❄️ the first blizzard | december catch-all (open)

[tilfrosset]

Who: Jill Warrick
Status: Open
Where: Everywhere
What: MANTA Board prompts including: A Storm of Sneezes, A Steamy Winter Heist, Monty's Python, future Wintertide events
Warnings: None that I could think of at the moment, but will update if needed!



❄️ » a storm of sneezes

[The ground shaking below her does catch Jill off-guard the first time it happens, but after shrugging it off as a random earthquake, the ones that come after don't bother her as long as none of the fragile items in her apartment crash down around her.

Being held on an island with an active volcanic action going on for thirteen years has given her the breezy attitude about it, though that doesn't last much longer once someone explains that it's not a quake at all, but poor Eltrut, the Leviathan underneath all their feet, is under the weather. It's probably just a regular cold, but with every cough and sneeze from the beast, the walls and windows shake and groan and even Jill's patience is tested. They need to help it and fast.

While others are running around with large pots of hot soup, Jill is off to the side of things, in a large enough space where she has the space to start ripping curtains into overly generous squares and hemming the raw edges with a speed that hints to some skill with needle and thread. Someone said they needed handkerchiefs and while Jill knows nothing about soupmaking, this she knows well.

But she is only one woman and can't do this alone. There's so much left to rip and sew before the next sneeze happens. A sharp implement would make things go faster.]

Excuse me, would you have a knife on you, by any chance?

❄️ » a steamy winter heist

[Unless there was good reason, Jill wouldn't usually be taking part in such activities, even though she's a Corsair. The worst kind of them with how she tends to be far more helpful than hurtful, but it is what it is.

But today, there is a good reason, just one Jill isn't willing to discuss. Everybody here is out for the doubloons and while she could use some, she has other intentions.

That's why when a few cases of tea have already been opened and ransacked, Jill hangs around until the most of crowd is gone and any stragglers left aren't even concerned with her presence. It gives her ample opportunity to calmly make her way to an open crate off to the side. No one else is around yet she still doesn't hesitate to start reaching in for a sack or two so she can shove them in her satchel.

Her own personal caper. Never been caught stealing before (not that she's actually stolen much of anything in her life to begin with), she hopes her personal record continues. But does it really? Perhaps there was a pair of eyes that saw a lot more than Jill caught on?]

❄️ » monty's python

[Strange animals seem common more often than not in this world, something that Jill is used to her own world. You see one Morbol, you never trust a seemingly unassuming pile of leaves and sticks again. You get attacked by one eight-headed goose, you never trust any goose ever again.

But she still finds time to seek comfort and joy in the normal ones, like the birds that sing the sweetest song outside her bedroom window or the stray cat down by the shore that Bluetooth has taken a liking to. Normalcy is great, appreciated even, and that is what tricks her into a sense of safety that has her stooping low to the ground with her hand out to a white rabbit.]

Hey there. It's okay. You can come closer. I don't bite.

[Maybe she doesn't, but this rabbit, in its sudden turn of personality, sure does. And it shows her how well it does so with a flash of horrifyingly sharp pointed fangs.

Jill immediately backs up, but she isn't fast enough to beat the rabbit who aims directly for her ankles. At that angle, she can give it a good kick, but it's not enough to dissuade the bloodthirsty beast. It's up on its little paws before long and running right towards her with a growl.]

Stay back or else!

❄️ » wildcard

Nothing here tickles your fancy, but you still want some interaction with Jill? Reach out to me at my plotting comment here or recipeh or on Discord at misandrycakes and we can work something out!

Comments

winter heist/wildcard ish

[vermilloci]

[ REM IS HERE FOR THE MONIES...

And because this seems to be a giant free-for-all heist of multiple corsairs wreaking havoc on one unsuspecting merchant ship, neither of them likely knew that the other would be here in the resulting chaos. Coordination amongst looters? Never. ]


. . . Oh.

[ Imagine her surprise when, while reaching into a certain crate, it's Jill that's also reaching for the same bag of tea. ] Hello, Jill. [ .... ] Please, you first.

[ This is spoken very light, very absurdly, and very casually, as if it's not aphrodisiac tea they're stealing, but they simply encountered each other at the market and reached for the same fruit. ]

[tilfrosset]

[There are so many Corsairs in one place, doubly so when money is involved, that it's easy to not recognize a familiar face in the crowd. Besides, Jill was more concerned with making her own little stash of the tea, not socializing.

At the sound of her name, she follows the length of arm stretched out above the sacks and it leads to her to Rem. It's bad enough to have gotten caught. Worse so that it's by someone so much younger. Especially when everybody knows the real use of the tea isn't just for a warm beverage.]

Hello, Rem. [Jill's voice comes out cracked, shattered all around the edges. She clears her throat a little too loudly and glances away from Rem as her face burns up, pulling her own hands back as if she wasn't just about to take something.] No, no. Don't mind me. Take what you want.

[And sell it all, Jill hopes. Rem seems too young to have need of such a drink.]

[vermilloci]

[ Long stretches of war campaigns across the Continent leave many soldiers lonely. Something like this would fetch as high a price as cigarettes among the legionaries. Rem imagines, then, that merchant marines experience the same thing when they're weeks out at sea... so it's not as if she doesn't know what this tea can be used for!

Still. It is a bit like being caught red-handed, so before Jill makes the wrong! assumption! Rem stammers out: ] J-just so you know, this isn't for me. I'm going to sell it, I am.

[ The denail probably only makes her more suspicious. Oh well. Hastily, Rem begins stuffing a bunch of the bags into a satchel she carries. ] There's enough for both of us to take.

[tilfrosset]

[If she was privy to Rem's inner thoughts (and had the bravery to respond to them), Jill would say that marines weeks away from home probably didn't need the effect of this tea when they finally did step ashore. But then that would open her up to questions on why she's here trying to bring some to her own home.]

Yes. That was the plan. To sell them.

[Jill's reply is not in the least bit filled with the confidence of someone who has full intentions in trading on the black market which is correct. Her little stash was to be for her own personal use, an experiment to fulfill some growing curiosity. But explaining that to anyone would further the embarrassment she already feels and Jill just is not willing to go there.]

Oh, I've already taken what I need. [A lie what with her empty satchel alongside her usual skill in lying proficiently seemingly having fallen to the wayside with the cracking of her voice again.] I wanted to leave some for others.

1/2

[vermilloci]

[ Unless she has some reason to be suspicious or cautious, Rem is usually one to take others' words at face value. Indeed, this is how she regards Jill-- or would have in this situation, if not for the small, obvious crack in her companion's voice.

...

........ ]

[vermilloci]

[ Aha. ]

Jill.

[tilfrosset]

[She hears her name loud and clear. Really, she should pretend to not have heard Rem call it? Suddenly act like her given moniker no longer exists and now she goes by something else.

But her lips are moving before she can think and she's replying otherwise.]

Yes, Rem?

killer rabbit

[afflatusexarch]

[ And that's where G'raha swoops in - for better or worse. Shield made aether being thrust between this rabbit and Jill as well as G'raha.

At least that will block the creature as G'raha shoves the wee beast away. ]

Somehow I doubt it is looking for a companion.

[tilfrosset]

[She's thankful for G'raha's presence because it gives her a chance to clamber back to her feet. Her hand immediately goes for the hilt of her rapier, readying her attacking position.]

That would be a mutual feeling considering its behavior.

[Which consists of the rabbit looking creature running full speed ahead towards them. If it slams into the shield again, it may stop it physically, but the beast is relentless. Bloodthirsty, Jill thinks. It'll keep on trying until it takes more than just a nibble from either of them.]

This is definitely no normal rabbit. The ones I'm familiar with are much more timid.

[afflatusexarch]

'Tis a quick little thing.

[ Don't worry. He is going to continue to keep that shield up. Continue to place himself between Jill and the small creature wishing to take a small bite out of them. Perhaps multiple bites. ]

See, now if you had ever met a Viera, you would not be surprised at the viciousness displayed here.

[ Because Viera are just. That Way. ]

[tilfrosset]

And quite persistent, may I add.

[There's no need to have her saying so when it's obvious the rabbit doesn't care if the shield is holding firm. It bounces against it over and over again, seeming to speed up on each additional attempt, angry growls growing just as louder.]

Do promise to give me fair warning if a Viera does actually make an appearance. I'm quite tired of finding myself on someone's bad side when I'm trying to be polite.

[She moves to stand alongside G'raha, rapier still and firm in her hand.]

How long will this hold? If there is one, there will be others.

[They'll have to move from this spot eventually and while she knows he is rather skilled in magick, she does not care to have him spend all his energy on a single barrier.]

[afflatusexarch]

[ Ah ha... Passage of Arms only lasts a fraction of time, unfortunately. And it's about it expire. ]

Mere seconds. Thus I suggest we be prepared.

[ Magicks will not be immediate if he is still using this aetherical blade and shield. He would need to switch to his staff. ]

Jill. Can you hold it off?

[tilfrosset]

I'll have to.

[Her words seem as if she's conceding to her new found position, though in truth, there is not one bit of hesitation in her tone. She's held off grown men decked out in armor and sharp swords; a rabid rabbit doesn't seem like too much more of a challenge.

Feet planted firmly to the ground, Jill positions herself with the rapier held high, hand wrapped tight around the pommel. She's prepared for any sudden movements from their four-pawed opponent.]

I'm ready when you are.

winter heist 😌

[garudas]

I would have thought ransacking above you.

[The voice is cool and smooth from behind her, edged with a touch of amusement as she instantly recognizes Shiva's Dominant, of all people, rifling through one of the last full crates of the tea that remains. And, stepping up behind, Benedikta slides an arm past Jill, almost like she is about to grab her, and she plucks one of the teas right out of her dainty hands and into her own.

And if Jill so much as turns, she'll see that grin forming as she slides the packet in between her fingers.]

You seem to be pocketing quite a few of them.

[Ah, what a good night this has been, and even better now.]

[tilfrosset]

[There's only one voice that could bring a chill down Jill's spine at a moment like this and here it is, along with the person it belongs to. Worst yet that while her hand freezes over the stash with a few teas between her fingers, Benedikta's own creeps around Jill to snatch one out of her grip.

So much for that personal record. The gods must have forsaken Jill, not only having her be caught but having her be caught by the last person she would want to be around this particular loot.

Jill doesn't turn, but she does give an aside glance, just enough to keep Benedikta in close view. She doesn't need to see the grin that she can already hear thick in the other woman's words.]

Is that not what we are here for?

[Yes, but the other Corsairs are clearly taking more than what one person needs by the crateful. Only Jill is the person who is settling for a handful. A strange look around money hungry pirates, don't you think?]

[garudas]

That is what I am here for.

[Benedikta waves the little packet of tea at Jill, a light tut tut of her tongue before she's coming around to the other side of the box, hips swaying as she moves.]

But what good is just a few going to do you? Might as well take the whole box?

[She might only get a few gold pieces from what she's managed to stuff away into whatever pockets and pouches she has on her, so of course she's going to start asking questions that she likely already knows the answers to.]

[tilfrosset]

And so am I.

[Jill hasn't turned her head yet, but she still follows Benedikta's moves with her eyes, watching her walk around in front of her. One would think that saving the woman from the angry goose would have meant something, but it's clear Garuda's Dominant does not work that way.]

I only take what I need. There's no need to overdo it in my view.

[Jill says this as she puts a few more into her bag. At first she was going to count them, take only maybe ten packets solely becaause she is unsure if the tea's claims are true. But with someone else in her presence, she just begins taking an uncounted handful, more than she would probably ever need, purely to appear like she's in it for the coin. Or so she thinks right now; one never knows if Clive will agree to drink the tea with her and want to try it again.

After she's done, she waves a hand over the box, looking too casual about it to be genuine.]

The crate is yours if you want it.

[garudas]

[And there it is. The incriminating statement.]

What you need.

[Yeah, she's not taking these to sell them, is she?

Benedikta leans over the crate and takes another small handful to slide into the pouch at her side. Alright, maybe not so small.]

You are aware of what this tea does, yes?

[tilfrosset]

[Jill was hoping she came across like she is only taking as much as she thinks will give her a certain amount of doubloons, but with Benedikta almost repeating what she said word for word in that suspecting tone, she barely holds back the wince on her face.

This woman has the ability to dig into Jill in a way no one else can and Founder, she wishes she knew how to stop her.]

I should ask you the same question. Are you?

[She may be inexperienced in the department the tea's effects resides in, but Jill's heard enough gossiping from other Corsairs to pique her curiosity. And from what she's heard, the fact she's asking Benedikta if she knows what the tea is for as a kneejerk defense makes her wince again, this time deep inside. The idea of Benedikta using that tea... with Cid... Jill's fighting the urge to clamp her hands over her ears and end this conversation right now.]

that rabbit's dynamite!

[moremystyle]

[Were Faris a less experienced traveler, he would have openly scoffed at a bounty being offered on a rabbit, of all things. But after trekking the world over and meeting the likes of the Skull Eater, he knows better than to assume that fluffy means harmless. That's why he brought a spear with him today.

When Jill's shout makes clear that she's found it, Faris rushes over, jabbing the spear at the little bastard to keep it at bay.]

Found the bilgerat, eh? Good job.

We'd best keep our distance. There's no telling what it's capable of.

i am so sorry for the lateness. december was rough.

[tilfrosset]

[Faris' spear is long enough and works well enough to give Jill enough of an opportunity to stand back on her feet. Her rapier is pulled from her hip and aimed at the angry wee beast with one hand and the other set to cast a ice spell at any moment.]

Seems at least capable of using its teeth.

[The rabbit gnaws at the tip of the spear, with little care for its sharpness. It wants blood and seems dead set on getting some from either two of these humans at any cost.]

That was foolish of me. I should have expected more out of the animals here.

no worries!

[moremystyle]

[It sure is. Faris grimaces and shakes the weapon, but the rabbit glowers at him as though he's trying to take away a delicious snack.]

They're full of--[Oh, shit. The rabbit, realizing that there's no meat on the speartip, has let go and leaps at Faris' knee, and he only just dodges away in time.]--surprises, no doubt!

[His eyes flick back over to Jill, now holding a sword in one hand and the other hand raised in a familiar gesture. That's about all the time he has to not be looking at the rabbit.]

If you've got any tricks--[He swats with his spear as it lunges again, but the rabbit is quick too and hops over it.]--now's the time!

The Storm

[dragoonoflight]

[ Dion's own assigned task is far from glamourous, but he has no complaints about it. He does his best and when Jill's pointed out as making handkerchiefs that he has the all too unfortunate circumstance of helping the turtle use - he approaches, just in time to hear her question. ]

That I do. [ Dion produces a small dagger out from his belt and flips it around to offer it, hilt first. ]

Good day, Jill.

sorry for the lateness weh

[tilfrosset]

[She fully expected Dion to have something other than his spear on him. A man of the battlefield should always have a backup weapon, or in this case, something to make tearing the cloth much easier.

So she accepts the dagger with a polite nod of thanks and a friendly smile, juggling it in her hand a bit to get a better grip.]

And good day to you too. Seems as if it's been quite a while since I last saw you.

[Of course that's because they are on two different armadas, but still her point stands.]

No worries

[dragoonoflight]

An unfortunate stroke of luck I should think. Are you faring well?

[ Dion is waiting for those clothes, but Jill need not rush. There will be plenty of time to work when they're done catching up. ]