Calm Before the Storm [Isabella]

[Isabella Cole]

If Isaac would have voiced the idea of a tour,, Isabella would have jumped all over it. She liked traveling and seeing new things, of course, and this counted. If he did mention it, she would definitely say yes. The idea of traveling through the capital of Methon in secret like this got her heart pumping anyway.

She tensed up when she saw the guard to the city, staying tense as they passed him. They always made her nervous, for the most part. For some reason though, Isaac really didn't. She loosened up as soon as they passed, hoping he wouldnt have noticed.

She continued walking as they headed down the street, glancing out over the water. He lived right on the shore? That was fantastic. She figured he had to like the sea as well, being a naval officer and all. To be able to see it at all times was just fantastic. She sighed slightly as she turned and watched Isaac head towards a house. Her eyes widened slightly, but she moved to cover up her surprise quickly. Her home on Zanan was nowhere near this nice, and she could definitely pretend her farm was much smaller than this house.

It was beautiful as well, the color was wonderful. She smiled as she entered the fenced in area, looking around. Gardens were rare on Zanan as well, no one wanted to take care of them and no one cared what teh land looked like. "It's beautiful, Isaac." She smiled as he opened the door and held it open for her, entering the house with a big smile on her face. "Thank you, Isaac."

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac smiled as Isabella commented on the garden. He laughed slightly and then answered the question, ”Why thank you. Indeed it is a nice place to go during the day, a little bit of nature in the city. However you shouldn’t thank me but my assistant Henry, he’s the one who made this garden, I only helped a little.” Isaac followed Isabella as they stepped inside the house, closing the door behind them.

They entered the main “lobby” of the house. It was a small room that held a few cabinets and tables with small decorations as well as a closet and a few stands for coats and hats. Isaac placed his hat atop one of the stands and then motioned for Isabella to walk further inside. They passed through a small archway and then into the living area and study of the house. At the center of the room were a few couches and chairs surrounding a central table. Surrounding this where cabinets and stools, holding an assortment of decorations and knickknacks. Paintings adorned the walls and a piano stood in one of the corners.

At the other corner was a large desk with a chair. At the top of this stood a painting of Isaac’s father, and below that his father’s sword, now merely a decoration of remembrance. Cluttered about this was an assortment of items. There was a violin, several bookshelves, and many cabinets of papers and items. All in the all the room was of good size taking up the majority of the first floor. It was also quite cluttered but had a sense of organization to it.

Isaac walked in and motioned for Isabella to sit down and make herself at home. Isaac walked over to his desk and placed the fish down and took of his belt and sword, hanging them on a stand next to the desk. He undid his holster and also placed his pistol next to the sword. Isaac glanced at his desk and spotted a sheet of paper that had arrived that morning, but that he neglected to read. Isaac sat down in his chair and glanced up, ”I have to take care of one thing first, but please, make yourself at home. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them as well.” He then picked up the paper and began reading it.

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella smiled when Isaac spoke about the garden, and said that his assistant was the one that mostly made the garden. She grinned slightly but stayed quiet, looking around as they entered the home.

Her eyes widened again as she looked around, it was really quite beautiful in here. The decorations here seemed to fit just perfectly. She smiled again as she looked around, following Isaac as he motioned for her to follow. Her eyes kept scanning the rooms they entered, taking it all in.

When she followed him into the final room, she looked around again, her eyes going to the desk that Isaac went to, watchinga s hetook his sword and pistol off. Of course, she thought nothing of it. She was not here to steal from him. She nodded slightly as he spoke to her, grinning again. "I have no questions at the moment, but thank you." She turned away and began browsing the bookshelves, trying to find something interesting to read. She closed her eyes and picked a book off the shelf at random, sitting down on the floor and beginning to read. She hoped he didn't find it strange that she had chosen the floor, but she was actually quite comfortable there. Compared with the accomadations on a pirate ship, this place was very beautiful.

Not to mention her own home.. well, it was nothing like this. A tiny three room shack, it barely even compared to this. Neither her father nor she was able to gain a vast amount of money from piracy, but they made due. But now, this made her really want more.

The book was about weapons, she dully realized. She was agitated with herself, she really shouldn't have agreed to come with him. She glanced up at him from her book, studying his face over the top of the book. He was quite attractive... but really, that should not have made her drop her guard so. He was a naval man... if he found out about her, she'd spend the rest of her life in the dungeons.

She let out a quiet sigh and leaned back against the wall, her mind returning to the book. For now, she'd just have to play along and try to sneak out as soon as she could.

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac sat at his desk, reading the papers that were strewn about his desk. He felt guilty doing this with company, but he had neglected to read them that morning, and they had to be read. The first few were just naval reports, standard things given to him as a naval officer. The second set was on the report of his ship. He was happy, very happy, about this one. It detailed the many improvements his ship had been given, and they were now done. Not only was his ship powerful, but now it had the highest Methon technology.

Isaac glanced up and found Isabella sitting on the floor reading. He smiled, although he thought it slightly odd that she would be sitting on the floor, but Isaac rarely questioned people’s behavior. He also noted that she was reading a book on weapons and military gear, odd but not extremely. Isaac shrugged, he didn’t know much about this woman and he wasn’t going to attempt to decipher her motives.

He found the last set of papers and began reading. They detailed some recent pirate attacks, some even alarmingly close to the city, with the pirates attacking a few farms on the outskirts of town. This along with more attacks on the coast was slightly frightening. If the pirates were this brave and aggressive, if they were given the proper military force, what could they do? Isaac set down these papers, sighing as he did so. When would the madness stop?

He finally read a rather neat and well written letter addressed from his high command. He began reading it, and only after finishing did he register what was happening. He was going to be sent out! He and his crew would finally be able to go back to sea! The recent pirate attacks finally jolted the Methon navy and reinforcements were asked for at the high seas, and they finally decided to choose the Sea Sprite. Isaac set down the letter and mentally noted to reply. He would not give up the chance to once again return.

Finishing reading he stood up and walked over to the far end of the room and through the door. He entered a small kitchen and set down the parcel of fish that he was carrying. He glanced about and found no sign of Henry, but figured he would be back by the time dinner would be underway. He returned back to his study and sat down in one of the chairs. He glanced up at a large map that was hung on one of the walls, a map depicting Methon and the surrounding seas. Included in this were the other islands that Methon traded with and some smaller islands that were generally unpopulated.

He knew he would have to get to work that night, drawing up plans for his ship once they set out. He would have to wait for the command, but it could come at any moment. Putting this aside however Isaac stood up and walked over to Isabella. When he stood next to her he spoke, ”If you would like I could show you your room, although we would still need to prepare it later this night, me and my assistant I mean.”

Note: These farm attacks are the same ones in the thread with Dante and Sophia. I decided to do a little thread connecting to make things more interesting and smoother to connect with.

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella continued flipping through the pages of the book, focusing on daggers that were in the book. That was her weapon of choice. She was agile enough to use them, they were quick and light... She had one on her right now, under her dress on her leg. Just a simple thing, but her father had given it to her when she was very young. It never left her person.

She wished her father were still here...

She pushed that from her thoughts as she heard Isaac get up, her gaze following him as he left the room. Her eyes went to the desk right after that, and she perked up slightly. If he was important in the navy, perhaps she could find out some information about the navy's attacks. This would be very useful to the pirates attacking Methon.

She immediately shut the thought down, vigorously stomping on it in her mind. This man was very nice to her, giving her shelter when it seemed she had none. She would not betray him so long as she was under his roof.

She felt her stomach growl and she frowned, patting it gently. She was getting rather hungry, and that was awfully distracting.

Isabella heard Isaac enter the room again and looked up, closing the book and laying it on her lap. She nodded slightly and pushed herself up, standing in front of him. She placed the book back in the same spot on the shelf, and turned to Isaac again. "That sounds great, Isaac. And I can help prepare it as well..." She paused, looking at him for a moment. "May I take a bath as well?" She was feeling rather grimy, and figured she probably looked it as well, so she hoped he would agree to this. She figured she would bathe before supper, and at least look presentable.

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac nodded at Isabella’s comment, ”Of course, I’ll show you the bathroom as soon as we get through your room.” He smiled and beckoned for her to follow him. They left the study and walked over to the stairs that led to the second floor. They climbed up, the boards slightly creaking as they walked up. Isaac frowned, he would have to fix that eventually, it was getting rather annoying. He put this off to the side however and continued walking up.

They reached the second floor and Isaac walked down one of the hallways until they reached the end. A window was here, casting a faint glow into the room. Outside the sky had begun to fill up with clouds, although the majority of the storm was still a ways away. Isaac opened the door on the right and walked inside. The room was not the biggest bedroom in the house, but was still rather spacious. It held one bed in the corner of the room next to a large window. A dresser and cabinet lay off to one side of the room, and a few tables were scattered about the room. A few decorations were here also, but not as much as the “showing” rooms in the house.

Isaac waved his hand at the room as he spoke, ”It’s not much but I hope it will be acceptable for the moment.” He then walked out the room and into the room that was directly across from the bedroom. Inside was the washroom, a small room containing the normal bath equipment. He glanced back at Isabella before speaking, ”And here is the washroom. Feel free to explore anything in the house as well.” As soon as he finished speaking he heard a door slam below and the sound of boots against the wood. He walked out of the bathroom and glanced backwards at Isabella, smiling slightly. ”That must be Henry, we’ll get supper on the way, I’ll call you down when it’s finished.”

He then walked back down the hallway and down the stairs. He entered the study and found a tall and thin man with long brown hair wrapped up in a ponytail. He was going through the letters that had arrived that morning when Isaac entered. He looked up and smiled as Isaac approached. Isaac returned the gesture and beckoned for Henry to follow him, ”I have good news after dinner tonight, but we must get started preparing our meal. There’s a lady over and we must not tarry in our preparations.” Henry nodded but looked a little taken back, ”Isaac, why on earth is there a lady here? I didn’t exactly think that was your kind of thing.”

Isaac glanced back at Henry, his expression that of someone slightly annoyed, ”Exactly, I am not like that. She will be staying here until she kind find a home, I met her on the beach this afternoon and she appears to be a refugee from the pirate attacks. Now come along man.” Henry began following Isaac into the kitchen and at once they began working. Henry prepared the fish and started cooking while Isaac prepared a salad for that day, since that was possibly the only food substance he could make that was edible. It took them about 15 minutes but soon the meal was ready. They set the dining room table and laid the food out, the cooked fish, salad, some rolls of bread, a small bowl of fruit, and of course a few condiments. Each plate also had a bowl of a light beef soup, an “appetizer” dish. Once everything was prepared Isaac walked up the stairs and into the hallway. As soon as he got to the hallway he called for Isabella, and then proceeded to walk back down and into the dining area, taking his seat and waiting for his guest to arrive.

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella thanked Isaac when he said he would show her the bathroom as well, very grateful that he would. She knew she would feel a lot better after a nice bath. She followed him silently as they made their way to her new room.

When he opened the door and stepped in, Isabella followed. She looked around the room, it was quite nice. She was very glad to have a dry, safe place to sleep tonight... because if he hadn't of offered, she really wasn't sure what she would have done. "This looks great, Isaac." She followed him to the washroom and nodded slightly, looking around. This would do nicely, she felt better already. "Thanks again." She turned and looked at him with a smile.

When she heard the noise below, she glanced at the door, her body tensing slightly. In her world, that was often a sign that something was going wrong. But when Isaac spoke, stating that it was the man he called his assistant, she nodded slightly. "All right." She watched him leave, and turned back to the bathroom. She hesitated a moment and then went back into the room that was hers, opening the dresser in hopes of finding some clothes.

Luckily, she did. She pulled a pair of breeches out of the dresser, as well as a white shirt. Those would do for now. She walked back to the washroom, closing the door behind her. She sighed as she found a towel and the soap, running the water into the tub. She stepped out of her dress, removing her undergarments and the dagger, setting them in a nice pile on the floor. She stepped into the tub and sunk into the water with a satisfied sigh. It felt wonderful..

She quickly washed up and stepped from the tub, wrapping up in the towel. She washed her dress and undergarments in the tub, and then drained it, ringing the items out. She slipped into the shirt, put the dagger on her leg, and then slipped into the breeches. She hung her wet clothes up, hoping they would dry quickly. She brushed through her hair with her fingers, and then heard Isaac calling for her.

She smiled and headed out of the room, going down the stairs. She stopped in the dining area and smiled, speaking after a moment. "It smells wonderful." She grinned at him, gesturing to her clothes. "I hope you don't mind.. I didn't want to put that dress back on." She moved over to the table and sat down by Isaac.

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac waited as Isabella walked into the room and sat down, commenting on the meal. Isaac thanked her for the comment and nodded as she mentioned the clothes, ”It’s no problem, now help yourself to the food.” Isaac turned his attention to the soup and began eating the broth. After a brief moment he put his spoon down and glanced at Isabella. ”I nearly forgot, this is Henry, my assistant and partner.” Isaac motioned at Henry who was sitting next to Isaac and across from Isabella. Henry nodded at Isabella and turned his attention back towards his food.

Isaac did the same and soon he finished with his soup. He grabbed a piece of fish and some salad, along with a roll of bread. He began eating and at length paused in his consumption. He glanced at Isabella, setting down his utensils. ”I hope everything is to your liking, food and residence?” Isaac glanced out the large window that was in the room, overlooking the front of the house and the sea. He could spot a wall of dark clouds approaching rather quickly. He glanced back at Isabella before speaking, ”As for after dinner, would you rather prefer to stay indoors? Or if you liked, I could show you a bit of the city, although it appears we may only have an hour or so before that storm arrives.”

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella smiled again as Isaac said it was no problem about the clothes. She was glad, she had hoped it wouldnt make him angry. She was just rather uncomfortable in those dirty clothes.. though she had worn worse stuff before.

She dished herself up some soup and began eating, taking a piece of bread and dipping it into the soup, before eating that as well. She looked up as Isaac spoke, introducing his assistant. Isabella nodded to him, surprised when he didnt say anything, however she spoke up. "It's nice to meet you, Henry." She smiled at him, before going back to her food.

She finished the soup quickly, she really was very hungry, and dished up some fish and salade, eating that as well. She slowed down a little, so as not to seem desperate, but really.. this was the best meal she had had in a long while. Not having a crew to serve on really made it hard to afford food. And she wasn't going to turn to doing something that some women did...

She looked back at Isaac as he spoke, finishing off the last piece of fish and sitting back in her chair. "It was delicious, Isaac. You two are wonderful cooks." She listened to him as he spoke of going out after dinner, and nodded slightly. "I'd love to see the city... if you have a pair of shoes I can borrow. I don't think people would take to kindly to me walking around barefoot." Though, she was used to it and loved the feeling of the earth under her feet.. she figured it would draw too much attention.

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac nodded as Isabella commented on the food. ”Thank you, although I really just made the salad. The main course belongs to Henry over here.” Henry nodded once more and stood up and then began to clear the table. Isaac glanced back at Isabella. ”And if you would like to see the city we should leave immediately as to get the most time before the storm comes. And you can borrow any pair of shoes you’d like, although I’m afraid they may not fit you that well.” Isaac stood up and cleared his dish, walking into the kitchen and placing the dishes and utensils on a small wooden counter. He then returned back to the dining. He waited a few moments glancing out the window, thinking of places to go to see the city. Having though of some, he walked over to the front door and grabbed his hat, placing it atop his head. He waited for Isabella to finish preparing, and then stepped out into the garden, walking down the stone path then back onto the street.

As he closed the fence behind them Isaac glanced towards Isabella, speaking as he did so, ”Don’t mind Henry. He’s a little uptight you could say, but he’s a good man when you get to know him. Now if you’ll follow me I’ll show you a little bit of the city.” They began walking down the road, Isaac leading Isabella towards the Market District. Several minutes later they arrived at a large plaza in the center of the city. Markets and stores surrounded the place, with vendors and carts strewn about. In the center of the plaza was a large fountain, the clear water cascading downwards and softly glowing in the evening sun. The plaza was still busy despite the hour and the chant of vendors and shop owners calling out there goods could still be heard.

Isaac glanced back at Isabella and motioned with his hand the view. ”The Market District of the city. Our chief area of commerce you could say, we get merchants from all over the sea here. Feel free to look around; we have a time to spare.”

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella nodded slightly as Isaac gave the information that Henry cooked the food, and she nodded to the man in appreciation. She watched as he stood up and began clearing the table, frowning slightly. She wondered if he could even talk. Perhaps she shouldn't have spoken to him.. she hoped he was not angry with her for some reason.

She nodded to Isaac as she stood up as well, glad for the pair of shoes he offered. "Thank you again." She moved away to prepare, finding a pair of his shoes. He was definitely right.. they didn't fit too well, but they fit well enough. At least she wouldn't look completely strange not wearing any shoes.

She went to the front door when she was finished, looking up at Isaac to let him know she was ready to go. As they left, she followed him, looking over at him as he spoke of Henry. She shrugged a little, and then spoke. "I was wondering if he could even talk, honestly... did I do something to make him angry?" She hoped it wasnt like.. just her presence or something. Not that she was planning on staying long.. but things happened.

She followed him as he walked, looking around as they did so. When they arrived at the market, she grinned. "Amazing.." She could playthis fine, since she had never been to the market before anyway. "I never imagined it to be this nice." She smiled as she began browsing a clothing stall, looking at all the fine garments. She was amazed at the materials used, there was no way she would ever afford something like this. Or wear it.. on Zanan, that would only get her killed.

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac walked around the market for a bit, glancing at stall to stall. He paused at one and picked up a lime. He would have get some of these for his voyage, but that would have to be later. Collecting his thoughts Isaac glanced about and found Isabella at one of the stalls, a clothes one of fine silk. He smiled and walked over, interrupting Isabella’s browsing. ”We can return tomorrow morning if you’d like. I left my coin pouch at the house, and I fear it would take too long for me to run back.” Isaac glanced about, his gaze ending at the sky. He frowned slightly, the clouds were moving in rather quickly, too quickly for his liking. Shrugging, he beckoned once more for Isabella to follow him, hoping he wasn’t rushing things too quickly.

They set off again, this time walking towards the more prestige’s section of the city. Shops and commoners gave way to rich monuments and wealthy nobles. They entered a large plaza, this one even more decorated than the Market District. Several fountains and statues littered the area, giving the entire place a highly honored look. At the end of the plaza standing side by side were two large temples. Isaac walked forward until he stood in front of them, gazing at their majestic construction. These temples were perhaps, besides the palace, the most decorated and highly built structures in the entire city.

Isaac turned around to face Isabella before addressing her on the new location. ”These are the temples of the sun god and moon goddess. I myself am not so much in practice of religion as others, but I have been inside the temples for certain tasks. Unfortunately they are closed to the public most of the time besides certain religious days, but the insides are beautiful with works of gold and precious gems.” Isaac glanced back at the temples and smiled. They were works of art in themselves, and it gave Isaac a sense of pride that workers of his nation could construct such marvelous places.

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella turned to Isaac as he came up to her, nodding again as he said they could return tomorrow. She would love to keep looking at the clothes, but she also wanted to see more of the city. She followed Isaac out of the stall and looked at the sky as he did, seeing a flash of lightning in the sky. She winced, she had always hated storms...

She followed Isaac as he walked, her eyes getting wider again. She had never seen such a beautiful area as the one they were in now, the monuments and decorations here had her mind baffled. She wished she could live somewhere like this, but knew again, that would not happen with a life of a simple pirate.

She stopped in front of the temples, bowing slightly as Isaac spoke of them. They had their own shrines on Zanan, of course, and Isabella visited often. Her father had often spoke highly of the gods. These temples however... she would never have guessed how beautiful they were. "They are amazing, Isaac. We had smalls statues at home, but.. I never could have imagined this." She wished she could go inside, just to pay respects. She hoped her father and mother were well taken care of by the gods. She offered a simple prayer, and turned back to Isaac. "Where to next?"

[Isaac Thorburn]

Isaac waited patiently as Isabella spoke of their small statues and shrines back home, and as she silently paid homage to the temples. As soon as she was finished, and once she asked Isaac what the next stop was, he looked back at her and smiled. Above another flash of lightening could be seen, followed by a burst of thunder. A view people around them glanced up as well, and began leaving the temple grounds. Isaac thought it wise, but wanted to visit one more place. He beckoned towards Isabella to follow him, ”You’ll see.”

They walked for several minutes until they reached the richest and most prestige’s part of the city. Mansions and statues, fountains and gardens, and many other wonderful buildings stood about the well kept streets. A few people could be seen milling about, but most were either already home or quickly going home. Isaac walked down the central road and then turned a corner.

Ahead of them loomed up the Methon palace, home to the royal family. The large and grand building was magnificent to behold. The light grey stones blended in with the clouded sky and the blue spires gave the illusion of blue sky. The wall that surrounded the palace stood tall, and the front gate was closed, held fast by several guards.

Isaac turned towards Isabella with a smile. ”The palace of Methon, home to the royal family. The grandest building in the city. So what do you think? I would have been able to get us inside before, but there’s rumor that someone was killed inside the palace, so security is extra tight now, few are let in. Take as much time as you need, but the storm is moving in fast and we should be getting back to the house soon enough.”

[Isabella Cole]

Isabella gasped softly at the next flash of lightning and clap of thunder, uncontiously stepping closer to Isaac. Yes, storms definitely made her nervous... When he motioned to follow, she quickly moved behind him, hurrying to stay near him. She didn't want to be alone here anyway.

As they got closer and closer to the palace, Isabella looked around in wonder. It was so beautiful here, she could only imagine the money that was here. It was fascinating and depressing, all at the same time. The people of Zanan.. a lot of them were starving, and that's why they had turned to piracy.. but this place could feed them all...

Her thoughts were cut off as they came up to the palace, her eyes studying the building. It was beautiful, indeed... but it made her realize her place in the world, definitely..

She looked at Isaac as he spoke, smiling faintly. "It's beautiful, Isaac. I can only imagine what it looks like on the inside. But it's frustrating.. my family struggled to survive and make ends meet, but this place.. well, they have so much money but don't help the poor out." She would have loved to go inside, and perhaps swipe something... though that was not a good idea, as she probably would get Isaac in trouble. She wouldnt do that to him.

"I would like to go back.." She spoke softly, looking back at the palace. It was still frustrating indeed, that she barely had food and they lived like this. A sigh escaped her as she turned around, her eyes on Isaac again.