hours of searching later, he, at last, found the vampire standing atop a hill outside the town, looking in the direction of the mine. As Levi approached him, Lorei, without averting his gaze, spoke in a calm manner- “Are you well?”

Levi grunted – “Few broken ribs, a knocked out fang, concussion, and probably internal bleeding. About as fine as a hroth who fought a vampire, I reckon.” he said, and laughed lightly. Lorei turned and looked at him with admiration – “Truly a beast, as you always have been. I see you didn’t get weaker in the last 10 years” 

Levi nodded – “If anything, more combat experience made me stronger, and you yourself, despite barely eating, have not grown much weaker since our last fight.” Lorei smirked and returned his gaze to the mine – “Vampire’s strength is explosive, for a brief moment we can fight at our peak even if we hadn’t eaten in months.”  

After a short moment of silence, Levi began – “i ordered the crew to cancel preparations. Say what you will Lorei, but this mining operation is clearly backed by the empire, we won’t be able to take on the empire’s navy with just the crews that we could pull from this region. We’d need at least the entirety of Thel’s pirate fleet to stand up against the empire, but then the profit sharing with other crews would be…” 

Lorei nodded, – “there’s more to it, I scouted the mine interior last night. Their shafts are being constructed for other purposes too. In addition to salt extraction, they’re building a vast underground rail network leading toward the capital. This is truly beyond what we had planned for.” he said in a concerned tone.

Levi let out a sigh of relief – “I knew there was still a voice of reason within you Lorei.” He nodded and placed his hand on Levi’s shoulder – “Of course, friend. Let us return to the tavern, buy up some goods, and set sail. There’s much of the world left for us to explore.” Levi nodded – “Yes, let us…” 

Levi led the way, Lorei followed him a few paces away. His gaze was fixated on Levi’s back, on his lung area to be precise. He could hear wheezing and whistling in Levi’s breathing. Levi knew of it too, but he couldn’t show weakness to his crew. He was a proud king of the pirates in the region. 

That evening, the black lagoon crew prepared to set sail, while the 2nd crew was to remain an extra few days and rest after their long journey. Levi stood at the helm of his ship, coughing on occasion, teeth-gritting from pain. Lorei stood beside him, watching the king slowly dying before his eyes. 

Levi turned and smirked, a drop of blood dripped from the corner of his mouth – “Hah… Guess this is the end, friend.” Lorei’s eyes widened – “No, don’t say that, Levi. We’ve yet to conquer all of Thal and become the kings of the oceans. ” The crew was off the ship at the moment, preparing the last bits of cargo. Levi fell to one knee, wheezing for air. 

Lorei had 2 options. Attempt a transformation. Although it has never been done before on a beastman, and it would create competition for him, should it succeed.  Or kill his friend and end his suffering. His friend, who spent the entire day with a punctured lung, ordering his men.

*****Audience Input*****

Ventus Leonhart puts his hand on Mimi’s shoulder consoling her.

Mimi Valen beams at Ventus Leonhart.

Mimi Valen: That’s hard to decide

Linesi Zeksrath gazes upon you in deep reflection.

Atheris Hispida: I hate this…

Mimi Valen: Samee…

You laugh.

Nynu NiShiva: Oh no this is so sad…..

Mimi Valen: I want him to try.. and live

Ventus Leonhart: competition… or a partner

Mimi Valen: After all, he’s been fighting for his life this whole time and his crew

Vikiridi Mikwel: Will he turn his friend into an immortal being, a vampire. Or with his own hands, finish what he had started?

Linesi Zeksrath: what more could an immortal being want other than to be at the top, to rule instead of be ruled…

Leona Lucifra: I guess from his standpoint it would be unwise to try and transform him one day after he got attacked by him.

Paresse YonelPhoenix: yes I’m agreed with Mimi

Atheris Hispida: A friend.

Paresse YonelPhoenix: agree*

Mimi Valen nods to Paresse YonelPhoenix.

Nynu NiShiva: He’s his friend i feel like he should try to turn him!

Mimi Valen: You never give up on a friend, even till the bitter end!

Mimi Valen makes a show of her resolve before you.

Ventus Leonhart: tho  that fight seeded from his own vanity as the only vampire. With Levi as a fellow vampire partner, they could be equal. rule together.

Mimi Valen: That’s very true

Atheris Hispida: The bond is too strong. 10 years… it just isn’t right to let him die when he could attempt to safe him.

**********

Lorei was quick to draw a dagger from Levi’s belt. Slitting the palm of his hand open, he grabbed the hair on the back of Levi’s head, pulling his head back. Levi grunted – “Ey what the…” and in that moment, Lorei held his hand above his mouth. His blood dripping into Levi’s mouth. Levi’s eyes widened, but before he could protest, he lost consciousness. Standing above his collapsed friend, speaking in a tongue no one could understand. 

His eyes turned black as the void as he spoke the spell of ancients, a spell only 10 vampires in the entire world knew. As he finished the spell, the wound on his hand had already recovered. Nothing but silence and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the pier and the ship could be heard. 

The crew was boarding the ship once more, carrying crates into the cargo compartment in the hull. Lorei knelt beside his friend – “Levi, I am sorry…” He said, his voice trembling. Tear rolled down his cheek and then dripped off, landing in Levi’s half-open eye. What followed in the next moment still haunts Lorei in nightmares. A roar so loud it ruptures his eardrums.

Levi pushed Lorei away and roared from discomfort- “AHHHHH GOD DAMN IT! THAT STINGS YOU MORON” The captain spoke up as he stood up and rubbed his eye – “That is no way to awaken a friend” He said and then fell silent, his expression changed to that of confusion. A moment later he spoke in a calm tone “the, pain… It’s, gone?”

Lorei rushed to his friend and embraced him tightly – “It worked! I can’t bloody believe it that it worked!” Levi smirked as he leaned on his friend and got up – “Did you, turn me? I don’t feel too different…?” Lorei nodded – “Aside from occasional thirst, which you can only clench with blood, and few other small changes, it’s really not that different.”

It is said that still, to this day, the black lagoon sails the waters of Thal. Levi is known as the pirate king of all the oceans! His partner and friend, Lorei is the captain of the primary king’s fleet and in charge of the other four. The 2 of them have organized their own pirate nation on the islands they discovered.