Hale Cress

A Lost Song

Boralus held typical weather. If it wasn’t raining then the skies were slightly overcast with the struggling sun over head and on some occasions there was a wind off the water that indicated a possible storm. The gulls squawked through the air and the pair followed much of the crowd moving along the docks and Hale lead them through the masses and down towards the southernmost exit of the city past much of the fish markets and fishermen coming in from their mornings’ catch.

“You know, I never thought I could sort of get use to this place. It really has a different vibe than Stormwind, less proper, more rural and earthy.” she added while the two walked. Both of Hale’s hands tucked inside the pockets of her leather jacket, “Eventually I should consider places to settle. Lordaeron was a consideration until….it wasn’t.” It would have been nice to return to the old streets she grew up in, even if a lot of the familiar places were reduced to rubble or changed over the duration of time that the Forsaken occupied it. She blinked, getting caught in her thoughts as she lead them across a bridge and towards a small tower that rested on a hill just before Bridgeport. Some of Hakan’s mirth faded. Twas different, letting himself go behind closed doors with the one person he trusted with his entirety, and another to let the world see what wasn’t theirs. A lazy mien covered him, the change like sliding into old skin where a thumb hooked into belt, and free hand swayed in tandem with each step of drifting gait. To the world, even if they assumed correctly that he was paramour of tenebrous beauty, he was a rogue.

“Never got used to anywhere either,” he offered, voice mellow no more, but expressing hidden joke. “Never stayed anywhere long enough, and Stormwind ne'er felt the same. Dalaran, Theramore…I had imagined Lordaeron being the only place for me, for us. So the idea of settling? I may not be of much help, outside of listing the pro’s and cons.” In truth, it had never even come to mind. He was as much a slave to Stormwind, to his handler, as the orcs used to be to humans. Choice was a luxury, the only hope for a spy being when he was caught that the end was blissfully quick. “Imagine the peace of little towns along the coast surrounded by farms won’t compete for the attraction of bustling cities.”

“Saying that, anywhere you are is perfect for me. And Boralus –” Arching brow, he glanced about the riverways, the rugged life that teemed not just within the safety of walls but the rolling hills and forests. “ –not to bad a place, despite the lack of unscarred beaches, to think.”

The packed sand of the trail under their feet seemed a lot more level than the cobbled walkways of the old city behind them, new and refreshing underfoot, “We could build a creepy old house somewhere on the outskirts of a city and wait for the children to come by on Hallows End and scare them to tears.” Damn, she looked like a bully, a big kid bully as she gazed sidelong across her shoulder to Hakan while they walked, “Chase them into the woods, give them a right good scare.”

“Oof, that’s a terrible idea,” Hakan remarked, but his tone spelled anything but aversion. By fire, he could imagine all the worst things and laughter would double them over and cause tears. Tears for the children too as restraint where mischief was concerned was anathema. The mask he wore broke freely as they were outside the city bounds, yet another was made courtesy of hand over eyes. She may have jested, but it was a darling idea that he could only shake his head at before dragging fingers down to reveal face. “It should definitely be considered.”

Maybe some people didn’t really grow up.

Her broad smile gave away her jest though the concept of having a creepy little house to scare children could have proved to be entertaining; among other things. Rounding along the base of the tower was a plump looking woman in a ruched robe and a shawl tugged over her shoulders. Her auburn hair was lifted in to a messy bun and freckles kissed at her cheeks accompanied by seaspray blue eyes. She was a pleasant looking woman who stood overlooking the waters below and the rocky formations that held the tower and grass along high. She was certainly shorter than the pair and well prepared, “Ayyy, lass I didn’t think ya were gun ta make it!” and she wobbled over to reach for Hale’s hand before giving Hakan a tall and long drink with her eyes, “Oi, looks likin ya have an admirer my dear.” she gave a side whisper to Hale who stood a good foot higher than the older woman.

Of course Hale had met her with a shake of her hands and a small laugh, “Well – you could say that.” she motioned to Hakan and then to the woman, “Alieen Ellis, this is a friend.” there was a small pause as if though she wasn’t sure to make up something on the sly; two seconds came and she looked back to Alieen, “ – Hakan.” she finished.

Alieen quickly ambled to Hakan’s front and it wasn’t hard to tell the old Kul Tiran had a bum leg, “Nice ta meetchya, nice ta meetchya!” she snatched up his hand, shaking it within her grasp, her hands cold but gentle. It was easy to tell she had been up there standing for a while, “Missy Hale here was going to buy my husband’s old ship, bless his soul. It’s been needin’ some tender lovin’ care and with my husband gone and me sons’ busy playing bankers, there is very few who ‘re lookin’ to take her. Her mast is in need of some repair, broken moons ago now due ta a storm that rolled through.”

When they came into view of the cozy looking structure and the well lived woman, Hakan managed a smile just as warm. He could intimidate later if it was necessary, but being kind in turn oft provided the best results. So the curl to his lips deepened, and he took the look as a compliment and dipped chin. When she took his hand, he played on the firm grip by raising it up, bowing at the waist and pressing kiss to knuckles to lay on the charm. “My friends call me Hak, anything else just feels formal. And that’s for those banks,” he grinned.

“Besides-” Righting himself when she released his warmer mitt, he turned sidelong to gaze at the city they’d left behind. “-we’re all an honest sort. Beyond the mast, what other damages, and repairs, has the vessel undergone in its life?”

There was barely a moment for Hakan to gaze at the city and Alieen had reached for a pinch at his cheek, “Well ain’t your a right darlin’ one.” Upon her release and a fond pat to the man’s cheek and stubble she pointed out towards the cove where a large ship looked to be anchored, “Not much, she hadn’t traveled very far. A lot of the time had been jus’ going from port to port with family. The sails needin’ ta be replaced and the crows nest on account of the mast itself bein’ in shambles.” Alieen drew in the salty air, smiling all the while when her hands folded to her front. Hakan feigned a wince when she pinched at his cheek, and the pat afterwards elicited a laugh. He didn’t mind when folk were good natured, and held sincerity in the manner of their touch. With folk like that, it made playing whatever parts he needed to enjoyable. Twas when malice lay beneath the surface, and mockery within the gesture, that he took offense though never would he show it unless needed. A spy endured, and those that didn’t were not long to last. Combing fingers through his hair, he faced the direction she pointed in and scanned over the prospective boat.

“Shame ta see her sittin’ there waiting for the waves ta take her. I suspect it could be a matter of time before a bad storm rolls on in and takes the poor babe.” Alieen began once more.

Licking the bottom of her lip, Hale ticked a glance towards Hakan, since when was he so invested?, “All repairs I am sure I can see to in the span of a couple of weeks.“And the hull?”

“Right as rain, sure.” Alieen looked back to Hale, “She’s only about five years old. Didn’t get much sailin’ in her.”

Not bad, as far as they went when the goods to be transported were of illicit affair. “Aye, and those seem to come along far more often than not. Tis the season after all…But if it survived the one, there nary be a worry of it doing so again when within the proper care. A testament to the shipwright. Say, it wouldn’t happen to be one of them the legendary Atwater built, eh?” Smirking, Hakan took a few strides forward to leave the ladies side by side, hands planting upon hips.

“What’d your husband intend for it, outside of riding the wind and carrying beloved wife to wherever she wished?” He glanced back at them, knowing the way that he specified question, it could almost be for either Hale or Aileen.

“Towards the end of his life many of his trips were ta ferry people around the ports within Kul Tiras. She’s a fast one, eh? Not much built fer the bangin-n-boomin but supposin’ you had the right weaponry ya could do just about anythin’ , sure.” Alieen waved her hand towards Hakan and she smiled up to Hale. There was almost a sense of admiration in it.

“Could get one of me lads to tug her to a simple port for ya. Dry docks be best for the time bein’ if ya can for repairs incase the storms swallow in along the cove and City. Waves ‘ere be as fickle as a bleedin’ woman.” Alieen took one step and looked out over the waters down to the ship, “Before he ferried people he used it for cartin’ his lumber along the ports.”

“And you want the 200 thousand for her, even?” Hale afforded her gaze to the woman.

“Ay, 202 square if ya watin’ the tug, Can get one of me boys to help out and settled by the morn.”

Hakan could have choked on the air, from what he just heard. Two hundred thousand gold pieces, and she was bemoaning how she would be broke in a month? Glancing over shoulder to her, he placed both hands to buck and canted head. Even though his face betrayed nothing, she would have known by the arch of brow he was going ‘what the fuck, woman.’ Really it would have been just like her to exaggerate the fact just so she could slip away and leave him hungering. Bu-ut, they did promise no more lies betwixt each other.

“You say your sons are bankers, neh? What now, if I provide them a way to have nary a worry when it comes time for them to be collecting tithe? Times are desperate, after all, and many are they who default on loans given…” Strolling back towards the two, he raised hand from belt to stroke chin and the beginnings of stubble collecting there. Bargaining was part of the trade, and he offered in manner which was sincere.

“Your man dealt in lumber- and you still have crews else you’d not offer to ferry ship into dock. Well, there’s an island chain sow'west, close to the meridian that has trunks a third as thick as that there tower-” ducking head, Hakan motioned towards it with the tip of chin and small gesture of hand “-and hard 'nough to blunt an axe before you got halfway through. Proper tools, of course, make it doable…Untapped shore makes it perfect for fishing and pearl diving too.”

“All out of the way of any well traveled, at risk, trading routes. Can show you on a map, boys can send over a flyer- wouldn’t take more'an a day.”

Hale exchanged a small glance with Hakan though there was nothing in her expression that hinted at her train of thought. In a slow, veiled blink her attention trained back to Alieen who was every bit sweet and cheery as she was the day she met her taking care of some old Mariner’s by the docks.

Alieen looked over her shoulder to Hakan, silent for a moment. Sure he was handsome as the devil but it seemed as if though he was twice as clever too, “My sons would be left with quite a lot in their pockets after I’m long gone if that were the case there skipper. What are you proposin’ in return for the location? People don’t give anything away for free around these ‘ere parts.”

“Shave the price by sixty thousand,” he started high, knowing full well he might needs barter. No man or woman that lived by the sea didn’t know how after all, and it was almost tradition for any purchase.

“You can have your son’s send professional prospectors while the ship is being sent to port-” he emphasized the journey with a gliding sweep of hand through the air, from cove to Boralus. “-we meet you with the gold there, a hundred an eighty after having already given this location, and make the final deal once you have your facts. With the current winds, the difference would be made up by those contracted for the week in a months time.”

Smiling, he slid thumbs into belt and awaited her reply. Of course he might be asked why such information was being given so cheaply, but the truth of it neither he, nor any in the Howl he believed, cared much for the lumber trade. Hells they might even acquire a discount should they purchase for the construction of yet more ships. Feeling proud of himself, he looked to Hale with brow yet again raised.

Two hundred thousand for a ship that couldn’t sail. Ha…

Alieen narrowed her gaze and for the first time she looked like a sour and stern old lady, starkly different than the two meeting her before hand, “Ya youngin’ ya know what, give an old lady a kiss on this ‘ere cheek and well square at 70 off your price.” with a hum and tap of her foot she tapped twice at her cheek, expectantly.

At any rate, the Priest wasn’t without her dues knowing exactly how to throw money at the problem and with a woman who had fairly deep pockets, what was a few hundred thousand for a ship that was typically the price of a house somewhere in a quiet wooded area and a white picket fence?

Hak pursed his lips at the woman, expression of fond admonishment. Here he was trying his damnedest, and there she made it all but too easy. Tutting, he waltzed over and gave her the kind peck to cheek she desired. He could picture in his head how those boys grew up with warmth in their home and lessons of life that meant something. The old lady, for a moment thought about getting one up on the young one, a swift turn of her head for a stolen peck on the lips but she was every bit a nice lady as they thought her to be and instead she smiled wide at the kiss to her cheek. She was a trickster and devious, likely quite the lady in her time but far from her were those days of youth and energy.

Straightening out, he then offered his hand for another shake. For while he liked her and could stand to know more on a day as pleasant as the one gracing them, business was business. “Did your husband ever manage to name it, or shall we be having to come up with a new one all our own to rechristen it?”

Alieen took Hakan’s hand and offered it a shake, the other coming up to pat his cheek, “Arsehole named ‘er after his first wife, Elizabeth, said she had a nicer name but yanno he only called it Beth and cursed ‘er up in heaps rather than praise her, luh. Said it was rubbish but we thinkin’ he just got too old to move around the damned thing like he once did. Call it whatever ya likes.”

Exhaling, Hale stood with her arms crossed, watching the two seal the deal. At this rate she should have put Hakan in the hat and jacket to make a go of it, the thought though while amusing, it was very much plausible in her eyes. At least Aileen liked him – enough to be stealing kisses from him.

An offended scoff flew through the air after he had returned her pat with a smile. In truth, he could see the mischievous glint in her eye, wouldn’t have minded whatever harmless fun she had. But this mention on naming a ship after one that couldn’t possibly be as worthy as her?

“Now that simply don’t do. Even if he named it to curse it so, a vessel should only be treated with love. You give it that, it’ll carry you through any storm, old bones or not…Now-” sidestepping, he wrapped arm about Aileen and flicked wrist toward Hale. “She thinks the Siren’s Song be a good ‘nough epithet. Well with the both of you involved in it’s past and future, I’d say that holds merit. Ooor maybe the Lady shall call it after her first love too, and follow along with the cusses.” The lopsided grin he wore was reflected in the gold of his hues as he looked upon the Priest.

Oh so they were still acknowledging the fact she was here to bargain for her ship? Hale smirked as she watched Hakan and Alieen turn towards her. It was then that Alieen looked at Hakan and she huffed lowly, “Name it after Clive? Heavens no boy have you struck ye head? Name it like the – uh… Sister-song or whatever it is ye was sayin’. I’ve never so much as named me cats, don’t make me name things now, me boys is lucky they even have names.” with a laugh she shooed at Hakan with a hand. She scooted away and ambled towards Hale, taking her hands, “I’m not sure what ya seein’ in him but he’s a cutie.” she whispered and a girly chuckle left the older woman as she glanced over her shoulder to Hakan, “Unless he bes ya brother than – just put him to work on fixin’ that there ship, ya hear?” she rubbed at Hale’s knuckles, “Your deal has been met and in the morrow I will make sure the ship gets to the drydock.” once more Alieen gave a look over her shoulder to Hakan, “Don’t think he’d swindle a lady, an older one at that.”

Alieen hobbled away from the pair and swung her index finger in the air as she took a slow and careful descend down the hill, calling back, “Don’t forget me information and if I don’t see you by noon I’mma be charging ya on dem dere kisses.” she warned.

Hale offered a small chuckle and ticked a glance over to Hakan, “I think you just found yourself a nice girlfriend. She’s feisty.” and so – the Siren’s Song it was and the dock would eventually set its eyes on one of the fastest ships in Kul Tiran waters if Hale had anything to say about it.

A booming business depended on great products being available when needed. That of course is where she stepped in; 132,000 gold pieces later.